South Korea entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been stable for years and continues in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in South Korea. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Korean immigration, but some airlines may ask for 6 months — check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready — they check this at the counter before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, you'll need to show where you're staying for at least the first few nights. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum amount, but around 1,000 USD equivalent for a short trip is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely check this for Austrian passport holders. | Recommended |
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) Optional pre-arrival registration | South Korea reinstated the K-ETA for visa-free travellers in 2024, but it's currently optional for Austrian passport holders. If you want to use the automated gates at Incheon, register online at visa.go.kr — it costs about 10 USD and is valid for 2 years.Apply for K-ETA | Optional |
No visa needed for 90 days
Austrian passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. No prior application needed.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew your passport first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Incheon or other airport
You'll go through immigration at Incheon (Seoul), Gimhae (Busan), or Jeju. Follow 'Foreign Passport' signs. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Fill out arrival card
On the plane or at the airport, fill out the arrival card (name, passport number, flight, accommodation address). Keep it with your passport.
3
Queue at immigration counter
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and boarding pass. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer briefly and honestly.
4
Get stamped and collect luggage
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs. No additional forms needed.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
Apply at Korean embassy in Austria. Requires itinerary, proof of funds, and accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost90,000 KRW (~$68 USD)
For frequent travelers; same requirements as single entry.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost100,000 KRW (~$75 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean company and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost80,000 KRW (~$60 USD)
For enrollment in a Korean educational institution; proof of admission and funds needed.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
100,000 KRW (~$75 USD) application fee
For professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires a contract, qualifications, and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
80,000 KRW (~$60 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled in a Korean university or language program. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
100,000 KRW (~$75 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for retirees)
3 years, renewable
100,000 KRW (~$75 USD) application fee
For retirees over 55 with a stable pension and no intention to work. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; valid for 2 years. Apply online before travel. | 10,000 KRW (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable for Austrian nationals. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 90 days; required if visa-free is not used or for longer stays. | 60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, up to 90 days per stay. | 90,000 KRW (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine depends on overstay duration; may include deportation and ban. | 100,000–200,000 KRW (~$75–150 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South Korean airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering South Korea, a visa or K-ETA is required.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high, especially in winter and spring; consider masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene in restaurants is good, but travelers should avoid street food with poor handling.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in urban areas, but risk exists in rural/forested regions; consider vaccination if hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Use the Hi Korea online system first.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related issues for the southern region.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,529.37 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a re-entry ban.
You need to apply for a visa before travel — for example, a tourist visa (C-3-9) or a long-stay visa. Contact the South Korean embassy in Vienna for details.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Austrian passport holders on a visa-free stay. Just the standard arrival card on the plane.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. If it expires during your stay, contact the Austrian Embassy in Seoul for a replacement before you leave.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Paid work or study requires the appropriate visa.
Austrian passport holders can enter Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days without prior visa. If you then travel to the mainland, you must follow the standard 90-day visa-free rules.
Denial is rare for Austrian passport holders with proper documents. If it happens, you'll be placed on a return flight. Common reasons: insufficient funds, no return ticket, or suspicious travel history.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.