Do US military personnel need an A-3 visa to enter Korea?

US military personnel on official orders enter under SOFA provisions — they typically do not go through standard consular visa procedures. Their dependents and civilian contractors follow a separate SOFA process managed by US Forces Korea (USFK).

Can A-3 Fulbright/GKS scholars work part-time in Korea?

Fulbright and GKS scholars are in Korea for academic purposes and are generally restricted from commercial employment outside their scholarship program activities. Work authorization requires immigration approval.

What happens when the treaty obligation ends?

A-3 status is tied to the specific treaty obligation. When a military tour ends, a scholarship concludes, or a Fulbright term finishes, the holder must depart or apply for a different immigration status.

Who qualifies for the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS)?

GKS recipients are selected by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) from participating countries through bilateral government channels. Recipients receive full tuition, living stipend, and language training covered by the Korean government.

미스터 비자코리아

문의하기 ✦ K-VISA AI

외교 및 정부 비자

한국 A-3 비자Agreement (Treaty) Visa

For personnel in Korea under bilateral treaty obligations — including US military (SOFA) and Fulbright scholars.

검토됨 March 2026 — 대한민국 공식 출입국관리 포털 기반

체류 기간

Duration of treaty obligation or assignment (no fixed limit)

처리 기간

Processed by the sponsoring organization or treaty authority

개요

The A-3 visa is issued to foreign nationals present in Korea under specific bilateral treaty or agreement obligations recognized by the Republic of Korea. The most significant group covered is US military personnel, their dependents, and civilian employees under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). It also covers Korean Government Scholarship (KGS / GKS) recipients, Fulbright scholars, and other treaty-designated personnel.

A-3 비자는 누구를 위한 것인가요?

US military personnel and their dependents stationed in Korea under SOFA; Fulbright scholars; Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) recipients from partner countries; and other foreign nationals covered by bilateral treaty or agreement with Korea.

자격 요건

Active-duty US military personnel stationed in Korea under SOFA, or their authorized dependents and civilian employees
Recipients of the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS / 정부초청장학생) through an official bilateral program
Fulbright scholars selected by the Korea-US Educational Commission (KUSEC)
Other treaty-designated personnel as specified in bilateral agreements

필요 서류

1.
Military ID or NATO travel orders (for SOFA personnel)
2.
Official invitation letter from Korean government scholarship program (for GKS scholars)
3.
Fulbright award letter from KUSEC (for Fulbright scholars)
4.
Passport + relevant treaty documentation per specific program

단계별 신청 방법

1
Receive official assignment or scholarship award
Your status is established through the sponsoring organization (US military command, National Institute for International Education for GKS, or KUSEC for Fulbright).
2
Enter Korea under treaty status
Entry and registration are handled by the sponsoring organization. SOFA personnel use military channels; scholars are processed through their host institution.
3
Register with immigration (if required)
Some A-3 holders (scholars, civilians) must register at the local immigration office and obtain an Alien Registration Card. SOFA military personnel are exempt.

A-3 비자 도움이 필요하신가요?

A-3 신청을 전문으로 하는 검증된 전문가와 연결하세요.

주요 출입국 용어

용어가 생소하신가요?

한국 A-3 비자Agreement (Treaty) Visa

개요

A-3 비자는 누구를 위한 것인가요?

자격 요건

필요 서류

단계별 신청 방법

주요 출입국 용어

A-3 비자 — 자주 묻는 질문

A-3 비자에서 이어지는 비자는?

관련 비자 종류

관련 가이드