South Korea entry requirements for Myanmar 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

Myanmar 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 Myanmar nationals. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time for the application process.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
South Korea visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must apply in advance at a Korean embassy or consulate.
Visa required
Myanmar passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Yangon or the nearest consulate. No eVisa is available for Myanmar nationals.Required
Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for 6 months past your exit date.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for your visa.Required
Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a blank page to stamp your passport when you enter South Korea.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is advisable to have more than one blank page for any additional stamps or endorsements.Required
Return or onward ticketYou need to show that you will leave South Korea before your visa or visa-free period ends.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from South Korea within the authorized stay period. This is typically checked at check-in and by immigration.Required
Proof of fundsHaving proof of money helps show you can support yourself during your visit.
Sufficient financial means
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Korea, such as bank statements or cash. The exact amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, food, and other expenses.Recommended
Accommodation detailsYou need to show where you will be staying during your trip.
Where you will stay
Provide details of your accommodation in South Korea, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host. This is often required for the visa application and may be asked at immigration.Required
Travel insuranceTravel insurance protects you from unexpected medical or travel-related costs.
Recommended coverage
While not mandatory for visa application, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies is strongly recommended for your stay in South Korea.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out a separate arrival form beyond the usual immigration card.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Myanmar passport holders entering South Korea. Standard immigration procedures apply.Not required
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Myanmar nationals
Even though South Korea offers eVisa for some nationalities, Myanmar passport holders are not eligible. You must apply through the embassy or consulate. Don't fall for online services claiming to get you an eVisa — they're scams.
Apply early — don't wait
Visa processing can take up to 2 weeks or more. Combine that with the need to gather documents, and you should start at least a month before your planned travel date. Last-minute applications risk missing your flight.
Overstaying is serious
Your visa is not extendable. Overstaying even a few days can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea. Set a reminder for your departure date.

What happens at the border

1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, application form, itinerary, financial proof, and employment letter. Make copies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some documents.
2
Submit your application at the embassy/consulate
Take your documents in person to the South Korean embassy or consulate in Myanmar (in Yangon). You may need to book an appointment in advance. Submit the form and pay the fee. They'll give you a receipt with a tracking number.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Check the embassy's website for current processing times. You can track your application online with your receipt number.
4
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, return to the embassy to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the visa details (dates, number of entries) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in South Korea
At the airport (usually Incheon International), go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport, visa, and possibly your return ticket ready. The immigration officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. You'll get an entry stamp — check the allowed stay duration.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Myanmar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (C-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from Korean company and supporting documents.

Work visa (E-series)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
Validity1-2 years
Cost$80 (approx.)

Requires employment contract and work permit approval from Korean authorities.

Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$60 (approx.)

Requires admission letter from a Korean educational institution.

work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~USD 45) application fee
For professionals with specialized skills (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires a job offer from a Korean company and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~USD 45) application fee
For full-time study at a Korean university or graduate school. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~USD 45) application fee
For investors who invest at least KRW 100 million (~USD 75,000) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa application fee (single-entry, 90 days)Fee varies by embassy/consulate; payable in local currency or as instructed.$40 (approx.)
Visa issuance fee (if approved)May be included in application fee; confirm with the Korean embassy.$40 (approx.)
Visa extension fee (per request)For stays beyond the granted period; apply at the immigration office before expiry.$60 (approx.)

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

Myanmar passport holders generally require a visa to transit through South Korea, even if staying airside. A C-3 transit visa is required unless you qualify for the visa-free transit program (which is not applicable to Myanmar nationals).

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid visas for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or European Schengen states may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 30 days, but this is subject to change and must be confirmed with the Korean embassy.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Gimhae International Airport (PUS)

Health & vaccines for South Korea

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in winter and spring; consider masks if sensitive.

Foodborne illnessLow risk

Standard hygiene in restaurants; avoid raw or undercooked food if unsure.

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, Seobu-ro, Seodaemun-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
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the Busan area.

Practical information for MM 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but it can be longer during busy periods. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe. The embassy in Yangon is the main place to apply.
No. Myanmar passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or eVisa. You must get a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel.
The fee varies depending on the visa type and your nationality. Check with the South Korean embassy in Yangon for the exact amount. It's typically around $40-60 USD, but can be higher for multiple-entry visas. The fee is non-refundable.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into South Korea. If it expires sooner, renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Yes, you need to provide a confirmed round-trip flight itinerary. However, you don't need to purchase the ticket before the visa is approved — a reservation from a travel agency is usually accepted.
No, the visa for Myanmar nationals is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering.
You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for rejection. The embassy doesn't always give a detailed explanation, but common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or doubts about your intention to return. You may also appeal, but it's often easier to reapply with stronger evidence.

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.