South Korea entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in South Korea | Your UAE passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your visit. South Korea does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for UAE nationals — as long as your passport is valid for your stay dates, you are fine. Airlines might still check for 6 months validity, so verify with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) Online pre-authorization for visa-free entry | UAE passport holders must obtain a K-ETA before boarding a flight to South Korea. Apply at the official K-ETA portal (k-eta.go.kr) — the fee is 10,000 KRW (~$7.50 USD) and approval usually comes within minutes. Your K-ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries.Apply for K-ETA | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A refundable ticket works if your plans are flexible. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in South Korea. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have access to at least 1,000,000 KRW (~$750 USD) or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration officers rarely check this for UAE passport holders, but it is a formal requirement under Korean immigration law. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you fly.
No arrival card needed
South Korea scrapped the arrival card for visa-free visitors. Just your passport and a smile at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Incheon or other airport
At Incheon International Airport (or Gimhae, Jeju, etc.), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for non-Korean nationals.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly — you're visiting for tourism or business. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day stay.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD)
Apply at Korean embassy/consulate. Requires itinerary and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost90,000 KRW (~$68 USD)
For frequent travellers. Requires travel history and ties to home country.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayUp to 2 years, extendable
ValidityDuration of study
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Korean institutions. Requires admission letter.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, extendable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in Korean degree programs. Allows part-time work with permission. Pathway to permanent residency.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for long-term residents)
3 years, renewable
60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) application fee
For long-term residents with strong ties to Korea. Requires points-based system (age, income, Korean language). Not a pure retirement visa.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Mandatory pre-arrival authorization for visa-free travellers. Valid for 2 years. | 10,000 KRW (~$7.50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | N/A |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. | 60,000 KRW (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max 90 days per entry. | 90,000 KRW (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine varies; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstay. | 100,000–200,000 KRW (~$75–150 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders can transit through South Korea without a visa for up to 30 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the transit area or enter for short visits under the visa-free program.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
- Transit passengers staying airside do not need a visa regardless of nationality.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in winter and spring; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked foods from street vendors.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking in forests.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Appointments recommended.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa issues for southern region. Bring all required documents.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa (like a tourist visa extension) before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No, South Korea no longer requires an arrival card for visa-free visitors. You just present your passport at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Korean immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. You cannot work (paid or unpaid) or enroll in a course. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
No, UAE passport holders can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days, separate from the mainland 90-day allowance. But if you fly directly to Jeju from abroad, you get 30 days; if you enter via Seoul, the mainland 90-day rule applies.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around 100,000–300,000 KRW per month overstayed), detained, and banned from re-entering for a period. Always leave on time.
Not officially required for UAE passport holders, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.