Short-Stay & Entry
Definition
A Visa on Arrival (도착비자) allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a short-stay Korean visa at the airport upon landing, without having applied in advance at a consulate. It is available to a limited number of nationalities under specific conditions.
Korea's Visa on Arrival is available to nationals of select countries for short tourism or business stays, typically up to 30 days. It is issued at the airport immigration counter and requires: a valid passport, a completed arrival form, proof of onward travel (return or connecting flight ticket), sufficient funds for the stay, and accommodation confirmation. The list of eligible countries changes periodically and is smaller than the list of visa-exempt countries. Visa on Arrival is not available for those seeking to work, study, or stay long-term — it is strictly a short-stay facility. Some nationalities may be required to have a local invitation letter or Korean sponsor.
Visa on Arrival is useful for last-minute travel to Korea by citizens of eligible countries, but the approval is at the immigration officer's discretion — meeting all requirements does not guarantee entry. Budget travelers and digital nomads sometimes confuse visa-on-arrival availability with the ability to live in Korea long-term. If your plans involve anything beyond short-term tourism, a proper visa from a consulate is strongly recommended.