South Korea Tourist Visa
K-ETA / Visa-Free Entry · For Vietnam citizens
Planning a trip to South Korea as a Vietnamese citizen? Great news: Vietnam is included in the K-ETA exemption until December 2026, meaning you can enter visa-free for tourism. If needed, K-ETA costs only 10,000 KRW (approximately $8). This guide covers all your options for visiting South Korea from Vietnam.
South Korea Tourist Visa for Vietnamese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Vietnam citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Confirmed round-trip flight showing departure from South Korea
Address where you will stay in South Korea
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Application Process
Vietnamese citizens currently enjoy visa-free access to South Korea under the K-ETA exemption program.1
Visa-Free Entry (Recommended)
The simplest option for Vietnamese travelers until December 2026.1
What You Need:
- Valid Vietnamese passport (6 months validity)
- Return flight ticket (within 30 days)
- Accommodation address in South Korea
At the Airport:
- Complete the arrival card on the plane or at immigration
- Present your passport at immigration
- Provide accommodation address and contact information
- Receive entry stamp for up to 30 days
No advance application required under the current exemption.
K-ETA Application (Optional)
You can optionally apply for K-ETA for added convenience.1
Benefits of K-ETA:
- Skip the arrival card
- Faster immigration processing
- Valid for 3 years / multiple entries
Application Steps:
- Visit k-eta.go.kr
- Create account and fill application
- Upload passport photo
- Pay 10,000 KRW (~$8)
- Receive approval within 24-72 hours
Fees
| Entry Method | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free (K-ETA Exemption) | Free | Valid until December 2026 |
| K-ETA Application | KRW 10,000 (~200,000 VND) | Optional, 3-year validity |
The K-ETA exemption makes South Korea one of the most accessible destinations for Vietnamese tourists.1
What You Need to Prove
At South Korea immigration:2
- Valid passport: At least 6 months validity
- Return intent: Confirmed departure ticket
- Accommodation: Where you will stay
- Financial means: Ability to support yourself (if asked)
Processing Times
| Entry Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | No processing needed |
| K-ETA (if applied) | 24-72 hours |
No advance application is required under the current exemption.1
K-ETA Exemption Details
Vietnam is included in the K-ETA exemption until December 2026:1
- No application required: Simply arrive with valid passport
- No fee: Free entry under exemption
- 30-day stay: Maximum stay per visit
- Multiple entries: Can visit multiple times
Check the official K-ETA website before traveling to confirm the exemption is still in effect.
After Arrival in South Korea
Upon arrival:2
- Present passport at immigration
- Fill out arrival card (unless you have K-ETA)
- Provide accommodation address
- Answer questions about travel plans if asked
- Receive entry stamp with 30-day stay
- Keep passport safe during your stay
If Entry is Denied
If immigration denies your entry:
- Common reasons: No return ticket, passport issues, previous overstays
- Prevention: Book return flight before arriving, check passport validity
- Resolution: Address issues and try again on a future trip
Most entry denials are easily preventable with proper preparation.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
No Return Ticket
Unable to show confirmed departure from South Korea within the allowed stay period.
How to avoid: Book a return or onward flight before arriving. Immigration may deny entry without proof of departure.
Invalid Passport
Passport with less than 6 months validity or insufficient blank pages.
How to avoid: Check passport expiry and blank pages before traveling. Renew if needed.
Insufficient Funds
Unable to demonstrate adequate financial means for the stay.
How to avoid: Carry bank card, cash, or proof of funds. Be prepared to show if asked.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying or violating immigration rules in South Korea.
How to avoid: Resolve any outstanding issues. Previous overstays can result in entry ban.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Unable to explain travel plans or suspicious circumstances.
How to avoid: Have clear travel plans. Know where you're staying and what you plan to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No, Vietnamese citizens can currently enter South Korea visa-free for tourism under the K-ETA exemption program until December 2026. You can stay up to 30 days.
What is K-ETA and do Vietnamese need it?
K-ETA is Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. Vietnamese citizens are currently exempt from K-ETA until December 2026. You can optionally apply for K-ETA for benefits like skipping the arrival card.
How much does K-ETA cost for Vietnamese citizens?
K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (approximately $8 or 200,000 VND) if you choose to apply. With the current exemption, you can enter without K-ETA for free.
How long can Vietnamese stay in South Korea?
Vietnamese citizens can stay up to 30 days per visit under the visa-free arrangement. For longer stays, you need to apply for a visa at the Korean Embassy.
What documents do I need for South Korea from Vietnam?
For visa-free entry, you need: valid passport (6 months validity), return flight ticket, and accommodation address. Proof of funds is recommended.
How long does K-ETA processing take?
K-ETA is typically processed within 24 hours, but can take up to 72 hours. With the exemption, no processing is needed for Vietnamese citizens.
Can I extend my stay in South Korea?
Tourist stays may be extended by visiting a local immigration office before your 30 days expire. Extensions are granted at immigration's discretion.
What is the approval rate for South Korea entry from Vietnam?
The approval rate is approximately 95% for Vietnamese travelers with proper documentation. Most issues arise from missing return tickets or passport problems.