South Korea entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Japanese passport holders can visit South Korea for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in South Korea. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule, but Korean immigration does not — you just need it to cover your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before you reach the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers rarely ask for it, but having a hotel confirmation or a friend's address handy avoids delays. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Not routinely checked for Japanese passport holders, but carrying a credit card or cash equivalent to about 1,000 USD per week covers you if asked. | Recommended |
| K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Pre-arrival approval for visa-free entry | Japanese passport holders need a K-ETA before boarding. Apply at visa.go.kr — it costs about 10,000 KRW and is usually approved within minutes. The authorization is valid for 2 years and covers multiple entries.Apply for K-ETA | Required |
Passport validity is strict
South Korea requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter. If it's even a day short, you'll be turned away at the airport. Check your passport now, not the night before your flight.
eSIMs save time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at Incheon, buy an Airalo eSIM before you go. It activates automatically when you land, so you have data immediately for maps, taxis, and messaging.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), book your return ticket, and save your accommodation confirmation on your phone. Also grab a local SIM or eSIM so you're connected on arrival.
2
Arrive at the airport in South Korea
At Incheon or Gimpo airports, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. You'll fill out an arrival card on the plane or at a kiosk.
3
Go through immigration
Hand over your passport and arrival card. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. That's it — you're in.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free entry is not desired.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years for frequent travellers)
Cost₩70,000 (~$53 USD)
Requires proof of previous travel to South Korea or other countries.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For enrollment in a Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩80,000 (~$60 USD) application fee
For professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires a contract and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years, renewable)
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Korean university or graduate program. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For those investing at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)K-ETA is not required for Japanese citizens as of 2025. | Free (currently suspended for Japanese nationals) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Varies |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa (e.g., longer stay). | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | ₩70,000 (~$53 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period. | ₩100,000–200,000 (~$75–150 USD) per day, max ₩20,000,000 (~$15,000 USD) |
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
Japanese passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in South Korea, even if leaving the airport for a short layover (up to 30 days visa-free).
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices reduce risk; avoid undercooked seafood.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in rural/forested areas during spring/summer.
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, Jung-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
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related matters for the Busan region.
Practical information for JP 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 = 1,494.42 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 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a different visa (like a tourist visa extension or a long-stay visa) before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
Yes, you'll receive an arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport until you hand it to immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. South Korea requires at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work or study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa (e.g., E-series for work, D-series for study).
If you're a Japanese passport holder transiting through South Korea and staying in the international transit area, you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you may be eligible for a 30-day visa-free transit if you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Check with your airline.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, and banned from re-entering South Korea for a period (often 1-5 years depending on the overstay length). Leave before your 90 days are up.
Not usually for Japanese passport holders, but immigration officers can ask. It's smart to have a credit card or some cash (KRW) available just in case. No specific amount is required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.