---
title: United States visa for citizens of South Korea
description: "Citizens of South Korea need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–21 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/south-korea
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United States visa for citizens of South Korea

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.*

Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html

## 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

- **Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond stay)** (Identity): Must have at least one blank visa page.
- **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Pay the MRV fee before interview.
- **Passport-style photograph** (Identity): Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.
- **Interview appointment letter** (Supporting): Print the confirmation from the appointment system.
- **Proof of employment or studies** (Employment, optional): Letter from employer or school showing ties to home country.
- **Bank statements or proof of funds** (Financial, optional): Demonstrate ability to cover trip expenses.
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel, optional): Round-trip flight and hotel reservations (not required but helpful).
- **Previous U.S. visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): Include expired passports with old visas.
- **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html)

## More

- [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states)
- [Every destination for South Korea passport holders](/visa/passport/south-korea)