South Korea entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Colombian passport holders need an e-visa to enter South Korea for tourism or short visits, valid for up to 90 days. The application is done online before you travel, and approval is usually quick. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or eVisaYou need an approved K-ETA to board your flight and enter South Korea. Visa-free entry via K-ETA | Colombian citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea for up to 90 days, but must obtain an approved 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 validityYour passport must be valid well beyond your stay to enter South Korea. Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into South Korea. Ensure your passport does not expire before 2027-02-06 if entering on 2026-08-06. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page for the immigration stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow you plan to leave South Korea within the allowed time. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than South Korea, showing departure before the end of your 90-day stay. Immigration may ask to see this at entry. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of funds helps show you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Korea. A reasonable amount is about 30,000 KRW per day (approx. 2,700,000 KRW for 90 days). Carry bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you are staying. Where you will stay | Have the address and contact details of your accommodation in South Korea (hotel, hostel, or private residence) ready to present at immigration if asked. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you from unexpected medical costs. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies is strongly recommended. Ensure it covers the entire duration of your stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korea at this time. You will complete a standard arrival card on the flight or at the airport. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Colombian citizens. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
90 days is generous — but not extendable
You can stay up to 90 days, but you cannot extend it. Plan your trip accordingly and don't overstay, as it can lead to fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (with 6 months validity), a digital photo, flight and hotel bookings, and bank statements. Scan them as PDFs or JPEGs for upload.
2
Fill out the online application
Go to the Korea Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr), create an account, and complete the e-visa application form. Double-check all details match your passport exactly.
3
Pay the e-visa fee
Pay the non-refundable fee (around $40 USD) online using a credit or debit card. Keep the payment receipt.
4
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive an email notification. Check the portal for your visa status.
5
Print or save your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of your e-visa and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Seoul.
6
Arrive at the airport
At Incheon or Gimpo airport, go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Present your passport, e-visa (printed or digital), and be ready to answer questions about your stay. Have your return ticket and hotel address handy.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Short-term General (C-3) Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry)
For tourism, visiting, or short business; requires application at Korean embassy.
Business (C-4) Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For short-term business activities; requires invitation letter from Korean company.
Working Holiday (H-1) Visa
Max stay12 months
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For Colombians aged 18-30; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Student (D-2) Visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years, renewable
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For enrollment in Korean educational institutions; requires admission letter.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, or teaching. Requires a job offer and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 2 years initially
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For international students enrolled in Korean universities or language programs. Can be renewed annually. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW in a Korean business. Requires a business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for long-term stay)
3 years, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For those who have lived in Korea for 5+ years on other visas. Requires stable income and Korean language proficiency. Not specifically a retirement visa but allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa issuance fee (if applying for a visa instead of K-ETA)For those not eligible for K-ETA or staying longer than 90 days. | $40 (single-entry) |
| Extension of stay (for valid visa holders)Must apply before current stay expires; approval not guaranteed. | $60 (approx. 60,000 KRW) |
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
Colombian passport holders transiting through South Korea are generally exempt from a transit visa if they stay airside and do not pass immigration. However, if you need to leave the international transit area, you must obtain a visa or K-ETA (if eligible) before travel.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area for less than 24 hours, no visa is required.
- If you need to enter South Korea (e.g., to change airports or overnight outside the transit area), you must have a valid visa or K-ETA.
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. Monitor air quality and wear 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 but present in rural areas. Use insect repellent and avoid tall grass.
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, Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-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
100, Daecheong-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related services for the southern region.
Practical information for CO 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
Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa denials.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to renew it at the Colombian embassy in Seoul before leaving.
Immigration officers may ask to see bank statements or cash. It's best to have your bank statements printed or accessible on your phone, even if you already submitted them online.
No, Colombian citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must have the e-visa approved before you board your flight.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. If you're unsure, contact the Korean embassy in Bogotá before reapplying.
The e-visa is typically single-entry. If you leave South Korea and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.