South Korea entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 visit South Korea without a traditional visa for stays up to 90 days, but you'll need to apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. The K-ETA is a quick online pre-screening, not a visa — it lets you skip the paper form at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or eVisaK-ETA is an online pre-authorization that allows visa-free entry; without it you may be denied boarding. Visa-free entry via K-ETA | Taiwan passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. You must apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online before departure, at least 24 hours in advance. The K-ETA is valid for 2 years from approval. | Required |
| Passport validitySouth Korea enforces a 6-month passport validity rule for most visitors; check your passport expiry date early. At least 6 months | Your Taiwan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport; ensure you have at least one blank page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave South Korea before your authorized stay ends. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than South Korea, showing departure within your 90-day stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds can help if an officer questions your ability to support yourself. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in South Korea. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask for your planned address; having a booking confirmation speeds up the process. Where you'll stay | Have your hotel reservation or address of your accommodation in South Korea ready to present upon request. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an arrival declaration form; the K-ETA serves as your pre-arrival authorization. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Taiwan passport holders entering South Korea. | Not required |
K-ETA is not a visa
It's an electronic travel authorization. Don't confuse it with a visa — it's faster, cheaper, and simpler. But it's still mandatory. Without it, you won't be allowed to board.
Don't overstay
The 90-day limit is strict. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea. Set a reminder to leave before your time is up.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for K-ETA online
Go to k-eta.go.kr, fill in your passport details, travel info, and answer a few questions. Pay the 10,000 KRW fee with a credit card. You'll get an email confirmation — save it or screenshot it.
2
Check your approval status
Most approvals come through within 24 hours, but check the website or your email. If it's been more than 72 hours, contact the K-ETA helpdesk. Don't book non-refundable flights until you're approved.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Incheon or Gimpo, head to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport and K-ETA confirmation ready (on your phone is fine). The officer will scan your passport, take fingerprints, and stamp you in.
4
Exit immigration
After the stamp, you're free to go. No arrival declaration form needed for Taiwan passport holders. Grab your bags and head out.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
C-4 Short-term Employment Visa
Max stay90 days (single entry)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For paid work; requires employer sponsorship and proof of employment.
D-2 Student Visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityValidity tied to enrollment
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For degree-seeking students; requires admission to a Korean educational institution.
F-2 Residence Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years (renewable)
ValidityValidity tied to status
Cost$60 (single-entry)
For long-term residents; requires qualifying points or family ties.
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 once approved. | Free (temporarily waived through December 2025; check current status) |
| Visa issuance fee (if applying for a visa instead of K-ETA)For those who prefer or require a visa; fees vary by consulate. | $40 (single-entry, 90 days) |
| Extension of stay (for visa-free or visa entry)Maximum extension: 30 days; must apply before current stay expires. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
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 are visa-exempt for transit through South Korea, including airside transit. No visa is needed for stays up to 30 days if you transit and leave the airport, provided you meet normal entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a criminal record or are on a Korean immigration watchlist, you may be denied transit.
- If you plan to leave the airport and stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain 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 = 1,543.91 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
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), which is an online pre-screening. It's valid for 2 years from approval, and allows multiple entries for stays up to 90 days each.
The K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (about $7.50 USD). Processing usually takes 24 hours, but the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
No. The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can lead to fines and a ban.
If your K-ETA is denied, you can't board a flight to South Korea. You'd need to apply for a visa at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate. Denials are rare for Taiwan passport holders, but if it happens, contact the embassy for guidance.
No. Taiwan passport holders are exempt from the arrival declaration requirement. You just go through immigration with your passport and K-ETA.
Yes, the K-ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, and you can enter South Korea multiple times during that period, as long as each stay is 90 days or less.
If you're transiting and not leaving the international zone, you don't need a K-ETA. But if you plan to enter the country, even for a few hours, you need the K-ETA.
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.