South Korea
South Korea visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for South Korea for short stays. You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days (or 30 days for some nationalities) for tourism. Check your passport validity and any entry requirements before flying; the K-ETA is not required for these nationalities as of 2026.
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GuideSouth Korea
Key facts
- Visa-free for US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IE
- Yes, for tourism and short visits
- Maximum stay without visa
- 90 days for most; 30 days for some
- K-ETA required
- Not for these nationalities as of 2026
- Passport validity
- Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry
- Proof of onward travel
- May be asked; have a return ticket
Quick answer
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for South Korea for tourism or short visits. You can stay visa‑free for up to 90 days (some nationalities 30 days). No electronic travel authorisation (K‑ETA) is required for these passport holders as of 2026, but always check the latest rules before booking.
The main practical requirements are a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation if asked. Immigration officers may ask for these at arrival; having them ready avoids delays.
Visa-free stays by passport
The table below shows the standard visa‑free stay for each of the six nationalities. These are for tourism and short visits; working, studying or staying longer requires a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate.
| Passport | Visa‑free stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 90 days | Tourism only |
| United Kingdom | 90 days | Tourism only |
| Canada | 90 days | Tourism only |
| Australia | 90 days | Tourism only |
| New Zealand | 90 days | Tourism only |
| Ireland | 90 days | Tourism only |
Stays are at the discretion of immigration; always have proof of onward travel.
K-ETA and entry steps
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K‑ETA) was required for visa‑free visitors, but as of 2026 it is not required for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or Irish citizens. Check the official K‑ETA site before travel, as rules can change.
At immigration, have your passport, return ticket and accommodation details ready. You may be asked for proof of funds for longer stays. The entry process at Incheon is usually smooth; allow extra time during peak seasons.
Passport validity rules
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from South Korea. This is a common requirement for many countries, and South Korea enforces it strictly. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before travelling.
Also ensure you have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Some travellers have been turned away for insufficient validity, so verify your dates well in advance.
Longer stays and other purposes
If you plan to stay longer than the visa‑free period, work, study, or engage in activities other than tourism, you must apply for the appropriate visa at a South Korean embassy or consulate before travel. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re‑entry.
For working holidays, South Korea has agreements with some countries; check with your local embassy. Always apply well in advance, as processing times vary.
FAQ
Sources and verification date
This page was last checked on 2026-09. Visa rules change frequently; always confirm with the official sources below before booking.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No. All six nationalities can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days (some 30 days). No K-ETA is required as of 2026, but check the latest rules before travel.
How long can I stay in South Korea without a visa?
For most of these nationalities, the visa-free stay is 90 days. Some nationalities may have 30 days; check your specific passport. Overstaying is penalised, so leave before the limit.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to South Korea?
As of 2026, the K-ETA is not required for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ or Irish citizens. However, requirements can change; always verify on the official K-ETA website before your flight.
What passport validity is required for South Korea?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Ensure you have blank pages for stamps. Renew your passport if it expires within that period.
Can I work or study in South Korea without a visa?
No. Working, studying, or staying longer than the visa-free period requires a specific visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate. Overstaying or working without a visa is illegal and can lead to deportation.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about South Korea
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