South Korea Visa Extensions

There are multiple types of visas for foreign nationals looking to enter South Korea. The most common is the K-ETA or Korean Electronic Travel Authorization.

The K-ETA allows citizens of 122 countries, including the US, to visit South Korea for stays of up to 90 days for tourism and designated business purposes. Valid for two years, it’s a multiple-entry authorization that allows you to enter and leave the country multiple times on the same visa.

The K-ETA is not extendable or renewable, but as it is multiple-entry, you can leave and then reenter the country at the end of 90 days. If your K-ETA expires, you can apply for a new one outside the country. Processing and approval generally take 48 to 72 hours.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days to work or study, you’ll need to apply for an Alien Registration Card. Don’t lose it—you’ll need to return the card to immigration officials when you leave.

• Even though the K-ETA is not required for US travelers, it’s recommended that you apply for a K-ETA if you plan on staying in Korea for longer than 90 days.
• You can also seek an extension of stay at the South Korean Immigration Office in Seoul.
• For longer stays in Korea, you should apply for an extension at least four months in advance of the expiration date of your current visa or stay limit. If you’re visiting on a visa-free 90-day stay and need to extend your visit, you’ll want to apply for the extension as soon as possible and show proof of why you need to extend your stay.

For all the visas listed above that can be extended or renewed, eligible foreign nationals will follow the same process. It’s recommended that you apply for your visa extension two to four months prior to expiration day. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a South Korea visa extension.

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your current South Korean visa (if applicable)
• Recent passport-style photos
• Visa-extension application form
• Proof of need for visa extension (business documents, medical records, etc.)

Costs for extending your South Korea visa vary depending on the type of visa and your country of origin. Government-mandated extension fees start at ₩30,000 (Korean won; KRW).

Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.

If you’re unable to extend your visa and overstay your visa duration, the government of South Korea will fine you ₩100,000 per day of overstaying. You also risk being deported and banned from reentry by overstaying your visa.

If you think you may need to extend your stay in South Korea, it’s recommended to apply for the K-ETA so you can use its multiple-entry access to leave and reenter the country every 90 days. If you want to be in South Korea for longer stays, such as for employment or teaching English, apply for a longer-term visa in those categories.

Find the answers to some common questions about South Korean visa extensions below.

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a South Korea visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to South Korea, including travel requirements, local laws, and culture and traditions, visit our South Korea content hub.