United States passport → South Korea

South Korea visa for citizens of the United States

Visa-free

Citizens of the United States can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days.

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa-free
How to apply	No visa needed — just go
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	No visa fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required

How to apply

1
Apply for K-ETA online
Complete the K-ETA application at the official website.
2
Pay the application fee
Pay the non-refundable fee using a credit or debit card.
3
Receive K-ETA approval
Check email for approval; print or save digital copy.
4
Travel to South Korea
Present passport and K-ETA approval upon arrival; stay up to 90 days.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
Digital Photo
Passport-style photo for K-ETA application

Financial

Payment Card
For paying K-ETA fee

Supporting

Email Address
For receiving K-ETA approval code

Good to know

K-ETA is mandatory for visa-free travel from September 2021.
Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure to allow processing time.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or inaccurate application

Double-check all personal details to match passport exactly.

Criminal record or prior immigration violation

If you have a criminal record, consult the embassy before applying.

FAQ

Do citizens of the United States need a visa for South Korea?

Citizens of the United States can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days.

How long can citizens of the United States stay in South Korea?

Up to 90 days without a visa.

What documents do citizens of the United States need for South Korea?

Valid US Passport; Digital Photo; Email Address; Payment Card.

How long must my passport be valid for South Korea?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to South Korea

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for South Korea.

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