South Korea entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
As an Australian passport holder, you can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. No K-ETA or advance visa is needed for tourism or short business trips in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Australian passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in South Korea — the 6-month rule does not apply. Airlines may still check for 6 months validity at check-in, so carry your printed itinerary showing your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this at Incheon and Gimpo. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask for proof of funds if you look like you might overstay or work illegally. | Recommended |
K-ETA changes
South Korea periodically changes its electronic travel authorization rules. While Australians are currently exempt, always check the official K-ETA website or your airline before departure in case the policy has changed.
No extension available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism. If you need longer, you must apply for a visa (e.g., visitor visa, student visa, work visa) before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Korean airport
At Incheon, Gimpo, or other international airports, follow signs for 'Foreigner'. Join the queue for non-Korean passports.
2
Complete arrival card
Fill out the arrival card (and customs declaration form) handed out on the plane. Write your accommodation address and purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.).
3
Present passport and card
Hand over your passport and completed arrival card. The officer may ask purpose, duration, and hotel. Answer briefly and honestly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free stay. Check the stamp says 'B-1' or 'B-2' and the allowed stay before leaving.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost40,000 KRW (~$30 USD)
Requires application at Korean embassy. Extensions possible for valid reasons.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost90,000 KRW (~$68 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must meet eligibility criteria.
Long-stay visa (e.g., D-2 Student, E-7 Work)
Max stayVaries by visa type (e.g., 1 year)
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (e.g., 60,000–100,000 KRW)
For study, work, or other long-term purposes. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
100,000 KRW (~$75 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term stay and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years, renewable)
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For international students enrolled in a degree program at a South Korean university. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
100,000 KRW (~$75 USD)
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW in a South Korean business. Requires a detailed business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free entry. Valid for 2 years. | 10,000 KRW (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | N/A |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not suitable. | 40,000 KRW (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max 90 days per stay. | 90,000 KRW (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free period. Avoid by leaving on time. | 100,000–200,000 KRW per day (~$75–$150 USD), max 20,000,000 KRW (~$15,000 USD) |
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
Australian 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
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours at Incheon Airport.
- If leaving the airport, a visa or visa-free entry applies.
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, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high, especially in winter and spring; consider masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common but usually mild; practice good food hygiene.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking extensively.
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, Jung-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
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 AU 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 = 1,490.2 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
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering.
No. As of 2026, Australian passport holders are exempt from K-ETA when visiting for tourism or short business trips. You just need a valid passport and the arrival card.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel, or check if Australia's embassy can issue an emergency passport (validity still needed).
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, short business (meetings, conferences), or visiting family. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa before travel.
A ticket out of South Korea — whether return to Australia or onward to another country — is strongly recommended. While not always checked, you may be asked to show proof of departure.
Overstaying is serious. You may be fined per day of overstay, detained, and deported. The Korean Immigration Service can also ban you from re-entering for a period. Get a visa extension only if eligible (e.g., medical emergency) before your stay ends.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter as long as total stays do not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. However, frequent short trips may raise questions about the true purpose of visit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.