South Korea entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Hong Kong passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business visits, and short-term family visits. As of 2026, the rules remain unchanged.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in South Korea. No 6-month rule applies here — just make sure it doesn't expire while you're there. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they'll check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Not always requested, but some officers ask where you're staying. Have your hotel confirmation or a friend's address and phone number handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Rarely checked for Hong Kong passport holders, but carry a credit card or cash equivalent to about 1,000 USD for a week's stay. ATMs are everywhere in Seoul and Busan. | Recommended |
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 before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first.
Keep a digital copy of your documents
Save screenshots of your return ticket, hotel booking, and passport info page on your phone. If you lose your passport, these make replacement much easier.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Incheon or other airport
You'll go through immigration at Incheon International Airport (or Busan, Jeju, etc.). Join the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day stay.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel, then walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used. Apply at Korean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩70,000 (~$52 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of travel history.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study, renewable
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of study, up to 2 years initially
₩80,000 (~$60 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in Korean universities or language programs. Can be renewed for the length of the program.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million in a Korean business. Requires a business plan and proof of funds.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for retirees)
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. ₩30 million/year) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay but not work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; valid for 2 years. Apply online before travel. | ₩10,000 (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension is not available for visa-free stays; this fee applies only if eligible under special circumstances. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required; valid 3 months from issue. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For frequent travellers; valid up to 1 year, max stay 30 days per entry. | ₩70,000 (~$52 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap varies; overstay may also lead to deportation and entry 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
Hong Kong passport holders can transit through South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 30 days if holding a confirmed onward ticket.
- No visa needed for airside transit (staying in the international transit area).
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollution (fine dust)Moderate risk
High levels of PM2.5 in spring and winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk is low but can occur from undercooked seafood or street food; practice good hygiene.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking in forests.
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
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and residence matters for the Busan region.
Practical information for HK 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 = 1,498.37 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering.
You need to apply for a visa before travel. Options include a tourist visa (C-3-9) or a long-stay visa depending on your purpose (work, study, etc.). Contact the Korean embassy in Hong Kong.
Yes. You'll receive an arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Fill it out with your flight number, accommodation address, and passport details. Hand it to immigration with your passport.
Yes, Hong Kong passport holders can enter Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days. But if you plan to visit the mainland, you need the standard 90-day visa-free entry.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not officially required for visa-free entry, but immigration may ask if they suspect you can't support yourself. Having a credit card or bank statement handy is wise.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. Working or studying requires the appropriate visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.