C-3 Short-Term Visit Visa

The C-3 visa is issued to foreigners visiting Korea for short-term purposes including tourism, business meetings, family visits, and cultural activities. Many nationalities can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days, making the C-3 one of the most commonly used entry statuses.

Do You Need a C-3 Visa?

Korea has visa-free agreements with many countries. Citizens of the following countries can enter Korea without a visa for up to 90 days:

• USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand — visa-free up to 90 days

• Most EU countries — visa-free up to 90 days

• Japan — visa-free up to 90 days

• Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand — visa-free up to 90 days

• Many other countries — check the Korean embassy website for your nationality

If your country is NOT on the visa-free list, you must apply for a C-3 visa at your nearest Korean embassy before traveling.

What C-3 Covers

• ✅ Tourism — sightseeing, travel, leisure

• ✅ Family visits — visiting relatives living in Korea

• ✅ Business meetings — attending conferences, meetings, negotiations (no actual work)

• ✅ Short-term language courses — up to 90 days

• ✅ Medical tourism — visiting Korea for medical treatment

• ❌ Cannot work for pay in any capacity

• ❌ Cannot study in a degree program

• ❌ Cannot stay longer than 90 days without switching to a long-term visa

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

Since September 2021, most visa-free nationals must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Korea.

• Apply online at www.k-eta.go.kr or via the K-ETA app

• Fee: 10,000 KRW per application

• Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires

• Processing time: usually within 72 hours — apply at least 72 hours before departure

• Once approved, you can make multiple visits to Korea within the 2-year validity period

• Note: Some nationalities are temporarily exempt from K-ETA — check the official website for current exemptions

Applying for C-3 Visa (If Required)

• Step 1: Check if your nationality requires a C-3 visa at www.immigration.go.kr

• Step 2: Contact your nearest Korean embassy or consulate

• Step 3: Submit required documents — passport, application form, photo, proof of accommodation, return flight ticket, bank statement

• Step 4: Pay the application fee — varies by nationality

• Step 5: Processing takes approximately 3–5 business days

Extending Your Stay

• Extensions are possible but rarely granted for tourism purposes

• Apply at your local immigration office before your current status expires

• You cannot extend a visa-free stay beyond 90 days

• If you want to stay longer, you must leave Korea and apply for a long-term visa

• Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and potential entry bans — take expiry dates seriously

Top Things to Do in Korea as a Visitor

• Seoul — Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, Hongdae, N Seoul Tower

• Busan — Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market

• Jeju Island — Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong, beautiful beaches

• Gyeongju — Ancient Silla Kingdom ruins, Bulguksa Temple, UNESCO World Heritage sites

• DMZ — Demilitarized Zone tour from Seoul — a unique historical experience

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Get a T-money card at the airport — essential for subway and bus travel

• Buy a SIM card or pocket WiFi at Incheon Airport immediately after arrival

• Download Naver Map or Kakao Map — Google Maps is unreliable in Korea

• Most places accept credit cards — Korea is largely cashless

• Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are open 24 hours and sell everything you need

• Korea is extremely safe — petty crime is rare even in major cities

Useful Resources

• K-ETA Application: www.k-eta.go.kr

• Korea Tourism Organization: www.visitkorea.or.kr

• Korea Immigration Service: www.immigration.go.kr

• Tourist helpline: 1330 (24 hours, English available)