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South African citizens need a K-ETA for South Korea

As of 2026-09-08

Processing

Usually within 72 hours

Fee

KRW 10,000 + 3% card fee

Max Stay

30 days

Last updated: 2026-09-08 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

South Korea Visa Overview for South African Citizens

South African citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit South Korea. Visa-free for up to 30 days per the K-ETA eligibility table, but K-ETA required before boarding (KRW 10,000, valid 3 years, apply at k-eta.go.kr); not on the temporary exemption list; K-ETA holders skip the e-Arrival Card. The ETA costs KRW 10,000 + 3% card fee and can be applied for online before departure.

The application is a quick online process that typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Most applications are approved quickly. Once granted, the authorization is electronically linked to the passport — no need to print a separate document.

With an approved authorization, South African travelers can stay in South Korea for up to 30 days.

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
  • Approved ETA/eTA/ESTA linked to passport (save confirmation email)

Available Visa Types for South African 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

1

Visit the official South Korea ETA/eTA website

2

Complete the online application with your passport details and travel information

3

Pay the ETA fee of KRW 10,000 + 3% card fee by credit or debit card

4

Receive confirmation by email (typically within Usually within 72 hours)

5

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no printing required

6

Travel to South Korea and present your passport at immigration

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Stay Rules & Conditions

  • Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity
  • Forgetting to apply before departure — ETAs must be approved before you board your flight

Important Notes for South African Applicants

  • Apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow for processing
  • South African citizens enjoy visa-free access to Singapore (30 days) and Thailand (30 days from 15 September 2026; 60 days for entries before then)
  • Apply well in advance as processing times from South Africa can vary significantly
  • Keep certified copies of all documents — South African originals may need apostille certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Do South African citizens need a visa for South Korea?

South African citizens need an electronic travel authorization (ETA/eTA/ESTA) for South Korea, which can be applied for online. The fee is KRW 10,000 + 3% card fee. This is not a full visa — it is completed online.

How long can South African citizens stay in South Korea?

With an approved visa, South African citizens may stay in South Korea for 30 days. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

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

No. A tourist visa 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.

Other destinations for South African citizens

United Kingdom

Visa required

United States

Visa required

Canada

Visa required

Australia

Visa required

Schengen Area

Visa required

United Arab Emirates

Visa required

Japan

Visa required

Singapore

Visa-free

Thailand

Visa-free

India

Visa-free

China

Visa required

View all destinations for South African citizens

Prepare Your Application

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

Document StudioTrip PlannerVisa Cover LetterSponsor/Invitation Letter
View all tools

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

South African Travel Guide

All destinations for South African citizens
Last verified:September 2026