South Korea entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed October 29, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · October 29, 2026
Visa-free entryeVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
Valid for stay
No extra months required
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Latvian citizens need an eVisa to enter South Korea. Apply online before you fly — no embassy visit required. You can stay up to 90 days per visit, and your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
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're in South Korea. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, but Korean immigration only requires validity covering your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but around 1,000 USD for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't leave it to the last minute
eVisa processing can take up to 10 business days in peak season. Airlines won't let you board without an approved visa, so apply at least two weeks before departure.
Print your eVisa
Digital copies are accepted at some checkpoints, but immigration officers and airline staff often prefer a paper printout. Print two copies and keep them separate.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South Korean eVisa portal (usually via the Ministry of Justice website) and complete the application. Upload a passport-style photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Save the confirmation email.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. You'll get an email with your eVisa grant notice. Print two copies — one for your bag and one for your wallet.
3
Check in at the airport
At the check-in desk in Riga (or wherever you depart), show your passport and eVisa printout. The airline will verify you have permission to enter South Korea before issuing a boarding pass.
4
Fill in the arrival card on the plane
You'll get an arrival card and a health questionnaire. Fill them in before landing — have your accommodation address and passport number ready. Use a pen, not a pencil.
5
Go through immigration at Incheon or Gimpo
Join the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Hand over your passport, arrival card, and eVisa printout. They'll scan your fingerprints and take a photo. Answer any questions briefly and honestly. You'll get a stamp or a sticker in your passport.
6
Collect your bags and clear customs
After immigration, grab your luggage and walk through the customs channel. If you have nothing to declare, use the green lane. Keep your arrival card stub — you might need it if you leave and re-enter.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated October 29, 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₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For stays up to 90 days; apply at Korean embassy in Latvia.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩90,000 (~$68 USD)
For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility criteria.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₩100,000 (~$75 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₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩80,000 (~$60 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in a Korean university or graduate program. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
retirement visa
F-2 Residence Visa (for retirees)
3 years, renewable
₩100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. ₩30 million/year) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)K-ETA is temporarily not required for visa-free travellers; check latest updates. | Free (currently suspended until 2025) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | ₩90,000 (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalties apply for overstaying visa-free period. | ₩100,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max ₩3,000,000 (~$2,250 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
Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South Korean airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area, a visa or visa-free entry applies.
- Travellers with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 24 hours may transit without visa.
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)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high, especially in winter; consider masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked meat and street food if concerned.
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, Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-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
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related matters for the southern region.
Practical information for LV 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
Most applications are decided within 3–5 business days, but it can stretch to 10 during busy periods. Apply at least two weeks before your flight to avoid stress.
The fee is around KRW 40,000–60,000 (roughly EUR 30–40) depending on the type. Pay online with a credit or debit card — the portal accepts international cards.
No, the eVisa for Latvian citizens is not extendable. You must leave South Korea within 90 days of arrival. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa category from outside the country.
It's not a routine check, but immigration officers can ask. Have a bank statement or cash available — around KRW 100,000 per day of your stay is a safe benchmark.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. If it's not, renew your passport first — the eVisa is linked to your passport number, so you'd need to apply again with the new one.
No. This is a tourist/business visitor visa. Any work or study requires a separate visa obtained through the Korean embassy before you travel.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or change terminals requiring entry, you'll need the eVisa. Check with your airline.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on October 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.