South Korea entry requirements for Turkey 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
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. Apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. Apply online at the Korea eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before departure. Processing takes 5–7 business days for most applications.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. South Korea does not enforce the 6-month rule, but your airline might — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host ready. A simple booking printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Immigration can ask for proof you can support yourself. Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash/cards for your stay. No fixed minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 5–10 business days, and delays happen. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Keep digital copies
Save scans of your passport, visa, and key documents to your phone and email. If you lose your passport, this makes replacement much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and travel insurance. Check the specific embassy website for any additional forms.
2
Submit your visa application
Visit the South Korean embassy or consulate in Turkey (Ankara or Istanbul) in person or via an authorized visa center. Pay the visa fee (approx. ₩60,000–₩90,000, around $45–$70 USD). Processing takes 5–10 business days.
3
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, you'll receive a receipt. Track your application online if available. Approved visas are stamped in your passport. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Arrive in South Korea
At Incheon or Gimpo airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. You'll be fingerprinted and photographed. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey 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
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires application at Korean embassy. Non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost₩90,000 (~$68 USD)
For frequent travelers. Must meet eligibility criteria.
Long-term stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostVaries (typically ₩100,000–₩200,000)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
E-7 (Special Activity) Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For professionals with specialized skills. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
D-2 (Student) Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 (Corporate Investment) Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | ₩90,000 (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ₩100,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max ₩3,000,000 (~$2,250 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Turkey holders transiting through South Korea do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, 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) · Busan Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk is low but can occur from undercooked or street food.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if 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
319, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring application form, passport, photo, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
945, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and visa issues for southern region.
Practical information for TR 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. Turkish passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism or business.
Standard processing takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any delays.
The visa fee is approximately ₩60,000–₩90,000 (about $45–$70 USD). Fees vary by visa type and embassy. Check the specific embassy website for the exact amount.
You apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul. Some applications may be handled through a designated visa center — check the embassy website for details.
You need a completed application form, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, recent bank statements (last 3 months), and travel insurance. Additional documents may be required depending on your purpose of visit.
Tourist visas are generally not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa difficulties.
If you are transiting and do not leave the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you will need a visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
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.