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South Korea visa requirements for United States citizens (2026)

Visa-free · up to 90 days. No. United States passport holders do not need a visa for South Korea for tourism and can stay up to 90 days. You still need a valid passport and should carry proof of onward travel. Temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (a K-ETA can still be applied for voluntarily, KRW 10,000; otherwise fill in the arrival card).

Visa-free for up to 90 days, no advance application needed.

MRBy Muddassar Raza, Visa and Trips / MERN SolutionsLast updated

South Korea entry requirements for United States citizens

Requirement
Visa-free
Allowed stay
90 days

What to bring to South Korea

  • Passport valid for the whole stay (many countries expect 6 months beyond arrival)
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank card or recent statement)
  • Any arrival card or registration the destination asks for

Frequently asked questions

Do United States citizens need a visa for South Korea?

No. United States passport holders do not need a visa for South Korea for tourism and can stay up to 90 days. You still need a valid passport and should carry proof of onward travel. Temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (a K-ETA can still be applied for voluntarily, KRW 10,000; otherwise fill in the arrival card).

How long can United States passport holders stay in South Korea?

Up to 90 days per visit for tourism without a visa. Overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans.

What documents do United States passport holders need for South Korea?

Passport valid for the whole stay (many countries expect 6 months beyond arrival); Return or onward ticket; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address); Proof of sufficient funds (bank card or recent statement); Any arrival card or registration the destination asks for.

Do United States passport holders need to apply for anything before travelling to South Korea?

No advance visa application is needed for a tourist visit. Carry a valid passport and proof of onward travel.