Losing your South Korea visa, whether it's a physical sticker or an electronic authorization like KETA, can be stressful, but there are clear steps to resolve the situation. Whether you're already in South Korea or have yet to travel, acting quickly and following the correct procedures will help minimize disruptions. This guide walks you through the essential steps to take if you lose your visa, ensuring you can continue your journey with as little hassle as possible.

Identify the Type of Visa You Lost

Before taking any action, the first step is to determine which type of visa you lost. South Korea offers different types of travel authorizations, and the process for recovering or replacing them depends on how your visa was issued.

The two most common types of travel authorization are:

• KETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) – a digital authorization for visa-exempt travelers.
• Sticker Visa – a traditional visa sticker placed inside your passport, issued by a South Korean embassy or consulate.

If You Lose Your KETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

Since KETA is electronically linked to your passport, losing a printout or confirmation email is not a major issue. Here’s what to do:

Before Traveling to South Korea

1. Retrieve Your KETA Online:Visit the official KETA website. Log in using your passport number, date of birth, and other details. Download or print your KETA approval again.
2. Check the Validity of Your KETA:KETA is valid for multiple entries for up to two years from the date of approval. As long as your passport remains valid, you do not need to reapply.

Common Issues Travelers Face with KETA

1. Lost KETA Confirmation Email or Printout: If you misplaced your KETA approval email or did not print a copy, you can retrieve it online.
2. Lost or Expired Passport Linked to KETA: If you lose your passport, you will need to reapply for KETA using your new passport details.
3. Denied Boarding Due to KETA Issues: Some airlines require travelers to show their KETA approval before boarding. If you cannot access it, you may face delays.

How to Retrieve or Replace Your KETA

• Check Your Email – The original approval email contains your KETA details. Search your inbox for “KETA” or “Korea Electronic Travel Authorization.”
• Retrieve KETA Online – Visit the official KETA website and log in using your passport number and date of birth to download a new copy.
• Print or Save a Digital Copy – While KETA is stored electronically, it’s best to keep a printed or digital copy on your phone in case an airline or immigration officer asks for it.
• Reapply If Necessary – If you lost your passport, you must first apply for a new passport and then submit a new KETA application, as it is linked to your passport number.

If You Lose a Sticker Visa 

A sticker visa is a physical visa label attached to a page in your passport, issued by a South Korean embassy or consulate. It is typically required for long-term stays, work, study, or travelers from countries that do not qualify for KETA.

Common Issues Travelers Face with Sticker Visas

1. Lost Passport with a Sticker Visa:If your passport is stolen or lost, your visa is also lost and cannot be retrieved electronically.
2. Damaged or Faded Visa Sticker:If your visa sticker is damaged or unreadable, you may need to request a visa confirmation or replacement from the embassy.
3. Lost Photocopy of the Visa:If you had a copy of your visa but lost the original passport, you will still need to apply for a new visa.

What to Do If You Lose Your Sticker Visa

If You Haven’t Traveled to South Korea Yet:

1. Contact the South Korean Embassy Where You Applied:Explain the situation and ask whether you need a replacement visa or a new application.
2. Apply for a New Visa (If Required):Some embassies may allow a reissue, while others will require a full reapplication, including all documents and fees.

If You Are Already in South Korea:

1. Report the Loss to the Police: Visit the nearest police station and request an official police report stating that your visa and passport were lost.
2. Contact Your Country’s Embassy:Apply for a replacement passport immediately.
3. Visit the Korea Immigration Service (KIS): Go to your nearest immigration office (HiKorea website) and bring:
   • Police report
   • New passport (if issued)
   • Copy of your visa (if available)
   • Any other identification (such as a residence card, if applicable)
   • Immigration officials will verify your visa status and advise on the next steps.

What to Do If You Lose Your Passport with Your Visa

Losing your passport with your visa inside is a more serious issue that requires immediate action:

Step 1: Report the Lost Passport: Go to the nearest police station in South Korea to report the loss. Request an official police report, as it may be required for visa and passport replacement.

Step 2: Apply for a New Passport at Your Embassy: Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in South Korea. Submit the required documents (ID, police report, photos, fees, etc.). Some embassies may issue emergency travel documents if you need to leave South Korea quickly.

Step 3: Apply for a Visa Transfer or Reissuance: After receiving a new passport, visit Korea Immigration Service to confirm your visa status. If your original visa is still valid, authorities may transfer it to your new passport or issue a new visa sticker.

Preventing Future Issues

To avoid the hassle of losing your visa, take these precautionary measures:

• Keep Digital and Physical Copies:Store scanned copies of your visa, passport, and KETA approval in cloud storage or email. Carry a printed copy in case you need quick access.
• Use Official Websites for Visa Applications:Always apply for KETA and other visas through official government websites to ensure easy retrieval. Beware of fraudulent third-party sites that may not provide reliable support.
• Secure Your Passport and Visa:Use a passport holder or travel wallet to keep documents safe. If staying in a hotel, use a safe to store your passport when not in use.
• Check Visa Validity Before Traveling: Make sure your KETA or visa is still valid before booking flights. If your KETA is expiring soon, renew it ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues.

Key Differences Between KETA and a Sticker Visa

Understanding the differences between KETA and a sticker visa is crucial when dealing with a lost visa. While KETA is a digital travel authorization that can be easily retrieved online, a sticker visa is a physical document that requires embassy assistance if lost.

The table below highlights the key differences between the two:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if I lose my KETA before traveling to South Korea?

If you lose your KETA confirmation, you can retrieve and print a new copy from the official KETA website by entering your passport number and date of birth.

If your passport is lost, you must first get a new passport and then apply for a new KETA, as it is linked to your passport number.

Can I enter South Korea if I lose my sticker visa?

No, you cannot enter South Korea without a valid visa. If you lose your sticker visa before traveling, contact the embassy or consulate where you applied. You may need a visa reissue or a full reapplication.

If you lose your visa while in South Korea, report the loss to the police, apply for a new passport at your country’s embassy, and visit Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea website) for further instructions.

What happens if I lose my passport with a valid visa while in South Korea?

If you lose your passport with a sticker visa in South Korea:

1. Report the loss to the police and obtain a police report.
2. Contact your country’s embassy to apply for a replacement passport.
3. Visit a Korea Immigration Office with your new passport and police report to confirm your visa status.

Immigration may issue a Certificate of Visa Status to serve as proof of your legal stay.

Can I transfer my lost visa to a new passport?

No, South Korea does not transfer visas from a lost passport to a new one. If your sticker visa is lost, you must apply for a new visa at a South Korean embassy.

For KETA, you also need to reapply using your new passport.

What if I lose my KETA or visa at the airport before boarding my flight?

If you lose your KETA confirmation or visa details at the airport:

• For KETA: Retrieve it from the KETA website using your passport number.
• For a Sticker Visa: If your passport is intact but you lost a photocopy or other documentation, contact the airline and South Korean immigration authorities to check if they can verify your visa electronically before boarding.

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.