South Korea entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek passport holders can visit South Korea for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free entry has been in place for years and remains valid in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Greek passport only needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in South Korea. Airlines may still enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimhae routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before granting entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in South Korea. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 1,000 USD in cash, card, or bank statement. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) Optional pre-arrival registration | South Korea temporarily suspended the K-ETA requirement for Greek passport holders until December 2025. You can still apply voluntarily at visa.go.kr for faster processing at immigration — it costs 10,000 KRW and is valid for 2 years.Apply for K-ETA | Optional |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter South Korea. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.
No K-ETA needed for Greek passport holders
As of 2026, Greek citizens do not need to apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling. Just show up with your valid passport and onward ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at the airport.
2
Arrive at Incheon or other international airport
At Incheon International Airport (or Gimhae, Jeju, etc.), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for non-Korean passport holders.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation address. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day stay permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're now free to enter South Korea.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
For those who need to stay beyond 90 days or have no visa-free access.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years for frequent travellers)
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; requires proof of travel history.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For enrollment in a Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires a contract and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term stay and family accompaniment.
Apply student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For those enrolled in a Korean university or language program. Allows part-time work after 6 months. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) + investment amount
For investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires a business plan and proof of funds.
Apply retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for long-term residents)
3 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For those who have lived in Korea for 5+ years on other visas. Requires Korean language proficiency and stable income. Allows permanent residency eventually.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free travellers; may be reinstated. | Free (currently suspended for some nationalities; check official site) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine varies; overstay may lead to deportation and ban. | ₩100,000–₩200,000 (~$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
Greece passport holders can transit through South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, Japan, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand visas may enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Transit passengers staying airside do not need a visa regardless of nationality.
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 in urban areas, especially in winter and spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked foods from street vendors.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Flu season runs from October to April; vaccination recommended.
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; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and visa issues for the southern region.
Practical information for GR 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 = 1,494.42 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. Visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. If you plan to work (paid or unpaid) or study, you need the appropriate visa before you travel.
No, the 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, and deported. Future visa applications or entry to South Korea could be denied. Always leave on time.
As of 2026, Greek passport holders do not need a K-ETA for visa-free entry. You will still fill in a standard arrival card on the plane or at the airport (name, passport number, address in Korea).
Yes, Greek passport holders can enter Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days. However, if you then travel to the mainland, you must follow the standard 90-day visa-free rules.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. A damaged passport (torn pages, water damage) is also grounds for refusal.
It's not a standard requirement for Greek passport holders, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good idea to show you can support yourself.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.