1. Entry Requirements

Foreigners entering Korea must meet the following entry requirements:

• Valid Passport:

  Immigration officials will reject entry if you present an expired or fake passport.

• Valid Visa:

  You must enter before the expiry date of your visa. Entry may also be denied if your visa type does not match your entry purpose.

  You can enter without a visa if you are:

  • A person entering Korea with a valid re-entry permit or exempted from it.
  • A citizen of a country under a visa exemption agreement with Korea.
  • Specially approved for contributing to international relations, national interests, or the tourism industry.
  • A refugee travel document holder entering before its expiry date.
• No Grounds for Entry Restrictions:

  Immigration officials may reject entry in accordance with the Immigration Act.

2. Types of Visa

• Single-entry Visa: Allows one entry before the expiry date.
• Double-entry Visa: Allows two entries within 6 months.
• Multiple-entry Visa: Allows unlimited entries within 1, 3, or 5 years.

3. Arrival Card

Foreigners entering Korea must complete an arrival card (Form No. 41-2) stating the purpose of entry, location of residence, etc., and present it to immigration officials along with their passport.

4. Alien Registration

1. Who Needs to Register

Foreigners under the following conditions must register with their local immigration office within 90 days of entry:

• Planning to stay in Korea for more than 90 days.
• Born in Korea or granted status after losing Korean nationality and staying for more than 90 days.

2. Exemptions

• Diplomats, government officials, and their families (A-1, A-2, A-3).
• Foreigners engaged in important tasks like diplomacy or industrial development, recognized by the Minister of Justice.
• Canadian citizens with specific short-term visa types (e.g., D-1, D-6, F-1, F-3, G-1) staying less than 6 months.

3. Required Documents

• Passport
• Application form (Form No. 34)
• 1 colored photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• Fee: 30,000 KRW (approximately USD $30)
• Additional documents depending on visa type (see HiKorea for details).

5. Employment and Activity

Foreigners can work in Korea only if their visa permits employment. Eligible visa types include:

• Short-term Employee (C-4)
• Professor (E-1)
• Researcher (E-3)
• Resident (F-2)
• Permanent Resident (F-5)
• Working Holiday (H-1)
• And others (see detailed visa categories on HiKorea).

Working for an employer not listed on your visa without permission is a violation of visa terms. Changes in employment must be reported to the immigration office in advance.