QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for South Korea with a South African passport?
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
Rule verified by QuickTravelTools on October 10, 2026.
Visa rules for all 199 passports: South Korea visa hub.
What you need
- Passport: should be valid at least 6 months after your trip ends.
- How long you can stay: up to 30 days.
- Fee: 10000 KRW, K-ETA application fee; online payment processing fee charged separately (about 3%)
Source: Republic of Korea, Ministry of Justice (K-ETA portal). - Processing time: K-ETA assessment typically takes 72 hours or less
Source: Republic of Korea, Ministry of Justice (K-ETA portal). - Apply: Start the official K-ETA official portal (application guide)
Apply for K-ETA online before boarding; mandatory for eligible nationalities not on the temporary exemption list
- Apply: Start the official Korea Visa Portal (Ministry of Justice)
Official e-Form visa application portal; sticker visas are also lodged at Korean embassies/consulates
K-ETA and e-Arrival Card
Most visa-free visitors need a K-ETA before departure (about $7, allow up to 72 hours). The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some other nationalities are exempt through the end of 2026. Travelers without a K-ETA must file the free e-Arrival Card within 3 days before landing instead.
Official source: K-ETA official portal.
Official sources
- No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less for business or tourism; the K-ETA exemption for U.S. passport holders is extended through December 31, 2026, with a K-ETA required starting January 1, 2027. (U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov), verified October 5, 2026)
- The official K-ETA portal determines entry eligibility per nationality at application time (K-ETA authorization for visa-waiver nationals vs. consular visa). It is the authoritative interactive checker for Korea's inbound matrix, not a published static table. Portal loaded live 2026-10-06 (HTTP 200). (Republic of Korea (K-ETA official portal), verified October 6, 2026)
South Korea at a glance
| Region | Asia |
|---|---|
| Everyday prices | 62 on our price index (US = 100) |
| Power | Type C/F sockets, 220/380 V, 60 Hz |
On cost, South Korea is mid-priced for travelers: everyday prices sit at about 62 on a global index where the United States is 100. See how South Korea compares to 179 countries.
On power, you are in luck: both South African outlets and South Korea's use Type C, so many of your chargers should fit as-is. Voltage differs too (220/380 V there versus 230/400 V at home), so check for a dual-voltage label before plugging in. Full plug and voltage guide for South Korea.
Good to know about South Korea
- Your passport only needs to be valid on the day you enter. South Korea does not ask for extra months of validity beyond your trip. (U.S. Department of State)
- Carrying more than US$10,000 in cash or other payment means? You must declare it to customs. (Korea Customs Service)
- Some prescription drugs are illegal in South Korea, and others need pre-approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Bring your prescriptions and check the rules before you pack them. (U.S. Department of State)
- Want to drive in South Korea? You need an international driving permit or a Korean driver license. Your home license alone is not enough. (U.S. Department of State)
Common questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for South Korea?
Yes. You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
How long can a South African passport holder stay in South Korea?
South African passport holders can stay in South Korea for up to 30 days. Stays longer than 30 days require a different visa or immigration authorization.
Is the visa information on this page official?
No. This is a summary compiled from official government sources and verified by QuickTravelTools, and it can lag rule changes. Always confirm with South Korea's embassy or official immigration portal before you travel.
Is there an arrival card or travel authorisation for South Korea?
Most visa-free visitors need a K-ETA before departure (about $7, allow up to 72 hours). The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and some other nationalities are exempt through the end of 2026. Travelers without a K-ETA must file the free e-Arrival Card within 3 days before landing instead.
Nearby destinations for South African passport holders
Sorted by distance from South Korea, useful if your trip covers more than one country.