South Korea entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies in 2026 for tourism, short business trips, and family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six 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 may ask for 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny boarding if you can't show one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. A simple booking printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show you can support yourself. Carry a credit card or bank statement showing at least 1,000 USD equivalent. Cash is rarely required. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the gate.
Keep documents accessible
Save screenshots of your return ticket and accommodation on your phone. Immigration officers at Incheon often ask to see them. Having them ready speeds up the process.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your arrival date. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and an eSIM.
2
Arrive at Incheon or other airport
At Incheon International Airport (or Gimhae, Jeju, etc.), follow signs to 'Foreign Passport' immigration. Queues can be long during peak hours — allow 30–60 minutes.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and completed arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '90 days' before you walk away. If it's less, ask why.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Green channel if nothing to declare, red if you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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; apply at Korean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of previous travel or ties.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer; sponsored by employer.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For enrolled students at a Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For professionals with a job offer in South Korea in fields like IT, engineering, or teaching. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years, renewable)
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in a degree program at a Korean university. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires a detailed business plan.
long term resident
F-5 Permanent Resident Visa
Indefinite (renewable every 10 years)
₩500,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For long-term residents who have lived in South Korea for 5+ years on a valid visa. Requires Korean language proficiency and income proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free entry; valid for 2 years. | ₩10,000 (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension is generally not permitted for visa-free stays; this fee applies if an exception is granted. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; valid 3 months, max stay 90 days. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid 1 year, max stay 90 days per entry; for frequent travellers. | ₩80,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine depends on overstay duration; maximum cap varies, but can be up to ₩20,000,000 (~$15,000 USD). | ₩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
New Zealand passport holders can transit through South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country and do not leave the airport transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days and may leave the airport.
- Transit passengers staying overnight may be required to use airport accommodation or obtain a visa.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during winter and spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk is low but travellers should avoid undercooked meat and street food with poor hygiene.
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 re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Beomil-ro, Dong-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa issues for travellers in the Busan area.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 1,490.2 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, the visa-free entry cannot be extended. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa before you travel.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements (passport validity, return ticket, etc.) and you'll be granted up to 90 days.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions are made for visa-free entries.
It's not a formal requirement for visa-free entry, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or bank statement on your phone is enough to show you can support yourself during your stay.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, short business trips, and family visits only. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa applied for before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll face a fine (around 100,000–200,000 KRW per day over), possible detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea for a period. Always leave on time.
Yes, you'll be given an arrival card on the plane. Fill it out in English or Korean. It asks for your flight number, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. Keep a pen handy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.