Korea C-3 VisaShort-Term Visit Visa

Overview

The C-3 visa is South Korea's standard short-term entry visa, covering tourism, transit, medical tourism, family visits, cultural activities, short-term study, and brief business travel. It allows a maximum stay of 90 days per entry and does not permit paid employment or long-term study in Korea. C-3 is issued in ten sub-types (C-3-1 through C-3-10), each targeting a different purpose of visit. Nationals of countries with a bilateral visa-exemption agreement with Korea may enter without a C-3 visa for up to 30–90 days depending on the treaty.

Who is the C-3 visa for?

Foreign nationals who wish to visit Korea for tourism, short business trips, medical treatment, visiting family or friends, attending conferences or cultural events, or transit. Nationals of countries that do not have a visa-exemption agreement with Korea must obtain a C-3 before arrival.

Eligibility requirements

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
• Genuine short-term purpose (tourism, business meetings, family visit, medical care, etc.) — no intent to take paid employment
• Sufficient funds to support the visit (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• No history of immigration violations in Korea
• For C-3-3 (medical tourism): confirmation letter from a registered Korean medical institution
• For C-3-3 (medical tourism): confirmation letter from a registered Korean medical institution; as of December 2025 eligible companions expanded to spouse, direct-line family (부모, 자녀, 형제자매)

Required documents

• 1.Valid passport + completed visa application form + passport photo
• 2.Bank statements or proof of financial means (last 3 months)
• 3.Proof of accommodation in Korea (hotel booking, host's address)
• 4.Round-trip or onward flight reservation
• 5.Purpose-specific documents: business — invitation letter from Korean company; medical — hospital confirmation letter; family visit — Korean resident's ARC copy and proof of relationship
• 6.Employment certificate or student enrollment letter (to demonstrate ties to home country)

How to apply — step by step

1. 1

   Check if you need a visa

   Korea has visa-exemption agreements with over 110 countries. Check whether your nationality is exempt before applying. If exempt, you generally enter without a visa for 30–90 days (check your country's specific terms).

2. 2

   Choose the correct C-3 sub-type

   Select the sub-type matching your purpose: C-3-1 (general), C-3-2 (group tourism), C-3-3 (medical), C-3-4 (general business), C-3-5 (treaty-based business), C-3-7 (on-arrival tourism), C-3-8 (ethnic Korean visit), C-3-9 (general tourism), or C-3-10 (pure transit). Note: C-3-6 (priority company invitee) was discontinued as of May 2025 — business invitees now use C-3-4 or C-3-5.

3. 3

   Apply at the Korean consulate

   Submit your application in person or through an authorised agency at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country. Some nationalities may apply online via the e-Visa system (evisa.mofa.go.kr).

4. 4

   Receive visa and travel

   Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. At entry, an immigration officer will stamp the authorised period of stay (up to 90 days).

5. 5

   Observe stay limits

   Do not exceed the stamped stay period. C-3 cannot be extended inside Korea except in exceptional circumstances (medical emergencies, natural disaster). If you need a longer stay, apply for the appropriate long-term visa before travelling.

C-3 visa — frequently asked questions