QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for South Korea with a US passport?
- Passport
- US
- Destination
- South Korea
- Purpose
- Tourism
- Stay
- Up to 90 days
No visa needed. You can stay up to 90 days.
Verified October 5, 2026
What you need
- No visa required
US passport holders do not need a visa for tourism stays in South Korea of up to 90 days.
QTT checked South Korea's official guidance on October 5, 2026. We re-check these sources and update this page when official rules change.
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)
Visa rules for all 199 passports: South Korea visa hub.
Visa costs and applying
- 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
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.
Pack a plug adapter: US devices use Type A/B/NEMA 14-30/NEMA 14-50, but South Korea uses Type C/F. Voltage differs too (220/380 V there versus 120/240 V, 120/208 V, 277/480 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 US citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No. US passport holders do not need a visa for tourism stays in South Korea of up to 90 days.
How long can a US passport holder stay in South Korea?
US passport holders can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. Stays longer than 90 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 US passport holders
Sorted by distance from South Korea, useful if your trip covers more than one country.