South Korea entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry 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, but Korean immigration only requires validity covering your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines check this before boarding too. | 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 at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration doesn't usually check, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) Online pre-travel authorization for visa-free visitors | Swedish passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. The K-ETA is an online authorization you apply for before travel — it's linked to your passport and valid for 2 years. Apply at the official K-ETA portal.Apply for K-ETA | Required |
No arrival card needed
South Korea scrapped arrival cards for most nationalities in 2023. You just need your passport and boarding pass. No forms to fill on the plane.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter South Korea. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
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. Follow signs for 'Foreign Passports' — there are separate queues for Koreans and foreigners.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your passport validity, may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
If everything's fine, the officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. No forms to fill, no fees to pay. You're in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red if you do.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost90,000 KRW (~$68 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of previous travel to Korea.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For enrollment in a Korean university or language program.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Korean company. Requires contract and qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
Apply student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Korean university or graduate school. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Apply long term resident
F-2 Residence Visa
3 years, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For long-term residents with points-based system (income, age, education). Allows work and family stay.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free travel; valid for 2 years. | 10,000 KRW (~$7.50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not applicable. | 60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, allows multiple entries up to 90 days each. | 90,000 KRW (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free period; pay at immigration office before departure. | 100,000–200,000 KRW per day (~$75–$150 USD), max 20,000,000 KRW (~$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
Swedish 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 up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visas can transit without visa for up to 30 days.
- Transit passengers with a confirmed ticket to a third country within 24 hours do not need 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, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially in winter and spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked food from street vendors.
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, Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and visa issues for the southern region.
Practical information for SE 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 = 1,491.94 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 90-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., tourist visa, work visa) before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
No. South Korea abolished arrival cards for most nationalities, including Swedish passport holders, in 2023. You just present your passport and boarding pass at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and short-term business only. Working remotely for a foreign employer is technically not allowed. For digital nomads, South Korea offers a specific 'Digital Nomad Visa' (F-1-D) for stays up to 2 years.
No. Swedish passport holders can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days. The same passport validity rules apply. If you're flying directly to Jeju from abroad, you'll go through immigration there.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, and banned from re-entering South Korea for a period. If you need to stay longer, leave the country before your 90 days are up and re-enter (but note that frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions).
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 30 days under the 'Transit Tourism' program, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket and your passport is valid for 6+ months.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.