South Korea entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and continues in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in South Korea. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule, but Korean immigration only requires it to cover your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Korea ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but it's one less thing to scramble for if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip, especially if you're staying the full 90 days. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
No arrival card needed
South Korea scrapped the arrival declaration card for visa-free visitors. Just your passport is enough at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Save screenshots of everything on your phone.
2
Arrive at Incheon or other airport
At Incheon International Airport (or Gimhae, Jeju, etc.), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Foreign Passports'. The queue moves quickly, but can be long during peak hours.
3
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport to the officer. They may ask for your return ticket or hotel address. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're in.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 from issue date
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩70,000 (~$52 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-term stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩100,000–₩200,000 (~$75–$150 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For those enrolled in a Korean university or graduate program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
F-2-99 Digital Nomad Visa (pilot)
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For remote workers with stable income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free travellers. Valid for 2 years. | ₩10,000 (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeNot applicable for visa-free entry; extensions are not permitted. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, multiple entries. | ₩70,000 (~$52 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap varies; severe overstays may lead to deportation and ban. | ₩100,000–₩200,000 (~$75–$150 USD) per day |
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 South Korea
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders can transit through South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high, especially in winter and spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common but usually mild; practice good food hygiene.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
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, Jung-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, Daecheong-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related matters for the southern region.
Practical information for MT 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 = 1,494.42 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. The visa-free entry is not extendable for Maltese passport holders. If you want to stay longer, you must leave before day 90 and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, South Korea no longer requires an arrival declaration card for visa-free visitors. You just hand over your passport at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa before arrival.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering South Korea. The fine is typically around 100,000–200,000 KRW per day overstayed, but can be higher. Leave before day 90.
If you're transiting through Incheon and staying airside (not passing immigration), no visa is needed. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need to check if you qualify for the 30-day transit visa-free program — it's available for some nationalities but not all. For Maltese passport holders, the standard 90-day visa-free entry applies if you enter the country.
It's not mandatory for entry, but medical costs in South Korea are high. A simple hospital visit for a stomach bug can cost 200–300 USD. A broken leg could be thousands. Get insurance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.