South Korea entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Korea in 2026. Apply online and get approval before you travel — there's no visa-free entry for tourism or business.
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 week before your trip. The application asks for your passport details, travel itinerary, and a recent photo — processing usually takes 5-7 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in South Korea. Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo check this carefully — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass in Vietnam. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration at Incheon sometimes asks for this, especially if you are staying more than a few days. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry a bank statement or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely ask for this for short visits, but having it ready avoids delays. Around 1,000 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark for a week-long trip. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
eVisa processing takes 5–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight. If you apply too late and it's not approved, you won't be allowed to board.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport, and booking confirmations on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose a printed copy, you can still show the digital version.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visa.go.kr, fill out the application form, upload your passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing takes 5–7 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it and save a digital copy.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in a folder you can access quickly.
3
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Have them ready. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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
Cost40 USD (~$40 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost60 USD (~$60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; good for frequent travelers.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost80 USD (~$80 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost60 USD (~$60 USD)
For enrolled students at Korean institutions.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
80 USD (~$80 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South 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 USD (~$60 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in Korean universities or language programs. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
100 USD (~$100 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least 100 million KRW (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Vietnam passport holders applying online. | 40 USD (~$40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Alternative if eVisa not available; same cost. | 40 USD (~$40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | 60 USD (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 5,000,000 KRW (~$3,750 USD). | 100,000 KRW (~$75 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if eligible)Rarely granted for eVisa holders; apply at immigration office. | 60,000 KRW (~$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
No transit visa needed
Vietnam passport holders transiting through South Korea do not need a visa if they stay airside and do not pass through immigration. For landside transit or connecting to domestic flights, a visa is required.
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 if they enter South Korea.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices recommended; avoid undercooked seafood.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
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, Jongno-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 VN 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
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5–7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. The fee is around $40–$50 USD, depending on the current exchange rate.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside Korea.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or if there are errors in your application. You can reapply after correcting the issues. There is no appeal process.
No, proof of funds is not required for the eVisa application or at immigration. However, having a credit card or some cash is always a good idea for your stay.
No, Vietnamese passport holders must have an approved eVisa before travel. There is no visa-free entry for tourism or business.
Contact the Korean embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. They can check the status. Do not travel without an approved eVisa — you will be denied boarding.
No, it's not mandatory for the eVisa application or entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in South Korea are high.
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.