South Korea entry requirements for Brazil passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Brazilian passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Brazilian nationals. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply for a visa before travel
Brazilian passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. Apply online through the Korea eVisa portal at visa.go.kr before your trip. Processing takes 5–10 business days — apply at least 2 weeks ahead.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in South Korea. No minimum validity period is required beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from South Korea
Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from South Korea within your visa validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in South Korea. Immigration may ask for your first night's address on arrival.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines and visa officers may request proof of at least ₩1,000,000 (approx. $750 USD) per week.Recommended
No visa-on-arrival for Brazilians
Unlike some other nationalities, Brazilians cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have the visa approved and in your passport before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa approval, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and insurance policy as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your passport, these make replacement much faster.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the visa online
Go to www.visa.go.kr, create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the fee. You'll get a confirmation with an appointment date.
2
Attend the in-person appointment
Go to the Korean embassy or consulate in Brazil (Brasília, São Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro) on your scheduled date. Bring your printed application, passport, photos, bank statements, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. They'll check everything and take your passport.
3
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. You can track the status online using your application number. Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker.
4
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and your accommodation booking. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. They'll stamp you in for the duration of your visa.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostKRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)

Standard option for tourism; must apply at Korean embassy in Brazil.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostKRW 90,000 (~$68 USD)

For frequent travellers; requires proof of previous travel or strong ties.

Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostKRW 100,000 (~$75 USD)

For skilled professionals; requires job offer and employer sponsorship.

Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostKRW 100,000 (~$75 USD)

For enrolled students at Korean universities; requires admission letter.

work visa
E-7 Work Visa for Professionals
1 year, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in Korean universities. Allows part-time work with permission. Pathway to permanent residency.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least KRW 100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 90 days, non-extendable.KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max 90 days per stay.KRW 90,000 (~$68 USD)
Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.KRW 100,000–200,000 per day (~$75–150 USD), max KRW 20,000,000 (~$15,000 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Brazil passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South Korean airports if they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 30 days under certain conditions.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)

Health & vaccines for South Korea

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk

Particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during winter; consider masks if sensitive.

Foodborne illnessLow risk

Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked meat and street food if concerned.

Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare in tourists; risk in rural/forested areas during spring/summer.

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; bring application form, passport, photo, and fee.

Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Handles extensions and visa issues for southern region.

Practical information for BR 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 = 1,501.66 KRW
updated May 21
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
Police112
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to South Korea

17,605 kmgreat circle distance
~22hfrom Brazil
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 5–10 business days after your in-person appointment. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and reapply from abroad.
You apply at the Korean Embassy in Brasília or the Consulate in São Paulo. Residents of Rio de Janeiro can use the consular section there. Check the embassy website for the exact address and appointment system.
The visa fee is around 60 USD (roughly 300 BRL), but check the current exchange rate. You pay when you submit the application online.
Only the first night is strictly required, but having bookings for your whole trip makes the application stronger. If you're staying with friends, a letter from them works.
If you're connecting to another country and stay airside (don't go through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you need a visa even for a few hours.
No. Brazilian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have the visa sticker in your passport before you board your flight.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.