Australian citizens can generally visit South Korea without a visa

As of 2026-09-22

Up to 90 days visa-free stay (verify entry conditions before travel)

Processing: Not applicable
Fee: Free
Max Stay: 90 days
Apply At: K-ETA — Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (official site) →

Last updated: 2026-09-22 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

South Korea Visa Overview for Australian Citizens

Australian citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for tourism purposes. Visa-free for up to 90 days per the K-ETA eligibility table; K-ETA temporarily waived for this nationality until 31 December 2026 (Ministry of Justice notice of 29 December 2025); file the free e-Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival. The maximum permitted stay is 90 days.

While no visa is required, Australian passport holders must carry a valid passport and may be asked to present proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and evidence of sufficient funds at the border.

Ensure your Australian passport has adequate validity before departure — most countries require at least 6 months beyond the planned stay. Register with Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) for travel advisories before your trip.

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Available Visa Types for Australian Citizens

Visa-Free Entry

More than 110 nationalities enter without a visa for 30 to 180 days; 22 of them are also excused from K-ETA until 31 December 2026

None: e-Arrival Card within 3 days before landingFree

K-ETA

Electronic travel authorisation required before boarding by visa-free nationals not on the temporary exemption list, including Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa and Russia

Usually within 72 hoursKRW 10,000 + 3% card fee

Tourist (C-3-9) Visa

Short-term visit visa for nationalities outside the waiver, lodged at the embassy or a Korea Visa Application Centre; fees and timing set per mission

10 working days in India; 12 in the Philippines; 8 weeks in PakistanRs3,600 / NGN 60,000 / PKR 12,000 / PHP 0 + centre fee

Jeju and Transit Without Visa

Jeju Island for up to 30 days by direct international flight, and 30 days on the mainland for transit passengers holding a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European visa

Granted at the port of entryFree

How to Apply

Verify your Australian passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your planned departure from South Korea

Book your flights and accommodation

Prepare proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds

Arrive in South Korea — you may stay for up to 90 days without a visa

Present your passport at immigration and receive an entry stamp

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Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the South Korea visa guide.

Important Notes for Australian Applicants

Australians are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026, an exemption in place since 1 April 2023.
Visa-free stay is limited to 90 days — overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans
Visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only — working or studying requires a separate permit
Register with Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) for travel advisories before your trip

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Australian citizens need a visa for South Korea?

No, Australian citizens can generally visit South Korea without a visa for tourism purposes. The typical maximum stay is 90 days. Verify current conditions before travel.

How long can Australian citizens stay in South Korea?

Australian citizens can typically stay up to 90 days without a visa. Extensions may be available at local immigration offices. Always verify the duration stamped in your passport at entry.