South Korea entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. You must apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Nepali citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process takes time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea visaYou need a visa sticker in your passport before you fly. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Nepali citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. You are not eligible for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) or an eVisa; you must apply at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate. Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into South Korea. Check your passport's expiry date before applying for the visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure the page is free of any markings or tears. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit plans. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave South Korea before your visa expires. Keep a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but good to have. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. Carry bank statements, credit cards, or cash as proof. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korea for Nepali passport holders. You will complete the standard immigration and customs forms on arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThere is no online visa option for your nationality. Not applicable | Nepali citizens are not eligible for South Korea's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; you must use the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Nepali citizens
South Korea offers eVisa and visa-on-arrival for some nationalities, but Nepali passport holders are NOT eligible. You must apply through the embassy in Kathmandu. Don't fall for online services claiming to get you an eVisa — they can't.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 2 weeks, and the embassy may ask for additional documents. Start your application at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
Visa is not extendable
Your South Korean visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Overstaying even a day can lead to fines and a re-entry ban. Plan your trip within the visa's validity period.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, application form, itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and employment/study letters. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the embassy
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu (located at Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward No. 4, Baluwatar, Kathmandu). Submit your complete application in person during consular hours (usually 09:00–12:00, Monday–Friday). You may be asked for an interview.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. You can track the status online using your application number, or wait for the embassy to contact you.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, return to the embassy to collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa details — dates, number of entries, and validity — before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in South Korea
At Incheon International Airport (or other entry points), go through immigration with your passport and visa. Have your accommodation address and return flight details ready. You'll receive an entry stamp allowing a stay as specified on your visa (usually 30–90 days).
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry visa (C-3-9)
Max stay30 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$90
For frequent travelers; requires prior travel history.
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay30 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$60 (single) / $90 (multiple)
Requires invitation letter from Korean company.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60 (single entry) + application fee
Requires employment contract and sponsorship.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For skilled 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
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For international students enrolled in degree programs at Korean universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 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 |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (C-3-9, short-term visit)Fee varies by consulate; additional service fees may apply. | $40 (single-entry) or $60 (double-entry) |
| Visa extension (short-term stay)For stays up to 30 days extension, subject to approval. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
| Overstay penaltyFines and possible deportation; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
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
Nepali passport holders require a visa to transit through South Korea, even if staying airside. No visa-free transit is available.
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid visa for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or an EU country, you may be eligible for visa-free transit (up to 30 days) under the Korea K-ETA program, but this is not guaranteed and must be confirmed with the airline or Korean embassy.
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)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices reduce risk; avoid undercooked street food.
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 inquiries.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa services for southern region.
Practical information for NP 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
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Nepali citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or eVisa for South Korea. You must obtain a visa from the South Korean Embassy in Kathmandu before you travel.
Standard processing takes 5–10 working days. During peak travel seasons (spring and autumn), it can take longer, so apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is approximately USD 40 for a single-entry visa. This is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Check the embassy's website for the latest fee schedule.
Your application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your intended date of entry into South Korea.
Yes, you need to provide a confirmed round-trip flight reservation. It doesn't have to be a paid ticket, but it must be a real booking from an airline or travel agent. You'll also need to show it at immigration when you arrive.
No. The visa you receive is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your visa 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 the denial. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or weak ties to Nepal. Contact the embassy for guidance on what to improve before reapplying.
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.