South Korea Tourist Visa
Short-term Visit Visa (C-3-9) · For Pakistan citizens
Planning a trip to South Korea as a Pakistani citizen? You will need a C-3-9 Tourist Visa since Pakistan is not among the visa-exempt countries. This guide covers everything: required documents including 6 months bank statements, tax papers, and hotel bookings, the $40 USD visa fee, and the 3-week minimum processing time. With approximately 55% of Pakistani applications approved, thorough preparation is essential to maximize your chances of exploring Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island.
South Korea Tourist Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Pakistan citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea
Complete the official Korea visa application form available from the embassy website
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Korean visa specifications
Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your South Korea trip
Official letter from your bank confirming your account status
Round-trip flight itinerary showing entry and exit from South Korea
Confirmed hotel reservations covering your entire stay in South Korea
A personal letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Personal and company tax documentation showing your financial status
Recommended (Optional)
Required if visiting friends, family, or attending events in Korea
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay in South Korea
Copies of previous visas to developed countries
Application Process
Pakistani citizens must apply for a South Korea tourist visa in person at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad or the Karachi Office.1 There is no eVisa or online application option available for Pakistani passport holders. Plan your visit carefully as both offices have limited acceptance hours.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), completed application form, financial documents, and travel bookings.1 Ensure your bank statements cover the last 6 months with attestation from your bank.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Download the visa application form from the Korea Visa Portal or embassy website.3 Fill all fields accurately in English. The form must be completed personally by the applicant. Ensure your travel dates match your flight and hotel bookings exactly. Sign the form to match your passport signature.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary
Write a clear cover letter addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea explaining your travel purpose, planned destinations, and reasons for returning to Pakistan.1 Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary showing specific attractions you plan to visit in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or other destinations.5
Step 4: Submit Your Application in Person
Visit the Korean Embassy in Islamabad (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) or the Karachi Office (Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) with all documents and the visa fee.12 Applicants must appear in person to submit their application. If you have visited Korea before without violations, an authority letter may allow someone else to submit on your behalf.
Step 5: Wait for Processing and Collect Passport
Processing takes a minimum of 3 weeks.1 The embassy does not provide status updates, so plan accordingly. Once processed, return to the embassy during passport collection hours (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) to collect your passport. There is no courier delivery option.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry (up to 90 days) | $40 |
| Single Entry (over 91 days) | $60 |
| Multiple Entry | $90 |
Important Notes:
- Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.1
- Payment is typically accepted in Pakistani Rupees at the prevailing exchange rate.
- Frequent travelers who have visited Korea 4+ times in the last 2 years without violations may be eligible for fee-free multiple entry visas.1
- Those with 10+ total visits (at least one within the last 2 years) may also qualify for gratis visa issuance.1
What You Need to Prove
Korean consulates evaluate Pakistani applications with particular attention to several key factors.1 Your application should clearly demonstrate:
Genuine Tourism Intent: Your itinerary should detail specific tourist attractions, cultural sites, and activities in South Korea. Mention places like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Tower in Seoul, or the beaches in Busan and Jeju Island.5 Vague or unrealistic travel plans raise red flags.
Financial Capacity: Bank statements must show sufficient funds to cover your trip including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. A consistent balance over 6 months is more convincing than recent large deposits. Include tax documents (NTN) to prove stable income.12
Strong Ties to Pakistan: Employment letters showing stable job tenure, property documents, business registration, and family responsibilities demonstrate your intention to return. Young, single applicants should particularly emphasize these ties in their cover letter and supporting documents.1
Clean Travel History: Previous visas to developed countries like US, UK, Japan, Australia, or Schengen area significantly strengthen your application. If you have visited South Korea before and complied with visa terms, this is especially valuable and may qualify you for multiple entry visa benefits.1
Processing Times
Standard visa processing takes a minimum of 3 weeks from the date of submission.1 However, processing may be extended in several situations:
| Situation | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard application | 3 weeks minimum |
| Additional documents requested | +2 to 4 weeks |
| Peak travel season | May extend to 8 weeks |
| Complex cases | 8 weeks or more |
The embassy in Pakistan has noted that some visa categories may take up to 8 weeks for processing.1 Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned travel date to allow buffer time for any delays. The embassy does not provide application status updates, so patience is required.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your passport will contain a visa sticker with your photo, validity dates, and number of permitted entries. Verify all details are correct before leaving the embassy.1
At Incheon International Airport or other Korean ports of entry, immigration officers may request:
- Valid passport with visa
- Return flight ticket to Pakistan
- Hotel or accommodation confirmation
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance documents (if applicable)
Keep all documents easily accessible. Korean immigration is generally efficient, but be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose, duration, and accommodation.
E-Arrival Card Requirement: All travelers to Korea should check current requirements for the electronic arrival card, which may need to be submitted online before arrival.4 Check the Korea Immigration Service website for the latest requirements.
If Your Visa is Refused
South Korea does not provide detailed reasons for visa refusals and has no formal appeal process.1 The embassy explicitly states it has no obligation to explain denials. If your application is refused:
1. Analyze Your Application
Review what may have caused the refusal: insufficient funds, weak employment evidence, unclear itinerary, document inconsistencies, or lack of travel history. Since no reason is given, you must self-assess.
2. Wait Before Reapplying
Wait at least 3 months before reapplying. Use this time to: build consistent bank balance, obtain a stronger employment letter with tenure details, create a more detailed and realistic travel itinerary, or gather property and family documentation.
3. Strengthen Your Documentation
Address all potential weaknesses in your previous application. If financial proof was weak, ensure 6 months of consistent bank balance. If ties to Pakistan were unclear, gather property documents, family certificates, or evidence of business obligations.
4. Build Travel History
If you have no international travel experience, consider visiting visa-friendly countries first (like UAE, Malaysia, Thailand, or Turkey) to establish a positive travel record before reapplying for South Korea.
5. Consider Getting an Inviter
If you know someone in Korea (friend, family, or business contact), having them provide a notarized invitation letter and guarantee letter significantly strengthens your application.1 The guarantee form is available on the Korean immigration website.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Insufficient Documentation
Missing required documents, errors in application form, or documents that do not meet specifications. Common issues include missing bank attestation, outdated photographs, or incomplete application forms.
How to avoid: Create a checklist of all required documents before your embassy visit. Ensure bank statements are attested, photos meet specifications, and all forms are completely filled. The embassy does not provide specific reasons for rejection, so thorough preparation is critical.
Insufficient Financial Proof
Bank statements showing low balance, large unexplained deposits made just before application, or income that does not match employment documents. Tax documents missing or showing inconsistencies with declared income.
How to avoid: Maintain a consistent balance of PKR 500,000+ for 6 months before applying. Avoid sudden large deposits. Ensure bank credits match your salary slip and tax returns. Include account maintenance certificate from your bank.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Pakistan after the trip. This includes unstable employment, no property ownership, no family dependents, or being a young single applicant without strong anchors.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing stable tenure, property documents if owned, and proof of family dependents. Business owners should provide NTN and recent contracts. Students should show enrollment proof with remaining course duration.
Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary
Vague travel plans without specific dates, locations, or activities. Cover letter lacks detail about planned activities or does not convincingly explain the purpose of visiting South Korea.
How to avoid: Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Busan beaches, or Jeju Island. Ensure hotel bookings and flight dates align perfectly with your stated plans.
Previous Visa Issues or Poor Travel History
History of visa refusals to South Korea or other countries, previous overstays, or immigration violations. First-time international travelers without any travel history may face additional scrutiny.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous refusals if asked. Build travel history with visits to visa-friendly countries first like UAE, Malaysia, or Turkey. If previously refused, wait 3 to 6 months and significantly strengthen your documentation before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
Yes, Pakistani citizens require a C-3-9 Tourist Visa to visit South Korea. Pakistan is not among the visa-exempt countries, so you must obtain a visa before travel. The K-ETA system is only available for citizens of visa-exempt nations and does not apply to Pakistani passport holders.
How long does South Korea visa processing take from Pakistan?
Standard processing takes a minimum of 3 weeks from submission. During peak travel seasons or if additional documents are requested, processing may extend to 8 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Pakistanis in 2025?
The visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry visa (up to 90 days). For stays exceeding 91 days, the fee is $60 USD. Multiple-entry visa costs $90 USD. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?
The C-3-9 Tourist Visa allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You cannot work or engage in paid activities during your stay. Extensions are generally not permitted for tourist visas.
Where can I apply for a South Korea visa in Pakistan?
You can apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) or the Karachi Office (Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM). Applications must be submitted in person.
What bank balance is required for South Korea tourist visa from Pakistan?
While there is no official minimum, a balance of PKR 500,000 or more is recommended for a 2-week trip. The balance should be consistent over 6 months with regular income credits. Large recent deposits may raise questions about fund sources.
Is there a South Korea eVisa for Pakistani citizens?
No, Pakistani citizens cannot apply for a Korean eVisa or K-ETA. You must apply for a physical visa sticker by visiting the Korean Embassy in Islamabad or the Karachi Office in person.
Do I need an invitation letter for South Korea tourist visa?
For pure tourism, an invitation letter is not mandatory. However, if you are visiting friends or family in Korea, you will need a notarized invitation letter and guarantee letter from your Korean host. Having an inviter can strengthen your application.
What happens if my South Korea visa is rejected?
The Korean Embassy does not provide detailed reasons for visa refusals. You can reapply after 3 months with improved documentation. Focus on addressing potential weaknesses: stronger financial proof, clearer itinerary, or better ties to Pakistan.
Can I get a visa on arrival in South Korea as a Pakistani?
No, Pakistani citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival in South Korea. You must obtain a visa before traveling. Arriving without a valid visa will result in denied entry and deportation.
Do I need travel insurance for South Korea tourist visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the South Korea tourist visa, but it is highly recommended. South Korea has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical treatment can be expensive for foreign visitors without insurance.
What is the approval rate for South Korea visa for Pakistanis?
The approval rate is approximately 50-60% for Pakistani applicants. This is lower than some other nationalities due to stricter documentation requirements. Thorough preparation with complete financial proof and clear travel plans significantly improves your chances.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in South Korea?
Tourist visa extensions are generally not permitted in South Korea. You must leave the country before your authorized stay expires. For longer stays, you would need to exit and reapply or apply for a different visa category.
What documents prove ties to Pakistan for visa application?
Strong ties include: employment letter with tenure details, property ownership documents, business registration (NTN), family certificates showing dependents, and bank statements showing regular salary. Young single applicants should particularly emphasize stable employment and family responsibilities.
How early should I apply for South Korea visa before my trip?
Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned travel date. The minimum processing time is 3 weeks, but it can extend during busy periods. This buffer ensures you have time to address any document requests or reapply if needed.