South Korea entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Irish passport holders can travel to South Korea without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. For longer visits or other purposes, you'll need to apply for an e-visa before you go. Here's what you need to know for a smooth trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or eVisa (if applicable)K-ETA is an online pre-authorization that allows you to enter South Korea without a visa for short stays. Visa-free entry for Irish citizens | Irish citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, from 2026, a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for visa-free entry. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityThis means your passport cannot expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Must be valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave before your authorized stay ends. Proof of departure from South Korea | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from South Korea within your 90-day stay. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationWhile not always asked, having accommodation details can speed up immigration processing. Hotel booking or invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask to see that you can support yourself financially while in Korea. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required for Irish citizens | No separate arrival declaration is required for Irish citizens entering South Korea for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. | Not required |
K-ETA status can change
Even though Irish passport holders are currently exempt from the K-ETA, this has been reinstated before. Always check the official K-ETA website or the Korean embassy's site a week before your trip.
Overstaying is serious
Don't overstay your 90-day limit. It can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea. Set a reminder on your phone for a few days before your visa-free period ends.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you head to the airport, gather your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details. Have them easily accessible in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at the airport
At Incheon International Airport (ICN) or Gimhae International Airport (PUS), follow the signs for 'Foreign Passport' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-Korean citizens.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The immigration officer may ask about your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the duration of your permitted stay (usually 90 days). Keep this stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Short-term General (C-3-9) visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40
For tourism, visiting, or short-term business; single-entry.
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40
For commercial activities; requires invitation from Korean company.
Long-term work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60
For skilled workers; requires employment contract and sponsor.
work visa
E-7 (Special Activity) Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) for visa issuance
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) for visa issuance
For enrolled students at Korean universities. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 (Corporate Investment) Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) for visa issuance
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
F-2 (Long-Term Resident) Visa
3 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) for visa issuance
For retirees aged 55+ with a stable pension or income (approx. ₩3 million/month). Requires proof of funds and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; apply online at least 72 hours before departure. | Free (until Dec 31, 2026) |
| Visa issuance fee (if applying for a visa instead of K-ETA)For those who prefer or require a visa; fees vary by visa type. | $40 (single-entry, 90 days) |
| Extension of stay (for visa-free or visa holders)Maximum extension of 30 days; must apply before current stay expires. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through South Korea do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. For landside transit (entering Korea), a K-ETA or visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If transiting to/from the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, visa-free entry for up to 30 days is allowed (K-ETA still required).
- If transiting to/from a country with a Korean embassy, you may be eligible for visa-free transit without K-ETA under certain conditions.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)Essential
Health risks
Air pollution (fine dust)Moderate risk
High levels of PM2.5 in winter/spring can cause respiratory issues; check daily air quality and wear masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk is low but can occur from undercooked seafood or street food; choose reputable eateries.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural/forested areas; use insect repellent and avoid tall grass.
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, Seobu-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
50, Centum 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related matters for the Busan region. Limited English support; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for IE 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, for tourism or short business visits of up to 90 days, you don't need a visa. Just your valid passport. For longer stays or work, you'll need to apply for an e-visa through the Korean embassy or consulate.
No, the 90-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave South Korea before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a proper visa before you travel. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry problems.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You could be fined, detained, and possibly banned from re-entering South Korea. The fine is typically around 100,000 KRW (about €70) for short overstays, but it can be more. Always leave before your stamp expires.
As of now, no. Irish citizens are exempt from the K-ETA. However, this has changed before, so it's wise to check the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) a few days before your flight to see if anything has changed.
Just show your bank statement or credit card. There's no set amount, but having access to a few hundred euros per day of your stay is a good rule of thumb. It's rare to be asked, but it happens.
Technically, the tourist visa doesn't permit any work, including remote work for a foreign company. In practice, short-term remote work is often tolerated, but it's a grey area. If you plan to stay long-term, look into the 'Digital Nomad' visa (F-1-D) which was introduced in 2024.
You'll need to apply for an e-visa before you travel. The type depends on your purpose — work, study, or long-term stay. Contact the Korean Embassy in Dublin (or the nearest consulate) for the specific requirements and processing times. Don't try to extend at the immigration office — it's not possible for visa-free entries.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.