South Korea entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy covers tourism and short business trips in 2026. No prior application needed — just arrive 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 your entire stay in South Korea. South Korea does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes enforce this — 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 of your flight booking ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. A booking on a major platform works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. A recent bank statement or credit card with a sufficient limit usually satisfies the officer. No fixed amount is published for Saudi passport holders. | Recommended |
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 won't be allowed to fly.
No K-ETA needed for Saudi passport holders
Unlike some other nationalities, Saudi citizens do not need to apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) for visa-free entry. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book a return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo Airport
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will scan your passport, take fingerprints, and stamp you in — usually takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Receive your 30-day stay stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — confirm the allowed stay period and entry date are correct.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For stays up to 90 days; must apply at Korean embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years for frequent travellers)
Cost90,000 KRW (~$68 USD)
Requires proof of previous travel or strong ties to home country.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study (up to 2 years, renewable)
Validity6 months to 2 years
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) for single entry
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) for single entry
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) for single entry
For professionals with specialized skills or knowledge; requires a job offer from a Korean company and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of study (up to 2 years, renewable)
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) for single entry
For international students enrolled in Korean universities or language programs; allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) for single entry
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business; requires business plan and proof of funds.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for long-term residents)
3 years, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) for single entry
For retirees with sufficient income (approx. $30,000 USD/year) and no intention to work; requires proof of pension or assets.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)K-ETA may be required for visa-free entry; fee is 10,000 KRW (~$7.50 USD) if applicable. | Free (currently suspended for some nationalities; check official site) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa-free not applicable. | 60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | 90,000 KRW (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap varies; overstay can lead to deportation and ban. | 100,000–200,000 KRW (~$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
Saudi Arabia 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 valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may enter South Korea visa-free for up to 30 days during transit.
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, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19 (updated booster)Essential
Health risks
Air pollution (fine dust)Moderate risk
High levels of PM2.5 in winter and spring; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk is low but can occur from undercooked seafood or street food; practice good 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, Sejong-daero, Jongno-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, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits for the Busan area.
Practical information for SA 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 = 1,498.37 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 for Saudi passport holders is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa (e.g., tourist visa or other appropriate visa) at a Korean embassy before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Korean immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
As of 2026, Saudi passport holders do not need a K-ETA for visa-free entry. You will fill out a simple arrival card on the plane or at the airport — it asks for your name, passport number, flight, and accommodation address.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, transit, or short business visits (meetings, conferences). You cannot take paid employment or enroll in courses. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, and banned from re-entering South Korea for a period. The fine is typically around 100,000–200,000 KRW per day of overstay. Leave before your stamp expires.
Immigration officers rarely ask for proof of funds for short visa-free stays, but it's wise to carry a credit card or some cash (KRW or USD) to show you can support yourself. No specific amount is required.
Yes, but the same visa-free rules apply. Jeju International Airport also grants 30-day visa-free entry for Saudi passport holders. The process is identical.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.