South Korea entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to visit South Korea. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter South Korea. Apply at the official Korea eVisa portal at least a few weeks before your trip — processing can take 5–10 business days. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. South Korea does not enforce the 6-month validity rule, but your airline might — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo 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 invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in South Korea. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash to show you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around ₩1,000,000 (roughly $750 USD) for a week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Start the process at least 2 weeks before departure.
Keep digital copies handy
Save your eVisa approval, passport, and booking confirmations on your phone. At Incheon, immigration officers may ask to see them. A screenshot or PDF works fine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.go.kr, create an account, fill out the application form, upload your passport photo and scanned passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 5-7 business days.
2
Wait for approval
Check your email and the visa portal for the eVisa approval. Do not book non-refundable flights until you receive it.
3
Prepare your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder.
4
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
CostKRW 40,000 (~$30 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism; must apply at Korean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
CostKRW 80,000 (~$60 USD)
Allows multiple visits; requires proof of previous travel or strong ties.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostKRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean educational institutions.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostKRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer and relevant qualifications.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For professionals with specialized skills or job offers in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at Korean universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD)
For foreign investors who invest at least KRW 100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Madagascar passport holders applying for a tourist eVisa. | KRW 40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of KRW 3,000,000 (~$2,250 USD). | KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension is not typically available for eVisa holders; check with immigration. | KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Madagascar passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in South Korea, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Holders of a valid Korean visa or re-entry permit are exempt.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travelers should avoid undercooked seafood and street food in remote areas.
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, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport, application form, and fee.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for MG 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
Typically 5-7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. Processing times can vary, so don't wait until the last minute.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality. For Madagascar passport holders, check the visa.go.kr portal for the exact amount. Expect it to be around $30-50 USD.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You can reapply, but first check the rejection reason. Common issues: incorrect documents, insufficient funds, or past overstays. Contact the Korean embassy in Madagascar for guidance.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you may not need a visa. But if you need to enter the country or switch airports, you must have an eVisa. Check with your airline.
Your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask for proof of funds or travel insurance, so have them ready.
No. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Madagascar passport holders.
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.