South Korea entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish passport holders can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. This covers tourism, business meetings, or transit. As of 2026, no prior approval is needed — just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
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 of validity beyond your departure date, but Korean immigration only requires validity covering your stay. | 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 of your flight booking ready — they check this before granting entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card available. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself — showing a card with a reasonable limit or a few hundred USD in cash usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
Keep your departure stub
When you arrive, immigration will give you a departure stub. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to hand it in when leaving South Korea. Losing it can cause delays at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Incheon or other airport
At Incheon International Airport (or Gimhae, Jeju, etc.), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for non-Korean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and completed arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel address. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get stamped and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Collect your passport and proceed to baggage claim. No additional fees or forms needed.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not desired. Apply at Korean embassy in Poland.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost₩90,000 (~$68 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of travel history and financial means.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For enrolled students at a Korean educational institution. Requires admission letter.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years, renewable)
₩80,000 (~$60 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in a Korean university or language program. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee + investment amount
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for retirees)
3 years, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. ₩30 million/year) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
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) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not applicable. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a period, typically up to 5 years. | ₩90,000 (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free period. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ₩100,000–₩200,000 per day (~$75–$150 USD), max ₩20,000,000 (~$15,000 USD) |
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
Polish 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
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 30 days if holding a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
- No visa needed for airside transit of any duration.
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, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during winter. Consider masks and air purifiers.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked meat and street food if sensitive.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists, but present in rural areas. Consider vaccination if hiking extensively.
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 extensions and visa issues. Bring application form, passport, photo, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect longer wait times during peak season.
Practical information for PL 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 = 1,507.66 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entry.
You need to apply for a visa before travel — for example, a tourist visa (C-3-9) or a long-stay visa like a student or work visa. Contact the South Korean embassy in Warsaw for details.
Yes, you'll receive an arrival card on the plane. Fill it out in English or Korean. Keep the departure stub with your passport — you'll hand it in when you leave.
No, there is no visa on arrival. You either enter visa-free (up to 90 days) or need a visa in advance for longer stays.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. Paid work or study requires the appropriate visa.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), no visa is needed. If you want to leave the airport, you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under the transit tourism program, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.