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Iranian citizens typically need a visa for South Korea

As of 2026-09-22

Processing
Varies by mission
Fee
Set per mission by reciprocity
Max Stay
Per visa conditions
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 Iranian Citizens

Iranian citizens require a visa to visit South Korea. C-3-9 tourist visa at the Korean embassy or visa application centre; no visa-free allowance for this nationality. Excluded from both the Jeju visa-free scheme and the 30-day transit waiver (Ministry of Justice list of 23 countries), so a visa is needed for any entry. Iranian applicants typically apply through the Korean Embassy in Tehran or one of its 14 authorised travel agencies.

Applicants should gather all required documents including a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds. Applications from Iranian citizens are processed through the Korean Embassy in Tehran or one of its 14 authorised travel agencies.

Once approved, Iranian passport holders may stay in South Korea for the duration specified on the visa.

Available Visa Types for Iranian 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

1

Gather required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), passport-size photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and bank statements

2

Complete the visa application through the South Korea embassy or authorized visa agent

3

Pay the visa application fee of the applicable amount

4

Submit your application through the Korean Embassy in Tehran or one of its 14 authorised travel agencies

5

Wait for processing (typically several working days)

6

Receive your visa — check whether it is sent by email or requires passport collection

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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.

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Important Notes for Iranian Applicants

  • Iranian citizens apply through the Korean Embassy in Tehran or one of its 14 authorised travel agencies
  • A single-entry visa for a 90-day stay costs US$50 (express double), payable in US dollars only, and processing takes more than two weeks.
  • Visa provision for Iranian passport holders is unusually volatile — confirm the current status directly with the embassy or application centre before paying fees or booking flights

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Iranian citizens need a visa for South Korea?

Yes, Iranian citizens typically need a visa to visit South Korea. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

Where do Iranian citizens apply for a South Korea visa?

Iranian citizens typically apply through the Korean Embassy in Tehran or one of its 14 authorised travel agencies. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Other destinations for Iranian citizens

United Kingdom

Visa required

Canada

Visa required

Australia

Visa required

Schengen Area

Visa required

Japan

Visa required

Singapore

Visa required

Thailand

Visa required

India

Visa required

China

Visa required

South Africa

Visa required

View all destinations for Iranian citizens

Prepare Your Application

Draft cover letters, plan your trip, and prepare invitation letters

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Helpful Guides

First-Time Visa Applicant: Top Tips to Get Approved
8 min read
Visa Cover Letter: How to Write One (With Examples)
7 min read
Bank Statements for Visa Applications: What You Need
8 min read

Official Resources

K-ETA — Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (official site)
The Korea Immigration Service portal for K-ETA: eligibility table with the visa-free stay for each nationality, fee, validity and the temporary exemption list.
K-ETA Application Guide
Fee (KRW 10,000), three-year validity, 72-hour assessment and who is exempt.
Embassy of Korea in the USA — Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption to 31 December 2026 (29 December 2025)
The Ministry of Justice decision to keep the K-ETA waiver for the currently exempt countries through 2026.
Korea Tourism Organization — Visa & Travel Requirements (21 April 2026)
The 22 countries and regions temporarily exempt from K-ETA, and how K-ETA works.
Embassy of Korea in the USA — Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (16 May 2025)
Thirty-day visa-free entry for transit passengers holding a valid visa or residence for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or 32 European countries, with the 23 excluded nationalities.
Embassy of Korea in Singapore — Visa-Free Entry to Jeju Island (2 January 2026)
Direct-flight condition for Jeju's visa-free entry and the 23 nationalities excluded from it.
Embassy of Korea in Singapore — Visa and Entry FAQ (31 August 2026)
K-ETA fee and validity, the Visa Grant Notice that replaced visa stickers in 2020, transit and APEC card rules.
Korea Visa Portal
The Ministry of Justice portal for visa applications, status checks and the Visa Grant Notice.
e-Arrival Card
The free electronic arrival card submitted within three days before arrival by travellers without a K-ETA.
GOV.UK — South Korea entry requirements
The UK government's statement of the 90-day visa-free stay, the K-ETA exemption to 31 December 2026 and the e-Arrival Card.

Full South Korea Visa Guide

View all South Korea visas

Iranian Travel Guide

All destinations for Iranian citizens

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Last verified: October 2026|Official source