South Korea entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or e-VisaYou need to get an approved K-ETA before flying to South Korea, even though you don't need a traditional visa. Visa-free entry with K-ETA | Brazilian passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days, but must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure. Apply online at least 72 hours before travel. The K-ETA is valid for 2 years from approval. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it must be valid for 6 months after you leave South Korea. At least 6 months | Your Brazilian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight booking out of South Korea ready – it's not always asked, but it's safer to have it. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed booking showing you will leave South Korea before your 90-day stay ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry evidence that you can support yourself financially during your visit, like bank statements or a credit card. Sufficient funds for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. There is no fixed amount, but having access to around 1,000,000 KRW (approx. 4,000 BRL) or a credit card is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your passport and K-ETA. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Brazilian citizens entering South Korea. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (C-3-9)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx.)
Single-entry; can be extended once for up to 90 days under certain circumstances.
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx.)
For short-term business activities; requires invitation letter from Korean company.
Work visa (E-series)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityVaries by employment contract
Cost$60 USD (approx.)
Requires sponsorship from Korean employer; processing takes several weeks.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; not applicable if you hold a visa. | 10,000 KRW (approx. $7.50 USD) |
| Visa application fee (single-entry, short-term)Fee varies by visa type and nationality; check with the Korean embassy. | $40 USD (approx.) |
| Visa extension fee (per extension)Only for certain visa types; not available for all short-term visas. | 60,000 KRW (approx. $45 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
Transit visa required
Brazilian passport holders transiting through South Korea generally require a visa unless they qualify for the visa-free transit program. You must have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries (with confirmed onward ticket) may transit visa-free for up to 24 hours.
- Transit passengers who have previously visited South Korea at least once in the last 5 years may be eligible for visa-free entry for up to 30 days (subject to 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 = 1,543.91 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
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.