South Korea entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. You must apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for your nationality. Plan ahead, as the process takes time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korean visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you must visit a South Korean diplomatic mission in advance. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate before travel. No eVisa is available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for your visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary printed or on your phone — airlines and immigration often check this. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave South Korea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in South Korea. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before departure. Not required | No separate arrival declaration (e.g., K-ETA or health form) is required for Madagascar passport holders entering South Korea. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival — apply early
Madagascar passport holders cannot use South Korea's eVisa system or get a visa on arrival. You must go through an embassy or consulate. Start the process at least a month in advance to avoid delays.
Visa is not extendable
Your South Korean visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Plan your stay carefully and leave before the visa expiry date to avoid penalties.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photo, application form, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and any other supporting documents. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the embassy or consulate
Visit the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate in your region (for Madagascar, that's typically the South Korean Embassy in Antananarivo, or the embassy in a neighboring country if there's no local mission). Submit your completed form and documents in person. Some embassies require an appointment — check their website first.
3
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. You may be asked for additional documents or an interview. Track your application status online if the embassy offers it.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the visa's validity dates and entry conditions immediately — report any errors to the embassy right away.
5
Travel and enter South Korea
At the airport in South Korea, go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport, visa, and possibly your return ticket ready. Immigration will check your documents and stamp your passport. Keep your accommodation details handy in case they ask.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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
Requires invitation letter from Korean company and business registration documents.
Tourist visa (C-3-9)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40
Standard single-entry visa for tourism; multiple-entry options available at higher cost.
Working holiday visa (H-1)
Max stay12 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60
Only for applicants aged 18-30; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For professionals with specialized skills or job offers in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at Korean universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD)
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeFee varies by embassy; additional service charges may apply. | $40 (single-entry, 90 days) |
| Visa issuance fee (if approved)Included in application fee for most cases. | $40 |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $60 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Madagascar passport holders require a visa to transit through South Korea, even if staying airside. Apply for a transit visa (C-3-1) before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying in the same airport for less than 24 hours may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival at Incheon Airport, but this is not guaranteed and must be confirmed with the airline.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travelers should avoid undercooked seafood and street food in remote areas.
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, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-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
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for MG 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Madagascar 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 Madagascar passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate in person or by mail, depending on the mission's rules.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if additional documents are requested or during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies by embassy and visa type, but it's usually around $40–60 USD (or equivalent in local currency). Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply — fees are non-refundable.
There is a South Korean Embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar. If you're not near it, you may need to apply at the nearest South Korean embassy in a neighboring country, but it's best to contact the Antananarivo embassy first to confirm jurisdiction.
No, the visa for Madagascar passport holders is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering.
You will be denied entry. South Korean immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
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.