South Korea Travel Guide

Browse the South Korea Photo Gallery

Passports and Visas

All visitors require a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, sufficient funds, all documents for the next destination and a contact address in South Korea. Those requiring a visa should obtain one from a Korean Embassy or Consulate before entering the country. Visas are not required if passenger holds an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states validity for travel to South Korea. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

A valid passport is required for entry. A visa is required, except for stays of up to three months for business or tourism purposes. Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay must be shown at immigration.

UK Nationals

A valid passport is required for entry. A visa is required, except for stays of up to three months for business or tourism purposes for passport holders endorsed British Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen with Right to Abode, or British Subject with Right to Abode. British citizens entering South Korea through Jeju island will only be given a 30-day visa.

Canadians

A valid passport is required for entry. A visa is required, except for stays of up to three months for business or tourism purposes.

Australians

A valid passport is also required. A visa is required, except for stays of up to three months for business or tourism purposes. Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card do not need a visa.

South Africans

A valid passport and visa are required.

Irish Nationals

A valid passport is required. A visa is required, except for stays of up to three months for business or tourism purposes.

New Zealanders

A valid passport is required. A visa is required, except for stays of up to three months for business or tourism purposes. Holders of an APEC Travel Card do not need a visa.

Healthcare

There are no required vaccinations for entry to Korea and standards of medical care are high. Payment for treatment is usually expected in advance. Medical insurance with provision for repatriation is also recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid inoculations are recommended, and there is a small risk of malaria is some areas. Outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed throughout the country, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travelers is low, but as a precaution visitors should ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and contact with live birds is avoided. Tap water is chlorinated but may cause stomach upsets, therefore it is preferable to drink bottled water. Food should be well cooked and milk boiled.

Safety

Most visits to South Korea are trouble-free. The crime rate against foreigners is low, but it is still advisable to use sensible precautions particularly in safeguarding passports, money and credit cards in crowded areas. There has been an increased number of rapes reported in the nightlife areas of Seoul, as well as in private homes and travelers should be cautious, particularly at night, traveling only in legitimate taxis or public transport. The political situation is generally stable but since the Korean peninsula was divided by a demilitarised zone in 1953, tensions have risen and fallen on occasion. It is wise to be informed about current conditions. You should carry some form of identification at all times and ensure your next-of-kin details have been entered into the back of your passport.