South Korea entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an eVisa to enter South Korea for tourism or short visits. The application is done online before you travel, and approval typically takes a few business days. Plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or eVisaYou need an approved K-ETA before flying to South Korea, even though you don't need a traditional visa. Visa-free entry with K-ETA | Thai passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea for tourism, but must obtain an approved K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure. The K-ETA is valid for 2 years from approval and allows multiple entries. Apply online at least 72 hours before travel. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip, or you may be denied boarding. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. For example, if you plan to leave on 2026-08-20, your passport must be valid until at least 2027-02-20. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. This page must be free of any markings, stamps, or tears. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave South Korea before your allowed time runs out. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from South Korea within your authorized stay (typically 90 days for visa-free entry). The ticket must be in your name and show a date before your visa-free period expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationHaving your accommodation details handy can speed up the entry process and avoid questions. Hotel booking or invitation | You should have a confirmed hotel reservation, or a letter of invitation from a host in South Korea, covering your entire stay. This is often requested at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask to see that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Financial evidence | You should be able to show you have sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. There is no fixed minimum amount, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to prepare any special arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korea. However, you may be asked to fill out a health declaration form if you have symptoms of infectious diseases. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
eVisa processing can take up to 7 business days, and delays happen. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid missing your flight.
No arrival declaration needed
You don't need to fill out a separate arrival declaration for South Korea. The eVisa and your passport are all you need at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (with 6+ months validity), a digital photo, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and bank statements. Scan them as PDFs or JPEGs if needed.
2
Apply online at the Korea Visa Portal
Go to www.visa.go.kr, create an account, and fill out the eVisa application. Upload your documents and pay the fee (around 40 USD, but check the portal for current rates).
3
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 5-7 business days. You'll receive an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Print it out and also save it on your phone.
4
Arrive at the airport in South Korea
At Incheon or Gimpo, go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in. Keep your eVisa handy until you leave.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Short-term General (C-3-9) Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry)
For tourism, visiting friends/family, or short-term business; requires application at Korean embassy/consulate.
Business Visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry)
For business activities; requires invitation letter from Korean company.
Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
Max stay12 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (approx.)
For Thai citizens aged 18-30; requires proof of funds and health insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; apply at least 72 hours before departure. | Free (until Dec 31, 2026) |
| Visa issuance fee (if applying for a visa instead of K-ETA)For those who prefer or require a visa; fees vary by nationality and visa type. | $40 (single-entry, 90 days) |
| Extension of stay (for visa-free entry)Possible for up to 30 additional days; must apply before current stay expires. | $60 (approx. 80,000 KRW) |
| Overstay penaltyCharged at departure for overstaying; may include ban for serious violations. | Varies (approx. $50–$200) |
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
Thai passport holders transiting through South Korea (Incheon, Gimpo, etc.) do not need a visa if staying airside and not entering the country. For landside transit or longer layovers, K-ETA or a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to change airports (e.g., Incheon to Gimpo), you must have a visa or K-ETA.
- If you plan to leave the transit area, you must have a visa or K-ETA.
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 = 1,543.91 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
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. The exact duration is printed on your approval, so check it carefully.
The fee is around 40 USD, but it can vary. You'll pay online during the application, and it's non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Processing usually takes 5-7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe, especially during peak travel seasons.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and reapply, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Print a copy and also keep the PDF on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see it, and having it printed avoids any issues.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable. If you're unsure, consider contacting the Korean embassy in Bangkok for guidance.
No, the eVisa is single-entry. If you leave South Korea and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.