South Korea entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Thai passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter South Korea. Apply at the South Korean embassy or consulate in Thailand, or use the eVisa portal at visa.go.kr if eligible. Processing takes 5–10 working days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Thai passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Korean immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host in South Korea. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a fixed address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash showing at least 20,000 THB per person. Korean immigration rarely asks, but it helps if you are questioned about your travel purpose. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — apply well in advance
Thai passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. Submit your application at least 2-3 weeks before departure. Last-minute trips are risky.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation on your phone. If your phone dies, a printed backup is even better.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to www.visa.go.kr, create an account, fill in the application form, upload required documents (passport copy, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds), and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
2
Wait for visa approval
Check your application status on the same portal. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker or electronic confirmation. Print a copy to carry with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: passport with valid visa, return ticket (screenshot), first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance details. Store digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo Airport
At immigration, present your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp allowing up to 90 days (or as per your visa).
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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
Cost40,000 KRW (~$30 USD)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Korean embassy in Thailand.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost80,000 KRW (~$60 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of travel history.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVisa duration matches study program
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean institutions; requires admission letter.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For skilled workers with job offer; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For international students enrolled in Korean universities. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW in a Korean business. Requires business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Thailand passport holders; valid for 90 days, stay up to 90 days. | 40,000 KRW (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, stay up to 90 days per entry. | 80,000 KRW (~$60 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay up to 30 days; apply before current stay expires. | 60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap varies; avoid overstay to prevent fines and bans. | 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
Thailand passport holders can transit through South Korea without a visa if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
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)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices reduce risk; avoid raw or undercooked food.
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 extensions; bring passport, visa, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions for visitors in Busan area.
Practical information for TH 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 = 1,504.94 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Thai nationals. You must apply and receive a visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5-10 business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You can check status on the visa portal.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a recent passport photo, a completed application form, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card), and a return flight booking.
The visa fee varies by type. A single-entry tourist visa typically costs around 40-60 USD. Check the official visa portal for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. You may also face a fine or be banned from re-entering for a period. Always have your visa approved before travel.
It's not always asked, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers have discretion to ask.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.