Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) K-ETA (Refer to K-ETA FAQ page (click) for more K-ETA FAQ)

1) What is K-ETA?

    ▷ K-ETA is an online electronic travel authorization that visa-free foreign visitors need to obtain before entering the Republic of Korea for the purpose of tour, visiting relatives, participating in events/meetings or business (excluding profit-making activities).

2) Who is eligible to apply for K-ETA?

    ▷ Please visit the official K-ETA website (click) and look for your country in the country dropbox. If you are able to locate your country, you are eligible to apply for K-ETA. If you are NOT able to locate your country, it means you are NOT eligible to apply for K-ETA and would need to apply for visa instead to enter Korea.

3) What is the general processing time for K-ETA application?

    ▷ Please note that assessment can take more than 72 hours depending on the situation (eg. high volume of K-ETA applications, applicant's circumstances...etc). Therefore, you should apply for K-ETA early.

4) What is the validity of K-ETA and do I need to apply for K-ETA every time I visit Korea?

    ▷ K-ETA is valid for 3 years once issued. It can be used multiple times within its validity. However, if you renew your passport, you are required to apply for a new K-ETA.

5) My K-ETA is approved. Do I need to apply for visa separately?

    ▷ If you have K-ETA, you do not need to apply for visa and vice versa.

6) What is the cost for K-ETA application?

    ▷ K-ETA fee is 10,000 KRW (excluding 3% card processing fee). This fee is not refundable regardless of application result.

7) I tried to apply for K-ETA online and was told to pay USD 99. Why is that so?

   ▷ Please ensure that you are applying for K-ETA on the official K-ETA website (click) as the fee is 10,000 KRW (excluding 3% card processing fee). The K-ETA Center is not responsible for any application done via unauthorized 3rd party website.

8) I applied for K-ETA a few days ago but have not receive any approval. What should I do next?

   ▷ We wish to inform you that K-ETA is NOT assessed / approved by the Embassy. Please contact the K-ETA Center via the online enquiry form. Travellers are strongly encouraged to apply for K-ETA early to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

9) My K-ETA application has been rejected. I would like to know why and what should I do next.

    ▷ We wish to inform you that K-ETA is NOT assessed / approved by the Embassy. As such, we would not be able to advise you on the reason for rejection. If you need to wish clarify further on this issue, please contact the K-ETA Center via the online enquiry form. Alternatively, please apply for visa (click) if you still need to enter Korea.

10) Is K-ETA required for transit at Incheon Airport?

      ▷ In general, K-ETA is not required if you are not required to clear the immigration at Incheon Airport during the transit. You should consult with your airlines on whether immigration clearance is required or if you may remain at the transit area to connect to your next flight.

11) I understand that K-ETA is exempted for certain nationalities and age groups. Where can I find the information?

     ▷You can find the information here (click) and here (click).

(2) Visa

1) Do I require a visa to enter Korea?

    ▷ Please visit the K-ETA website (click) and check if your country is listed in the dropbox. If you are unable to locate your country in the dropbox, please apply for an appropriate visa (click). If you are able to locate your country in the dropbox, please apply for K-ETA online if your purpose of entry is tourism, business, short-term study or family visit. However, if your purpose of visit is not covered by K-ETA or if your K-ETA application has been denied, please apply for an appropriate visa (click).

2) Can I apply for visa online or via email?

    ▷ We do not accept applications online or via email. Certain visa types are to be submitted through appointed visa agents only. All other proxy application (i.e friend, secretary, family member) is not allowed. Please refer to the following table for details.

3) I wish to apply for C-3-9 Tourist Visa / C-3-4 Short Term Business Visa without going through a visa agent.

   ▷ No. Personal submission is strictly not allowed for C-3-9 or C-3-4 visa. We do not provide exceptions on this. 

4) I am a short-term visitor in Singapore. Can I apply for C-3-9 Tourist Visa / C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa here?

   ▷ No. In general, only foreigners residing in Singapore with valid long-term passes may apply here.

5) I am applying for a visa that allows personal submission. How do I make an appointment?

   ▷ Appointment is not required. Please walk-in between 9am to 11.30am, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays listed here (click).

6) What should I fill up under "2.2 Status of Stay" of the visa application form?

    ▷ Please write down the type of visa you will be applying for. For example, C-3-9, C-3-4, D-2.

7) What is the minimum balance to be sustained in my bank account in order to apply for C-3-9 Tourist Visa?

    ▷ Please note that the minimum balance requirement can differ among applicants. Therefore, we do not have an amount to provide to you as a reference.

8) Can I provide a consolidated bank statement instead of an itemized statement showing all my transactions?

    ▷ No, we do not accept consolidated bank statement. Please provide the itemized statement.

9) I do not have a Singapore bank acccount. Can I submit my overseas bank account statements instead?

     ▷ No, we do not accept overseas bank account statements for visa applications in Singapore.

10) Do I need to purchase air tickets or book my accommodation before applying for visa?

      ▷ No, air tickets and accommodation bookings are not required for visa application.

11) Is printing or photocopying service available at the Embassy?

      ▷ We regret to inform you that printing/photocopying service is not available at the Embassy. Please prepare your documents prior to your visit.

12) Do you have a photo booth at the Embassy for visa application?

      ▷ No. The photo booth at the Embassy is meant for Korean passport renewal and does not produce physical photos.

13) What is the processing time for visa application? Does the Embassy offer express service?

      ▷ The processing time for visa application is 4 working days, inclusive of the day of submission by the visa agent at our office (not the day you pass your application to the agent). We do not offer urgent/express service. Please time your application accordingly.

14) I applied for visa through an appointed visa agent. Can I check with the Embassy on the status of my application? 

     ▷ The Embassy does not provide status updates on visa application via email or phone call. If you need to know the collection date of your passport, please check with your agent. Alternatively, you can check the progress of your application online at https://visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10301 by keying in your information (see below for details).

15) My visa is approved but there is no visa sticker in my passport.

      ▷ Please note that physical visa stickers are not issued since 01 July 2020. Applicants may visit Korean Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr) to print out the Visa Grant Notice. Please refer to this guide (click) on how to print the Visa Grant Notice.

16) Since there will be no visa sticker affixed to the passport, why is my passport being kept at the Embassy?

      ▷ Your passport must be scanned and will go through checks during the processing of your visa application. Therefore, your passport must be kept at the Embassy.

17) My visa has been denied. Can I know the reason for rejection and if an appeal is possible?

      ▷ In general, we do not provide the reason for rejection. In the event if an appeal is possible, it will be conveyed to the appointed visa agent during the collection. Appeal can be done via the same appointed visa agent or by the applicant in person with his/her passport and additional document(s) within 2 weeks of rejection. The Embassy does NOT charge a fee for appeals.

18) I travel to Korea often. Can I apply for multiple entry visa?

      ▷ From 01 June 2022, the Embassy will resume issuance of double entry and multiple entry visas. If you require double entry or multiple entry, please inform your chosen visa agent. Issuance of multiple entry is still subjected to approval.

19) I have a valid multiple entry visa issued previously. Can I use it to enter Korea?

      ▷ Multiple entry visas that are still valid can be used to enter Korea. Transfer of visa (click) is required if the valid multiple entry visa is in your old passport. Please note that transfer of visa is NOT allowed if the passport linked to the visa is reported lost.

20) Can I travel to Korea with my new passport and old passport bearing the valid visa instead of transferring the visa?

      ▷ Please note that the airlines can deny you from boarding due to failure to transfer your visa. Therefore, please transfer your visa as advised.

21) I applied for transfer of visa online but did not receive any status update from the Embassy.

     ▷ Please note that we will NOT be contacting you separately to provide any status update on your application unless additional document(s) is required. You can check if your application was successfully submitted by following the steps listed here (click).

22) I applied for a student visa and the programme duration is 6 months. However, I notice that the validity period of my Visa Grant Notice is 3 months. Does it mean that I can only stay in Korea for 3 months?

     ▷ Validity of visa and duration of stay allowed are different entities. Visa is valid for 3 months once issued. This means that you will need to enter Korea within 3 months of its issuance or else the visa will lapsed. On the other hand, the period of stay listed on the Visa Grant Notice is the duration of stay allowed. The period of stay will start to count from the date of entry.

23) Is visa required for transit at Incheon Airport?

      ▷ In general, visa is not required if you are not required to clear the immigration at Incheon Airport during the transit. You should consult with your airlines on whether immigration clearance is required or if you may remain at the transit area to connect to your next flight.

24) I will be taking a direct flight from a 3rd country to Jeju Island without stopping over at other parts of Korea. Can I do so without a visa / K-ETA?

     ▷ The visa-free entry scheme for Jeju Island can be found here (click)

(3) Passport requirement, APEC Business Travel Card

1) My passport has less than 6 months remainder validity during entry into Korea. Would this be an issue?

    ▷ You may enter Korea with a passport that has less than 6 months remainder validity as long as your passport remains valid throughout your stay. If you have further questions on this, please contact the Korean Immigration Call Center directly at +82-2-6908-1345 (multiple language available).

2) I hold a valid APEC card. Do I still need to apply for visa/K-ETA to enter Korea for toursim/business?

   ▷ APEC card holders may enter Korea without visa or K-ETA.

3) I am a Korean national living/working in Singapore and I would like to apply for APEC card. 

   ▷ APEC card is handled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Application can be done via KITA website (click). Please contact KITA directly if you have further questions (email: abtc@kita.net , Tel: +82-1566-5114) 

(4) COVID-19

1) What would be the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for entry into Korea?

    ▷ Vaccination is not a requirement for entry into Korea.

2) How far in advance should I register for Q-Code?

    ▷ Registration of Q-code is no longer required.

3) Is travel insurance required?

    ▷ Purchase of travel insurance would be your personal choice.

4) Am I required to take an on-arrival PCR test in Korea?

    ▷ The on-arrival PCR test requirement will be lifted from 01 October 2022 onwards.