South Korea passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of South Korea

Embassy / VFSB-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of South Korea need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	3–21 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required

How to apply

1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Fill out the nonimmigrant visa application on the CEAC website and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) via the designated payment system.
3
Schedule an interview appointment
Book a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in South Korea through the appointment system.
4
Attend the visa interview
Bring all required documents to the embassy on the scheduled date and time.
5
Provide biometrics
Fingerprints and photograph will be taken during the interview.
6
Wait for visa processing
Processing typically takes 3–21 business days; you may be asked for additional documents.
7
Collect passport with visa
Passport will be returned via courier or pickup; check status online.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond stay)
Must have at least one blank visa page.
DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Passport-style photograph
Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.
Previous U.S. visas (if any)
Optional
Include expired passports with old visas.

Travel

Travel itinerary
Optional
Round-trip flight and hotel reservations (not required but helpful).

Financial

Visa application fee receipt
Pay the MRV fee before interview.
Bank statements or proof of funds
Optional
Demonstrate ability to cover trip expenses.

Employment

Proof of employment or studies
Optional
Letter from employer or school showing ties to home country.

Supporting

Interview appointment letter
Print the confirmation from the appointment system.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For family-based applications.

Good to know

ESTA is not applicable for South Korean passport holders seeking a visa; you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa in person.
Visa issuance is not guaranteed; approval depends on the consular officer's assessment.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, or property in South Korea.

Incomplete or incorrect application

Double-check DS-160 entries and bring all required documents.

Previous visa violations or overstay

Be honest about past travel history; provide explanation if needed.

FAQ

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

Citizens of South Korea need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa.

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

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of South Korea?

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–21 days.

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

Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Visa application fee receipt; Passport-style photograph; Interview appointment letter; Proof of employment or studies; and 4 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html

Sources

travel.state.gov

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