South Korea
United States
United States visa for South Korean citizens
Entry requirement
South Korean citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- 2 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at kr.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Fee
- US$40.62
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ ETA costs US$40.62 at the standard rate published by its authorities; the official site for it is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.
Where to apply in South Korea
- Embassy of the United States in Seoul
세종대로 188, 03141 서울특별시
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US visas issued to citizens of South Korea
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 15,514 | 12,226 |
| Student (F, M) | 16,635 | 13,468 |
| Exchange (J) | 12,844 | 11,165 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 20,263 | 19,477 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 5,692 | 5,487 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 3,710 | 3,800 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 201 | 132 |
| Total | 74,859 | 65,755 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 15.0% | 24.7% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 65,755 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of South Korea, the 20th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Work and treaty visas (H, L, O, E and others) made up 30%, student visas 20% and visitor visas 19%. That is 12% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (74,859).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of South Korea received 29,715, 24% more than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 24.7% for citizens of South Korea in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 15.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of South Korea anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in South Korea.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to South Korea
United StatesSouth Korea Visa-free, 90 days South Korea visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from South Korea to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long South Korean citizens can stay in the United States
South Korean citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.
How South Korean citizens apply
South Korean citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United States’ neighbours for South Korean citizens
Mexico admits South Korean citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to South Korea
US citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do South Korean citizens need a visa for the United States?
South Korean citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
How long can South Korean citizens stay in the United States?
South Korean citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.
How much does the United States ETA cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.
Do US citizens need a visa for South Korea?
US citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days.
Can South Korean citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; South Korean citizens need an ETA for the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.