South Korea entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Taiwan passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This covers tourism, business visits, and short-term family visits. As of 2026, no pre-approval or eVisa is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in South Korea. Taiwan passport holders do not need 6 months of remaining validity beyond their departure date, but airlines may still 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 confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds — roughly ₩1,000,000 KRW (about $750 USD) per week of your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card works. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Korean immigration checks passport validity from the date of entry, not departure. If your passport expires within 6 months of landing, you will be refused entry. Renew your passport before booking flights.
Keep your arrival card safe
The small arrival card you fill out on the plane is your entry record. Don't lose it — you may need to show it when leaving. If lost, ask immigration for a replacement before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save digital copies of your return ticket, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at Incheon or Gimhae airport.
2
Fill out arrival card on the plane
You'll receive a small arrival card and customs declaration form. Fill them out in English or Korean. Have your hotel address and passport number ready. Keep the card with your passport.
3
Queue at immigration
At Incheon, Gimhae, or Jeju airports, follow signs for 'Foreign Passports.' Have your passport and completed arrival card ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day stay. Check the stamp says '90 days' before leaving the counter. If it shows a shorter period, ask for correction immediately.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Hand the customs declaration form to the officer at the exit. No further steps needed.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
For those who need to stay up to 90 days but prefer a visa for certainty.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits within validity.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires a contract and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For full-time students at Korean universities. Allows part-time work with permission. Pathway to permanent residency.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) + investment
For those investing at least ₩100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to long-term residency.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for retirees)
3 years, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (₩30 million/year) and health insurance. Requires proof of pension or assets. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; valid for 2 years. Apply online before travel. | ₩10,000 (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not suitable. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, multiple entries up to 90 days each. | ₩80,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; may also result in deportation and entry ban. | ₩100,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max ₩20,000,000 (~$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
Taiwan 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 US, Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visas can transit without visa for up to 30 days.
- Transit passengers staying in the airport for less than 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, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in winter and spring; consider masks and air purifiers.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common from undercooked seafood or street food; choose reputable vendors.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
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, Jung-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
120, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related matters for the southern region.
Practical information for TW 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 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave before the stamp expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entry. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa at the Korean embassy in Taipei before traveling.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Korean immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Not routinely, but immigration officers can ask. It's smart to carry a credit card or have a bank statement accessible on your phone. No minimum amount is officially required for Taiwanese passport holders.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short family visits only. Paid work, study, or any activity that generates income requires a proper work or student visa. Violating this can get you deported and banned.
Overstays are taken seriously. You may be fined up to 10 million KRW (about 7,500 USD), detained, and banned from re-entering South Korea for up to 5 years. Always leave on time.
No. For stays under 90 days, no registration is needed. Only those staying longer (e.g., with a visa) must register at a local immigration office within 90 days.
Yes, Taiwanese passport holders can enter Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days. The same passport validity and return ticket rules apply. If you plan to visit the mainland after Jeju, you'll need to follow the standard 90-day visa-free rules.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.