Enter Korea without a visa if your country has a bilateral visa-exemption agreement with South Korea.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
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
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
Readiness check
Use this quick self-check before you spend time on forms or book a consultation for Visa Exemption.
Next focus
Eligibility fit
I meet the core B-1 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.
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.
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.
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
Delay and refusal risks
Business-investor cases are document-heavy because immigration reviews both the legal investment route and the real business activity.
D-8 review can stall when the investment amount, sender, receiving company, bank trail, foreign-exchange documents, or investor identity do not line up cleanly.
Manual basis: The D-8 manual references investment funds, remittance/payment evidence, foreign-investment registration, and related supporting documents.
Company registration alone is not enough. Thin operating records, no real business activity, or weak continuity evidence can invite additional review.
Manual basis: The stay manual includes D-8 extension and business-continuity review points for investor status management.
Some industries or business structures are restricted or do not fit the claimed D-8 route. A filing built around the wrong route can be refused or redirected.
Manual basis: The D-8 sections refer to restricted industries and cases where the applicant is not considered essential management or production-technology personnel.
If relying on a technology startup pathway, OASIS, IP, corporate setup, and founder activity evidence must support the specific route claimed.
Manual basis: The manual separates investor and technology-startup founder pathways and lists different documentary expectations.
Source note
These are practical risk factors for Visa Exemption, not a complete list of legal refusal grounds. Final review can vary by nationality, filing channel, consulate, immigration office, and case facts.
Valid passport
Return or onward flight confirmation
Proof of accommodation
Proof of financial means (bank statement or credit card)
K-ETA approval (if your nationality is subject to K-ETA requirement)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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