South Korea entry requirements for Cambodia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Cambodian passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. You must apply for a visa at a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival and no eVisa option for Cambodian nationals. Plan ahead, as the application process takes time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korean visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa; you must apply through a South Korean diplomatic mission. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Cambodian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. There is no eVisa option for Cambodian citizens. Submit your application at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validitySouth Korea enforces a 6-month passport validity rule for Cambodian citizens. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into South Korea. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport upon arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave the country before your visa expires. Proof of departure from South Korea | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from South Korea within your authorized stay period. This is typically checked at check-in and by immigration. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving bank statements or cash can help demonstrate you can support yourself while in South Korea. For your stay | You may be required to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in South Korea. The amount is not fixed but should be proportional to your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration officers may ask where you will be staying to verify your travel plans. Hotel booking or invitation letter | Provide proof of accommodation for your entire stay, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in South Korea. This may be requested during visa application or at immigration. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical costs can be high; insurance protects you from unexpected expenses. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies is strongly recommended for your trip to South Korea. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form before traveling. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Cambodian citizens entering South Korea. You will complete the standard immigration and customs forms provided on arrival. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival or eVisa — apply in advance
Cambodian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa for South Korea. You must apply at the South Korean embassy in Phnom Penh before you fly. Arriving without a visa means you'll be denied entry and sent back.
Visa is not extendable
The South Korean short-term visa for Cambodian nationals cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea. Plan your trip to fit within the allowed stay.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, application form, itinerary, financial proof, employment/study proof. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the embassy/consulate
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh (or the consulate covering your area) in person. Submit your form and documents, pay the fee, and get a receipt. No eVisa or online application is available for Cambodian nationals.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. You may be called for an interview if the embassy needs more information.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy with your receipt to pick up your passport. Check the visa sticker — verify your name, dates, and number of entries are correct.
5
Arrive in South Korea
At Incheon or Gimpo airport, go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker. Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 30 days (or as specified on your visa).
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry) or $60 (double-entry)
Requires invitation letter from Korean company and proof of business purpose.
Work visa (E-7 specific activity)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60 (single-entry) or $90 (multiple-entry)
Requires employment contract and work permit approval from Korean immigration.
Student visa (D-2 or D-4)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60 (single-entry) or $90 (multiple-entry)
Requires admission letter from Korean educational institution and proof of funds.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 2 years renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in a Korean university or language program. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least KRW 100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (C-3-9 short-term general)Fee varies by embassy; payable in USD or local currency. | $40 (single-entry) or $60 (double-entry) |
| Visa issuance fee (if applying through Korea Visa Portal)Online application fee for eligible applicants; not an eVisa. | $40 |
| Visa extension (for valid short-term stay)Only for certain circumstances; must apply before current stay expires. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Cambodian passport holders require a visa to transit through South Korea, even if staying airside. A C-3-9 short-term visa is needed for transit purposes.
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions for Cambodian nationals; visa required for all transit.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked foods.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk in rural/forested areas during 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 inquiries. Bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for KH 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
No. Cambodian passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. South Korea does not offer an eVisa for Cambodian nationals. You must apply in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Phnom Penh or the nearest consulate.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if additional documents are requested or during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure.
The fee varies by visa type. For a single-entry short-term visa (C-3), it's typically around USD 40–60. Check the embassy's website or call for the exact amount — fees are non-refundable.
For a short-term visit visa, the stay is usually up to 30 days. The exact duration is printed on your visa sticker — check it carefully.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave South Korea and apply for a new visa from your home country.
Your application will be rejected. You must renew your passport first. South Korean immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
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.