Turkey entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Turkey for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your South Korean passport needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Turkey. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Turkish immigration, but airlines may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended for visa-free entry | Immigration officers at Istanbul Airport and other entry points may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — this is not always checked, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Turkey. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays if questioned about your stay address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have access to at least $50–$100 USD per day of your stay, either in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Turkish immigration rarely checks this for South Korean passport holders, but it's wise to have evidence available. | Recommended |
90-day limit is per entry
The 90-day visa-free period resets each time you re-enter Turkey, but there is no official 'cooling off' period. However, frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions at immigration. If you plan to stay long-term, consider a residence permit.
Overstaying is expensive
Overstaying even a day can result in a fine of around 100-200 Turkish Lira per day, plus a possible ban from re-entering Turkey for months. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Turkish airport
At Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Join the queue for non-Turkish citizens.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation proof. Answer questions clearly (purpose of visit, length of stay). They will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms or fees for South Korean passport holders.
Download Turkey Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Not needed for short visits; apply only if visa-free is revoked.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Not needed for short visits; apply only if visa-free is revoked.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
Validity1 year or more
CostVaries (e.g., work visa ~$100 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Çalışma İzni)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For South Korea nationals with a job offer in Turkey. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Öğrenci Vizesi)
Duration of study program, renewable
~$50 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a Turkish university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Short-Term Residence Permit (for retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee + residence permit card fee)
For retirees with sufficient income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Permanent (citizenship after 3 years)
$400,000 USD minimum real estate investment or $500,000 USD capital investment
For high-net-worth individuals. Requires investment in real estate, capital, or job creation. Leads to Turkish citizenship after 3 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure to avoid future bans. | TRY 100 (~$3.50 USD) per day, max TRY 5,000 (~$175 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown (not available for visa-free stays) |
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 Turkey
No transit visa needed
South Korea passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Turkey, as long as they stay airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa or visa-free entry applies (up to 90 days).
Transit hubsIstanbul Airport (IST) · Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) · Antalya Airport (AYT)
Health & vaccines for Turkey
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaModerate risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare in urban areas; use insect repellent in rural or marshy regions.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant if visiting high-altitude areas like Mount Ararat; ascend gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is very low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Use mosquito repellent in southeastern regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Istanbul
Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Hürriyet Mahallesi, Dr. Cemil Bengü Caddesi No: 1, 34870 Kartal/İstanbul
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
For visa issues and residence permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 193, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for central Turkey; handles residence permits and visa extensions.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalAnkara
LanguageTurkish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months with notarised translation.
Money
CurrencyTurkish Lira (TRY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 45.51 TRY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers generally avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Turkey
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Turkey — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines of 100-200 Turkish Lira per day and a possible entry ban. If you need to stay longer, apply for a residence permit from within Turkey before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. Turkish immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
No, if you are transiting through a Turkish airport and not leaving the international transit area, you do not need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country (even for a few hours), the visa-free rules apply — 90 days max.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism and business (meetings, conferences, etc.). For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return/onward ticket (printed or on phone), and first night hotel booking. Travel insurance is not mandatory but smart to have. No visa fee or application form needed.
No, South Korean passport holders do not need to register with local authorities. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp safe.
Report the loss to local police and get a police report. Then contact the South Korean Embassy in Ankara or Consulate in Istanbul for an emergency travel document. You will need that to leave Turkey.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.