A clear path to your application
The right application channel depends on your destination and where you legally live.
Prepare your application
Apply before travel through the Korean mission or authorized visa center responsible for where you live. The Visa Portal e-form is application paperwork, not an e-Visa grant: print its barcode form and submit it as the local mission instructs. Ordinary individual tourism is not a general e-Visa category.
Submit through the official channel
Use C-3-9 tourist visa application. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
South Korea e-Arrival Card
Use the free online service within its three-day filing window, measured in Korean time. Visa holders and K-ETA-exempt visitors generally need an arrival declaration. Valid K-ETA entrants and Korean residence-card holders are exempt; having K-ETA does not exempt someone entering on a visa.
Open South Korea e-Arrival CardDetails that can change your plans
Traveling in an organized tour?
Eligible general-tourism groups of at least three people can ask a designated travel agency about a C-3-2 E-group visa. It is still a visa; the agency submits the group application online. Korea has announced a temporary USD 15 government visa-fee waiver for qualifying groups from these passport markets through 31 December 2026. Confirm eligibility, agency charges and current processing with the agency.
Official guidancePractical tips for South Korea
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Save the declaration reference
Keep the emailed issuance number. Printing the declaration is not required; it expires 72 hours after submission, so check it if your arrival is delayed.
South Korea at a glance
- Capital
- Seoul
- Currency
- KRW
- Calling code
- +82
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Philippines need a visa for South Korea?
For tourism in South Korea, travelers using an ordinary passport from Philippines should obtain a visa before travel. Apply before travel through the Korean mission or authorized visa center responsible for where you live. The Visa Portal e-form is application paperwork, not an e-Visa grant: print its barcode form and submit it as the local mission instructs. Ordinary individual tourism is not a general e-Visa category. The published short-visit limit is 90 days per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in South Korea?
The short-visit limit is 90 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
Do I need to complete South Korea e-Arrival Card?
Required only when the stated conditions apply. Use the free online service within its three-day filing window, measured in Korean time. Visa holders and K-ETA-exempt visitors generally need an arrival declaration. Valid K-ETA entrants and Korean residence-card holders are exempt; having K-ETA does not exempt someone entering on a visa. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open C-3-9 tourist visa application
Apply before travel through the Korean mission or authorized visa center responsible for where you live. The Visa Portal e-form is application paperwork, not an e-Visa grant: print its barcode form and submit it as the local mission instructs. Ordinary individual tourism is not a general e-Visa category.
Open South Korea e-Arrival Card
Use the Korea Visa Portal
Find visa categories by nationality and purpose, required documents and application services.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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