A multiple-entry visa grants travelers the flexibility to enter and exit South Korea multiple times within its validity period without requiring reapplication. Designed for business professionals, frequent visitors, and qualifying applicants, this South Korea visa streamlines travel and facilitates long-term engagements in the country. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is essential for a successful application.
A multiple-entry visa allows travelers to enter and exit South Korea multiple times within its validity period. Eligibility depends on travel history, profession, and diplomatic status. Key categories include:
South Korea grants multiple-entry visas through two main systems:
Nationals from the following countries and regions can apply for K-ETA, enabling multiple entries into South Korea:
Note: Nationals from 67 countries are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until December 31, 2025, as part of South Korea's tourism initiative.
South Korea also offers traditional multiple-entry visas for travelers who meet specific criteria. While the exact list of eligible countries is not publicly disclosed, the following groups are more likely to qualify:
Applying for a South Korea multiple-entry visa involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to ensure a smooth process.
Before submitting an application, applicants must ensure they have all necessary documents ready. These typically include identification, proof of travel history, and financial or professional records, depending on the applicant’s background and purpose of travel.
The completed South Korea eVisa application must be submitted to the South Korean embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. Some applicants, such as frequent travelers or business professionals, may qualify for faster processing, but this varies by nationality and purpose of travel.
A non-refundable visa fee must be paid at the time of submission. The amount varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and visa type. Payment methods and fee structures differ between embassies, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
Visa processing usually takes 1-6 Working Days , though it may take longer in some cases. Immigration authorities carefully review applications, considering factors such as travel history, financial stability, and compliance with previous visas. Any discrepancies or missing information could result in delays or rejection.
If approved, the multiple-entry visa will be issued, allowing the holder to enter and exit South Korea within the specified validity period. If denied, the applicant may be given a reason or asked to provide additional documents for reconsideration.
To apply for a South Korea multiple-entry visa, applicants must meet specific requirements based on their purpose of travel, financial status, and travel history. The key requirements include:
|
Requirements |
Detail |
|
Valid Passport |
Applicants must have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of application. The passport should also have blank pages for visa stamps. |
|
Completed Visa Application Form |
A properly filled-out visa application form must be submitted. Errors or missing details can result in delays or rejection. |
|
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph |
A recent passport-size photo (meeting the required specifications) must be attached to the application form. |
|
Proof of Financial Stability |
Applicants must provide documents proving their financial ability to support their stay in South Korea. This may include:
|
|
Travel History & Previous Visas |
Frequent travelers, especially those who have visited South Korea or OECD countries without visa violations, must provide past visas and entry/exit stamps as proof. |
|
Proof of Employment or Business Registration |
For professionals and business travelers, an employment verification letter or business registration certificate is required to confirm professional status. |
|
Invitation Letter (If Applicable) |
If visiting South Korea for business, conferences, or official work, an invitation letter from a South Korean company or institution may be required. |
|
Additional Documents for Special Cases |
Depending on the applicant’s background, additional documents may be required, such as:
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A multiple-entry visa for South Korea allows travelers to enter and exit the country multiple times without reapplying for a new visa each visit. The validity and duration of stay depend on the visa type and the applicant’s profile.
|
Visa Validity |
Eligible Applicants |
Duration of Stay Per Entry |
|
1 Year |
Frequent travelers, business visitors |
30 or 90 days |
|
3 Years |
High-income professionals, strong travel history |
30 or 90 days |
|
5 to 10 Years |
Specific nationalities, long-term ties to South Korea |
90 days or longer (special cases) |
The processing time varies based on nationality, visa category, and embassy workload. Applications are reviewed individually, and delays may occur if additional documents or background checks are required.
Peak seasons, travel history, and embassy policies can also affect the timeline. Some applicants, like business professionals or frequent travelers, may qualify for faster processing at the embassy’s discretion.
To avoid delays, apply well in advance and check with the South Korean embassy or consulate for the latest updates.
The visa fee depends on factors such as nationality, visa type, and duration of validity. Fees may vary between embassies and are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome.
Additional charges may apply for express processing or service fees if applying through an authorized agency. Payment methods differ by embassy, so applicants should confirm accepted options in advance.
Visa approval is not guaranteed, even if all eligibility criteria are met. Each application is reviewed individually, and approval depends on factors such as travel history, financial stability, and past visa compliance.
Immigration officials may request additional documents or background checks, and applications with inconsistencies or missing information may face delays or rejection. Meeting the basic requirements improves the chances of approval but does not ensure it.
Getting a South Korea multiple-entry visa is not guaranteed, even if all requirements are met. Immigration authorities carefully review applications, considering factors like travel history, financial stability, and previous visa compliance. To improve the chances of approval, applicants should follow these key steps:
Holding a South Korea multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the country multiple times within the visa’s validity period. To make the most of it, here are some essential travel tips:
Eligibility depends on factors such as travel history, financial stability, profession, and nationality. Frequent travelers, business professionals, high-income individuals, and those with strong ties to South Korea are more likely to qualify.
The validity period varies based on the applicant’s profile and visa type. Some visas are valid for one year, while others can extend to three, five, or even ten years. However, each visit has a maximum stay limit, usually 30 to 90 days per entry.
No, a multiple-entry visa allows multiple visits but does not typically permit extensions beyond the allowed stay per entry. If a longer stay is needed, applicants should apply for the appropriate long-term visa or extension through Korean immigration.
No, having a visa does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers at the airport have the final authority to approve or deny entry based on travel history, purpose of visit, and compliance with visa conditions.
Overstaying can result in fines, visa cancellation, entry bans, or difficulties obtaining future visas. Travelers must strictly follow their permitted stay duration to avoid immigration penalties.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.