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Apply for your South Korea visa from the United States

Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for American citizens traveling to South Korea

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How to apply with iVisa

How to apply for your South Korea visa with a passport from the United States

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, determine whether you need the South Korea e-Arrival Card, South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), or another South Korea visa or document, pay securely, and upload your documents. You can save your progress and come back anytime.

We'll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

We review your application

The South Korea visa system can be complicated for American citizens, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the Korean government, but we review your application for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we’re here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.

Get your South Korea visa

We’ll email your approved South Korea document and let you know how to use it for your trip from the United States to South Korea.

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South Korean visa policy for American citizens

United States citizens do not need a visa for short stays in South Korea when traveling for tourism, business, or familial reasons. However, they will need to complete a South Korea e-Arrival Card before traveling. The application for a South Korea ETA can be done entirely online.

iVisa offers one South Korea entry document for United States travelers:

South Korea e-Arrival Card: This document allows United States citizens a visa-free entry to South Korea for up to 30 days. It must be used (travelers must enter South Korea) within 4 days of being issued.

General South Korea visa requirements for United States travelers are:

United States passport valid for at least six months
Passport bio page
Personal details
Trip details

South Korean visas we offer for American citizens

South Korea e-Arrival Card

Prices starting from $79.99

Valid for 4 days after issued

Single entry

Stay up to 30 days per entry

Fast facts

Interview needed?

When to apply?

At least 4 days in advance

Documents required upon arrival?

Valid United States passport (6+ months validity), confirmed return or onward ticket, South Korea e-Arrival Card

Why choose iVisa?

Benefit	Applying by yourself
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

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10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to South Korea rated this product a 4.8 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

4.8 out of 5

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Iris L.

December 30, 2025

"Very clear and simple process"

Mireya Y.

May 6, 2025

"It was a great experience the ivisa website was straightforward and easy to use with no complications. Many thanks to the ivisa team!"

Ariana W.

April 11, 2025

"Easy to follow, and very educational!"

Andres M.

April 1, 2025

"A helpful tool that provides all the necessary information, making it easy to follow each step until completion Thank you"

Caroline K.

March 17, 2025

"thank you so much. Your team is outstanding. Great service, great attitude!"

Anna P.

January 21, 2025

"Fast and seamless experience!!"

Max S.

December 8, 2024

"Quick and simple service"

Landon F.

October 15, 2024

"User friendly and very simple to navigate, great app and website!!"

Charlie R.

November 12, 2024

"The process was effortless to apply for the visa"

Ariana F.

September 30, 2024

"I received quick and accurate responses and the application process was simplified and straightforward"

FAQs

Do United States citizens need a visa for South Korea?

For tourism stays up to 90 days, U.S. citizens do not need a visa. The typically required K-ETA is also waived through December 31, 2026. U.S. travelers will need to complete a South Korea e-Arrival card before their journey.

What is the processing time of a South Korea visa for United States applicants?

Processing times depend on the type of travel document applied for, with long-stay visas taking more time to process. With iVisa, you can get your South Korea e-Arrival Card in as little as 14 hours, depending on your eligibility and documentation.

How long can United States nationals stay in South Korea?

U.S. citizens can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Extensions are generally not permitted. If you plan to stay longer or work, you must apply for a specific visa at a Korean embassy before you travel.

Do United States citizens need a visa when transiting through South Korea?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to transit through South Korea, but your requirements depend on whether you stay in the 'sterile' transit area or pass through immigration.

Airside Transit (Staying in the Terminal) Visa: Not required. Conditions: You must remain in the airport’s transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket for a third country.

Process: Simply follow the 'Transit' signs to your next gate.

Landside Transit (Passing Immigration) If you want to leave the airport (e.g., for a hotel, a long layover, or to change terminals at Incheon), you are entering the country. Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days). K-ETA: Waived for U.S. citizens through December 31, 2026. e-Arrival Card: Required. You must submit your flight and local contact info (even if just a hotel name) at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days of landing

Can United States nationals extend their stay in South Korea?

Extensions are generally not granted for visa-free tourist stays. If you are a U.S. citizen entering for 90 days, you are expected to leave by the deadline. You can only extend this stay in extreme cases (e.g., medical emergency, flight cancellation, or natural disaster) by applying at a local Immigration Office via Hi Korea before your 90 days are up.