South Korea entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the airport 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 must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in South Korea. Airlines may ask for 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, 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 confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at the counter before you get your entry stamp. | 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 for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least ₩1,000,000 KRW (roughly $750 USD) or a credit card with a reasonable limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during the 90 days. | Recommended |
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) Optional pre-arrival registration | South Korea reinstated the K-ETA for visa-free travelers in 2024, but it's currently optional for Romanian passport holders. If you want to use the automated gates at Incheon, register at visa.go.kr — it costs ₩10,000 KRW and is valid for 2 years.Apply for K-ETA | Optional |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter South Korea. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
K-ETA is not required for Romanians
As of 2026, Romanian passport holders do not need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) for visa-free entry. Just show up with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Incheon or other international airport
You'll go through immigration at Incheon (Seoul), Gimhae (Busan), or Jeju. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
2
Fill out arrival card
On the plane or at the airport, you'll get a small arrival card. Fill in your name, passport number, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport until you exit.
3
Proceed to immigration counter
Join the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Hand over your passport and arrival card. The officer will scan your passport, take a photo, and stamp it. You'll get a 90-day stay stamp.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$40 USD
Apply at South Korean embassy in Romania. Requires flight itinerary, accommodation, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
ValidityUp to 5 years (depending on applicant profile)
Cost~$60 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires previous travel history or strong ties to home country.
Work visa (E-7, E-9, etc.)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year (tied to employment contract)
Cost~$80 USD (application fee)
Requires a job offer from a South Korean employer and sponsorship. Must apply at embassy.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies (up to 2 years, renewable)
Validity6 months to 2 years
Cost~$60 USD
For enrollment in a South Korean university or language program. Requires acceptance letter.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
~$80 USD application fee
For professionals in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires a job offer from a South Korean company and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years, renewable)
~$60 USD application fee
For full-time study at a South 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
~$100 USD application fee + investment of at least $100,000 USD
For foreign investors starting or investing in a South Korean business. Requires a detailed business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for long-term residents)
3 years, renewable
~$80 USD application fee
For retirees or long-term residents who have lived in South Korea for 5+ years on other visas. Requires proof of income (approx. $2,000/month) and Korean language proficiency (TOPIK level 2).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)K-ETA is not required for visa-free entry as of 2024, but may be reintroduced. Always verify before travel. | Free (currently suspended for most nationalities, but may be reinstated; check official site) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not used. | ~$40 USD (varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a period, typically up to 5 years for frequent travellers. | ~$60 USD (varies by embassy) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. | ~$50 USD per day (max ~$2,000 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
Romanian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South Korean airports (Incheon, Gimpo, etc.) for up to 24 hours, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to enter South Korea (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must have a visa or qualify for visa-free entry.
- Holders of US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Schengen visas may transit visa-free for up to 30 days under certain conditions.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollution (fine dust)Moderate risk
High levels of PM2.5 in spring and winter can cause respiratory issues; wear masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common from undercooked seafood or street food; practice good hygiene.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use insect repellent when 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 (Seoul Southern Office)
319, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
For visa extensions, re-entry permits, and general inquiries. Bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Beonyeong-ro, Yeonje-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and residence matters. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for RO 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 = 1,516.87 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 is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., tourist visa extension or long-stay visa) before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days as a Romanian passport holder.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Korean immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work for a Korean company or perform paid work. Remote work for a foreign employer is technically in a grey area, but best to avoid any local work.
Not usually, but immigration officers can ask. It's wise to have a credit card or bank statement showing you can support yourself (around $50–100 per day). Most people are never asked.
You'll be fined approximately 100,000–200,000 KRW per day of overstay, and you may be banned from re-entering South Korea for a period. Always leave on time or apply for an extension before your stay expires.
Yes, you can exit and re-enter South Korea multiple times within the 90-day period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days total. But frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions about your intentions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.