South Korea entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese citizens, so you need to apply through a South Korean embassy or consulate in advance. The process requires careful preparation and several documents, so start early to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea visaYou cannot enter South Korea without a valid visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Visa required | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. No eVisa is available for Vietnamese citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket leaving South Korea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving evidence of funds helps show you can support yourself during the trip. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before flying. Not required | No separate arrival declaration or K-ETA is required for Vietnamese passport holders; the visa serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens
Even though South Korea offers eVisas for some nationalities, Vietnamese passport holders are NOT eligible. You must apply through the embassy or consulate in person or via an authorised agency. Don't fall for online scams promising eVisas.
Apply early — processing can be slow
Visa processing takes at least 5 working days, but can stretch to 15+ during busy periods. Submit your application at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid stress.
Visa is not extendable
Your South Korean visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Overstaying even a few days can lead to fines and a re-entry ban. Plan your trip within the allowed dates.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, bank statements, itinerary, employment proof. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
2
Complete the application form
Download Form 34 from the South Korean embassy in Hanoi or consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Fill it out carefully — any errors can cause delays.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Take your documents to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Hanoi (or the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City). Some applicants may be required to attend an interview. You can also use an authorised visa agency if you prefer.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the non-refundable fee at the time of submission. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Track your application status online using the receipt number.
6
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check the visa details (dates, number of entries) for accuracy before you travel.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$60 (approx.)
Requires invitation from Korean company and supporting documents.
Work visa (E-series)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityVaries by category
Cost$80 (approx.)
Requires employment contract and work permit approval from Korea Immigration.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study (up to 2 years)
ValidityIssued for 6 months to 2 years
Cost$60 (approx.)
Requires admission letter from Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
80 USD (~$80 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
60 USD (~$60 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in Korean universities or language programs. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
100 USD (~$100 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single-entry, 90 days)Fee varies by embassy/consulate; payable in local currency. | $40 (approx.) |
| Visa issuance fee (if approved)Included in total visa fee; no separate payment at port of entry. | $40 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per request, up to 30 days)Must apply at immigration office before current stay expires; subject to approval. | $60 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Vietnamese passport holders transiting through South Korea generally require a visa unless they qualify for the Korea K-ETA or visa-free transit program (if applicable). Check with the nearest Korean embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a valid visa for the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or European countries may be eligible for visa-free transit (up to 30 days) under certain conditions.
- Passengers who have previously visited South Korea at least 4 times in the last 2 years may be eligible for visa-free entry (up to 30 days) under the 'K-ETA' program (if eligible).
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices recommended; avoid undercooked seafood.
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, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for VN 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. Vietnamese citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or an eVisa. You must obtain a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 5–10 working days. During peak travel seasons (summer, Lunar New Year), it can take up to 15 working days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure.
The single-entry visa fee is approximately 40 USD (about 1,000,000 VND). Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the embassy or consulate.
Yes, you need to provide flight reservations and hotel bookings (or an invitation letter) as part of your application. However, it's safer to book refundable or flexible options in case your visa is denied.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave South Korea before your authorised stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering.
You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for rejection (e.g., insufficient funds, incomplete documents). The visa fee is not refunded. It's a good idea to consult the embassy or a visa agency for guidance.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for your hotel address or the address where you'll be staying. Keep a copy of your booking confirmation or invitation letter with you when you arrive.
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.