Australia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
South Korean passport holders can travel to Australia without a traditional visa — you'll need an eVisitor (subclass 651) instead, which is free and applied for online. It's valid for 12 months from the date of grant and lets you stay up to 3 months per visit. You must apply before you fly, but approval is usually quick.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need to apply for this visa online before you fly; it's free and usually granted quickly. Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) before traveling to Australia. The application is free and completed online. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date, or you may be denied entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a booked flight out of Australia to show you plan to leave. Proof of departure | You must hold a return or onward ticket to leave Australia before your eVisitor visa expires (usually 12 months from grant). Immigration may ask to see this at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. For your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia, such as bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the visa application. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korean passport holders entering Australia. The eVisitor visa application itself collects necessary information. | Not required |
eVisitor is not a work visa
You cannot work in Australia on an eVisitor. If you're caught working, you risk deportation and a ban from re-entering. For work, apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) before you travel.
Beware of third-party visa websites
Some websites look official but charge fees for the free eVisitor. Always use the Australian Department of Home Affairs website directly (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisitor online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and complete the eVisitor application form. You'll need your passport details, contact information, and answers to health and character questions. The form takes about 15 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Most eVisitor applications are approved within 1–2 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. You'll receive an email with your grant notification. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
3
Fly to Australia
When you arrive at an Australian airport (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), go to the ePassport gates if your passport has the chip symbol — you can self-scan and be through in minutes. Otherwise, join the queue for a border officer.
4
Present your passport at immigration
At the counter, hand over your passport. The officer will scan it and see your eVisitor linked to it. They may ask about your travel plans and accommodation. Answer honestly and keep it simple.
5
Receive entry stamp and proceed
You'll get a stamp in your passport (or just a digital record) and be cleared to enter. Collect your luggage and head to customs. The whole process usually takes under 30 minutes.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – Single entry
Max stay3 months
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
For tourism purposes only; no work allowed.
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entry
Max stay3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For South Korean citizens aged 18–30; allows work and travel.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 415)
Requires enrollment in a registered course.
work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845)
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets and income. Requires investment in Australia.
digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa available
N/A
N/A
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visas or working holiday visas.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryFor tourism or business visitor purposes, up to 3 months stay. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entryAllows multiple entries up to 12 months, each stay up to 3 months. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | AUD 100 per day (max AUD 5,000) |
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 Australia
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Australian airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus)Low risk
Risk is low for most tourists; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Sun exposure and skin cancerModerate risk
Australia has high UV levels; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe; food hygiene is generally excellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Appointments recommended; bring all original documents.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Public transport accessible; allow extra time for security.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are approved within 1–2 business days, but the official processing time can be up to 2 weeks. Apply as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons.
Yes, the eVisitor (subclass 651) has no application fee. Beware of third-party websites that charge a service fee — you can apply directly on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for free.
No. The eVisitor does not allow you to work. You can study for up to 3 months, but any paid employment is prohibited. If you want to work, you need a different visa like a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).
You can stay up to 3 months per visit. The eVisitor is valid for 12 months from the date it's granted, and you can enter multiple times during that period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 3 months.
If your application is refused, you'll receive a letter explaining why. You can apply again, but only if your circumstances change. For complex cases, consider contacting the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
No, the eVisitor is linked electronically to your passport. However, it's a good idea to have a copy of the grant email on your phone or printed, in case there's a system issue.
No, the eVisitor cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Australia and apply for a new visa, or apply for a different visa that allows a longer stay, but you cannot do this while onshore for the eVisitor.
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.