Australian citizens can generally visit South Korea without a visa

As of 2026-09-08

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: 2026-09-08 • 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.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering South Korea

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in South Korea, with at least 1 blank page
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay
Evidence of sufficient funds

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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 and 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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Stay Rules & Conditions

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry is typically for tourism only — working, even remotely, may not be permitted and rules vary by country
Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries
Extensions may be possible at local immigration offices — apply before your permitted stay expires, not after

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity
Assuming visa-free means unlimited stay — you are typically limited to the stamped duration at entry
Not carrying proof of onward travel — even visa-free travellers can be denied entry without a return or onward ticket

Important Notes for Australian Applicants

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
Australian citizens can visit the UK visa-free for 6 months, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (£20) is required before travel since January 2025; Japan (90 days) and all Schengen countries remain visa-free
ESTA for the US is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first

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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.

Can Australian citizens work in South Korea on a tourist visa?

No. Visa-free entry does not permit paid employment in South Korea, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.