South Korea entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Korea in 2026. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter South Korea. Apply online at the official Korea eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before your trip. The application asks for your passport details, travel itinerary, and a digital photo — processing takes 5–7 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. South Korea does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but your airline may ask for it at check-in — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket to a third country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in South Korea. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least ₩1,000,000 (about $750 USD) or the equivalent in cash. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. You must apply and receive your eVisa before you travel. Without it, you won't be allowed to board your flight.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in South Korea, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to www.visa.go.kr, create an account, fill in the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel details), and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Korea.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo Airport
At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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
CostKRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostKRW 90,000 (~$68 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of previous travel.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostKRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires acceptance from a Korean educational institution.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostKRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires a job offer from a Korean employer.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 2 years)
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of KRW 100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, non-refundable. | KRW 40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those applying at embassy, may vary. | KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | KRW 90,000 (~$68 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of KRW 2,000,000 (~$1,500 USD). | KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Nigeria passport holders transiting through South Korea generally do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, as per WHO guidelines.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Particularly in urban areas during winter; may affect those with respiratory conditions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked meat and street food.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in rural areas during spring and 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, Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa issues for the southern region.
Practical information for NG 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 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your 90-day stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You can reapply, but first check the reason for rejection (the embassy will tell you). Common issues: incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or unclear travel purpose. Fix those before reapplying.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask. Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay — at least $50–100 per day is a safe estimate.
No. You must have a booked return or onward ticket. Immigration checks this at the counter. A one-way ticket will likely get you denied boarding.
Not for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in South Korea are high — a simple hospital visit can cost $200+. Insurance covers that.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
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.