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.
Americans: United States citizens do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. Business travelers, with certain exceptions, generally do require a visa. A passport
is required for entry.
UK nationals: A passport is required. A visa is not needed for a tourist or business visit of up to three months for holders of a British passport endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas), issued in
Hong Kong. Other passport holders must obtain a visa.
Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to six months. Business travelers, with certain exceptions, generally do require a visa. A passport is required.
Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to three months. With certain exceptions, business travelers do require a visa. A passport is also required.
South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 30 days, but business travelers, with certain exceptions, do need a visa. A passport is required.
Irish nationals: Citizens of
Ireland do not require a tourist or business visa for a stay of up to three months. A passport is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a tourist or business visa for a stay of up to three months. A passport is required.
Health
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.
