Enter Korea for tourism or transit without a visa — for nationalities designated by the Ministry of Justice.
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 determined by the Ministry of Justice per country — typically 15–30 days for transit; varies for tourism designees
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 Tourist / Transit (No Visa).
Next focus
Eligibility fit
I meet the core B-2 requirements and understand any sponsor, degree, income, family, or experience conditions that apply.
B-2 (관광통과 — tourist transit) is the visa-free entry status granted by the Korean Ministry of Justice to nationals of specific countries that Korea has designated for visa-free tourism and transit admission, independent of a bilateral treaty. Unlike B-1 (which derives from an explicit treaty), B-2 is a unilateral policy designation that Korea can adjust at any time. B-2 holders may engage in tourism and transit; the exact permitted stay is set per country by the Ministry. Paid employment and status changes inside Korea are generally not permitted.
Nationals of countries that the Korean Ministry of Justice has designated for visa-free tourism or transit admission. This list differs from the B-1 treaty list — check the current MoJ designation list if you are unsure which status applies to you.
Nationality of a country designated by the Ministry of Justice for B-2 admission
Purpose of visit: tourism or transit
Valid passport
Onward or return ticket confirming departure within the B-2 stay period
Sufficient funds for the stay
No intent to engage in paid work or change status
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 Tourist / Transit (No Visa), not a complete list of legal refusal grounds. Final review can vary by nationality, filing channel, consulate, immigration office, and case facts.
Valid passport
Onward or return flight confirmation
Proof of funds
Verify B-2 eligibility
Confirm your nationality is currently on the Ministry of Justice B-2 designation list. The list is adjusted periodically and may differ from the B-1 treaty list.
Arrive at the port of entry
Present your passport at Korean immigration. If your nationality is on the B-2 list, you will be granted entry for tourism or transit.
Observe the stay limit
Do not exceed the stay period stamped in your passport. B-2 stays cannot be extended or changed to another status inside Korea in standard circumstances.
Need help with your B-2 visa?
Connect with a verified specialist who handles B-2 applications.
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