Korea B-1 VisaVisa Exemption
Enter Korea without a visa if your country has a bilateral visa-exemption agreement with South Korea.
Stay Duration
As specified in the bilateral treaty — typically 30 days (Japan, Gulf states), 90 days (most OECD countries), or up to 6 months (select countries); stamped at entry
Processing
No application required — entry is granted at the port of entry for eligible nationals
Visa Fee
None
Overview
B-1 (사증면제 — visa exemption) is not a visa you apply for — it is an entry status granted automatically to nationals of countries that have a bilateral visa-exemption treaty with South Korea. B-1 holders enter Korea without a visa stamp and may engage in the same activities as C-3 (short-term visit) holders: tourism, family visits, short business meetings, cultural activities, and short-term non-degree study. The maximum stay depends on each country's specific treaty (typically 30–90 days). B-1 does not permit paid employment or activities beyond the treaty scope.
Who is the B-1 visa for?
Nationals of countries that have a valid visa-exemption agreement with South Korea. Over 110 countries qualify. Check the current list on the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the /visa-exempt page on this site.
Eligibility requirements
- Nationality of a country with an active bilateral visa-exemption treaty with South Korea
- Valid passport (typically 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Purpose of visit within the treaty's permitted activities (tourism, business meetings, family visits, etc.)
- No intent to work for pay
- Sufficient funds and return/onward ticket
- No prior immigration violations in Korea
- K-ETA may be required in addition to visa exemption for nationalities subject to the K-ETA scheme — check before travel
Required documents
- 1.Valid passport
- 2.Return or onward flight confirmation
- 3.Proof of accommodation
- 4.Proof of financial means (bank statement or credit card)
- 5.K-ETA approval (if your nationality is subject to K-ETA requirement)
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Check your eligibility
Verify that your nationality is on the current visa-exemption list. Korea periodically suspends or modifies agreements. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list or the /visa-exempt page on this site.
- 2
Check K-ETA requirement
Even if your country is visa-exempt, you may still need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding. K-ETA is an electronic pre-travel authorisation — apply online before departure if required.
- 3
Arrive at the port of entry
Present your passport at Korean immigration. The officer will grant you B-1 entry status and stamp your passport with the permitted stay period.
- 4
Observe stay limits
Do not exceed the stamped stay period. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans. B-1 cannot be extended inside Korea except in rare emergencies.
Need help with your B-1 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles B-1 applications.
B-1 visa — frequently asked questions
What is K-ETA?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-approval system for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Even if your country has a visa-exemption treaty, you may need to apply for K-ETA before departure. It is different from a visa and is typically approved within minutes to 72 hours. Check the Korean immigration authorities' website for the current list of nationalities required to obtain K-ETA.
Can I extend a B-1 stay inside Korea?
Generally no. B-1 entry stays cannot be extended at an immigration office. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Korea and re-enter (subject to your treaty terms) or apply for the appropriate long-term visa before travelling.
Can I work in Korea on a visa-exemption entry?
No. Visa exemption (B-1) permits only activities within the treaty's scope, which mirrors C-3 short-term visit activities. Paid employment of any kind is not permitted under B-1.
Related visa types
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