When planning a trip to South Korea, it’s essential to understand all the travel requirements. First and foremost, check the visa regulations.
Determine if you need a visa to enter South Korea from UAE or if you can visit without one.
Types of South Korean Visas
South Korean visas are categorized by the length of stay and the number of allowed entries:
Single-entry visas: permit one entry and are valid for up to 90 days.
Multiple-entry visas: allow several entries within the issued period.
Additionally, the type of visa you need depends on your purpose for visiting South Korea. The options include:
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Work Visa
Student Visa
Working Holiday Visa
Family Visit Visa (for more than 90 days)
1. Tourist Visa
This visa is for foreigners visiting South Korea for tourism or leisure. You can apply for a tourist visa if your trip is for any of these purposes:
Sightseeing
Passing through the country
Receiving medical treatment at a South Korean hospital
Visiting family or friends
Attending religious, cultural, sports, or musical events
Any other short-term reason
Tourist visas permit a stay of up to 90 days. However, holders of this visa cannot work or take part in any paid activities during their visit.
Requirements
You must provide several documents supporting your application when applying for a South Korean visa. The required documents vary based on the visa type and the country where you apply. However, everyone generally needs to submit the following:
South Korea Visa Application Form
Passport
Valid for at least six more months
At least two blank pages
Passport-size photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with:
White background
Taken within the last three months
Neutral facial expression, facing forward
Face and ears fully visible
No glasses
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Visa fee payment as per Embassy/Consulate requirements
You might also need to provide:
Cover Letter explaining who you are and the purpose of your visit
Trip Itinerary detailing your daily activities in South Korea
Any other documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate based on your trip purpose
2. Business Visa
If you fit into any of these categories, you qualify for a long-term Business Visa for South Korea:
You’re a skilled worker hired by a Korean organization to maintain, set up, or operate imported machinery.
You’ll be employed as a manager or expert in a South Korean company.
You’re being transferred within your company to South Korea.
You’re a specialist working in a foreign-invested company based in South Korea.
Requirements
When applying for a South Korean Business visa, an applicant needs to submit the following:
Letter from your employer
Letter of Invitation from the South Korean company
South Korea Visa Application Form
Passport
Valid for at least six more months
At least two blank pages
Passport-size photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with:
White background
Taken within the last three months
Neutral facial expression, facing forward
Face and ears fully visible
No glasses
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Visa fee payment as per Embassy/Consulate requirements
Cover Letter explaining who you are and the purpose of your visit
Trip Itinerary detailing your daily activities in South Korea
Any other documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate based on your trip purpose
3. Work Visa
Foreigners who wish to work in South Korea must obtain a Work Visa. Those eligible for this visa include professors, foreign language instructors, researchers, and people engaged in other approved activities under a contract with a public or private organization in South Korea, as authorized by the Minister of Justice.
Requirements
The required documents vary based on the visa type and the country where you apply. You have to submit the following:
South Korea Visa Application Form
Passport
Valid for at least six more months
At least two blank pages
Passport-size photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with:
White background
Taken within the last three months
Neutral facial expression, facing forward
Face and ears fully visible
No glasses
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Visa fee payment as per Embassy/Consulate requirements
Work Visa
Employment contract
Any other documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate based on your trip purpose
4. Student Visa
Foreigners coming to South Korea for studies at a Korean educational institution need to obtain a Student Visa. There are two types available:
Short-term Student Visas for courses lasting less than 90 days.
Long-term Student Visas for longer courses, such as university or language school programs exceeding 90 days.
Requirements
Student Visa
Reference Letter(s)
Letter of Acceptance from the school/university
South Korea Visa Application Form
Passport
Valid for at least six more months
At least two blank pages
Passport-size photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with:
White background
Taken within the last three months
Neutral facial expression, facing forward
Face and ears fully visible
No glasses
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Visa fee payment as per Embassy/Consulate requirements
Any other documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate based on your trip purpose
5. Working Holiday Visa
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa is open to citizens of countries with a Working Holiday Agreement with South Korea. This visa allows you to stay in South Korea for up to one year for holidaying, working, or studying.
To apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa, you need to:
Come from one of the eligible countries
Be aged between 18 and 30 years old (in some cases, the maximum age is 25)
Have enough money to cover your initial expenses (minimum KRW 3,000,000, which is about 2,155.20 USD)
Not have had a South Korea Working Holiday Visa before
Have a clean criminal record
Plan your trip primarily for holidays (working or studying should be secondary; otherwise, apply for a Student or Work Visa)
Requirements
Cover Letter explaining the purpose of your visit
South Korea Visa Application Form
Passport
Valid for at least six more months
At least two blank pages
Passport-size photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with:
White background
Taken within the last three months
Neutral facial expression, facing forward
Face and ears fully visible
No glasses
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Visa fee payment as per Embassy/Consulate requirements
Trip Itinerary detailing your daily activities in South Korea
Any other documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate based on your trip purpose
6. Family Visit Visa (for more than 90 days)
If you fit into any of these categories, you must apply for a South Korea visa for Family Visit reasons:
Planning to stay with a family member in South Korea for more than 90 days.
Married to a South Korean citizen.
Dependent (spouse or child under 20 years old) of a South Korean resident, whether temporary or permanent.
Part of the South Korean diaspora or previously held South Korean citizenship (Overseas Koreans).
Requirements
South Korea Visa Application Form
Passport
Valid for at least six more months
At least two blank pages
Passport-size photo(s) (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with:
White background
Taken within the last three months
Neutral facial expression, facing forward
Face and ears fully visible
No glasses
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, income tax returns)
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
Visa fee payment as per Embassy/Consulate requirements
Trip Itinerary detailing your daily activities in South Korea
Any other documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate based on your trip purpose
How to Apply for a South Korean Visa for UAE Residents
If you live in the UAE and are planning a trip to South Korea, you must obtain a visa before you can enter the country. Here’s how UAE residents can apply for a South Korean visa.
1. Check If You Qualify for a South Korean Visa
Before you apply for a South Korean visa from UAE, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Typically, you will need a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket. Additionally, you might need to show proof of accommodation and a travel itinerary. Make sure you thoroughly understand the specific requirements based on your nationality and travel plans before you start the application process.
2. Collect All Necessary Documents and Information
The initial stage in applying for a South Korea tourist visa from the UAE is gathering all the required documents and information. These include:
A valid passport with at least six months of validity
A completed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photograph
Proof of financial stability such as bank statements or salary certificates, a return ticket or travel itinerary
Evidence of accommodation such as hotel reservations
Be sure to review the specific requirements based on your nationality and travel plans, as additional documentation may be needed. Once you have gathered everything, you can begin the application process.
3. Complete the Visa Application Form Accurately
When applying for a South Korean visa from the UAE, it’s crucial to fill out the application form correctly and thoroughly. Mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or rejection. Double-check all details, including personal information, travel plans, and contact info. If you have questions, reach out to the embassy or a visa application center. Don’t forget to sign and date the form before submitting it with the other required documents.
You can also apply for a Korean Visa as a UAE resident online. The steps are listed below:
Under the “Application” category, choose “e-form (Visa)”.
On the new page, click “Fill out the e-form”.
Complete the application form with your details.
After filling out the form, click “Apply”.
To download your filled application, click the “Visa application” button.
Print the form, then sign and write your name on it.
Submit the form and other required documents to the Consulate.
Remember to confirm your appointment via email before submitting your application to the Consulate.
4. Make an Appointment at the South Korean Embassy or Consulate in UAE
Once you have all the required documents for your South Korean visit visa application, schedule an appointment with the South Korean embassy or consulate in UAE. You can do this online or by phone, depending on their rules. Choose a suitable date and time, and be punctual. During your appointment, you will submit your application and documents, pay the visa fee, and have your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) taken. Afterward, you can track your application status online or by contacting the embassy.
5. Go to Your Appointment and Give them Your Application
With all necessary documents ready, go to your appointment at the South Korean embassy or consulate in UAE. Submit your application and documents, pay the visa fee, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). Make sure you arrive on time and choose a convenient appointment slot. Afterward, track your application status online or by contacting the embassy. Processing can take up to 10 business days, so be patient.
Cost
Single-entry visa (up to 90 days): 40 USD
Single-entry visa (over 90 days): 60 USD
Double-entry visa: 70 USD
Multiple-entry visa: 90 USD
Processing Time
The processing time for a South Korea visa varies by the Embassy or Consulate where you apply. You should submit your completed application at least 15 days before your planned travel date, but not more than three months in advance.
Validity
The length of your South Korea visa depends on your reason for traveling. For tourism, you typically get a visa for up to 90 days for a single entry.
If you’re visiting for work or study, your visa duration will be longer.
To extend your stay beyond your visa’s limit, apply at the Immigration Office in South Korea at least four months before it expires. You’ll need:
Your passport
Completed application form for stay extension
Payment of the processing fee
Foreign Registration Card (if you have a long-term visa)
Any other documents required for your specific visa
Visa with Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi Passports
For UAE residents with Pakistani, Indian, or Bangladeshi passports, the requirements to obtain a South Korean visa involve several steps and specific documentation. Here’s a detailed outline:
General Requirements
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have at least two blank pages.
UAE Residence Visa: This must be valid for at least six months from the application date.
Completed Visa Application Form: This form must be filled out online and printed.
Passport-sized Photograph: A recent photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a white background.
Bank Statements: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip, usually bank statements from the last three months.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): A letter from your employer or sponsor in the UAE.
Travel Insurance: Coverage for the duration of the stay in South Korea.
Travel Itinerary: Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and a detailed travel plan.
Appointment Confirmation: Booking an appointment with the South Korean consulate or embassy.
Application Process
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the South Korean embassy or consulate in the UAE.
Submit Documents: Present all required documents in person at the embassy/consulate.
Pay Fees: The visa fee must be paid as required by the consulate.
Visa Processing Time: It can take several days to weeks, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
Additional Notes
Pakistani Passport Holders: They may face additional scrutiny and may need to provide more detailed documentation or attend an interview.
Indian Passport Holders: Typically have similar requirements but should ensure all documents are current and correctly filled.
Bangladeshi Passport Holders: Similar to the above, but with possible additional requirements based on individual circumstances.
It’s recommended to start the visa application process well in advance to avoid any delays. Ensure that all documents are accurate and up to date to facilitate a smooth application process.
FAQ’s
You’ll need to fill out a visa application form, provide passport-sized photos, have a valid passport, show a flight itinerary, confirm hotel reservations, show proof of employment, and demonstrate sufficient financial means. These requirements may vary depending on the visa type and your reason for traveling.
Getting a Korean visa in the UAE usually takes up to 15 working days. It’s best to apply well in advance of your planned travel to account for any potential delays.
Yes, you can start the process online by downloading the application form and scheduling an appointment. However, you’ll need to submit your documents, provide biometrics, and pay fees in person at the Korean embassy or consulate.
In most cases, it’s not possible to extend a Korean visa while in South Korea. Procedures and conditions for extension may vary, so it’s advisable to contact the local immigration office or embassy for the latest guidance.
To apply for a Korean visa from the UAE, you typically need to visit the Korean embassy or consulate in person for an interview. Check the official website of the Korean embassy or consulate in the UAE for the latest application process details.
Once you submit your South Korea visa application, processing at the embassy usually takes around 7-10 days.
Children under 18 traveling to South Korea from the UAE must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If traveling alone, parents need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and attach passport copies.
South Korea visa requirements state that passports should not be issued more than 10 years ago. If your passport exceeds this limit, your visa application may be rejected as it cannot be entered into their systems.
You may keep your passport during the South Korea visa application process if you’re a pilot, cabin crew, or travel frequently, but you’ll need to provide your travel itinerary as proof. Even if returned temporarily, you’ll have to submit it again for South Korea visa stamping.
Conclusion H3
For more information on how you can apply for a South Korean visa for UAE residents, you can get in touch with the South Korean Embassy in UAE.
Embassy of the Republic of Korea to UAE
Address: 33rd Airport Rd, Embassies District, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (P.O.Box 3270)
Telephone: +971-2-441-1520, +971-4-344-9200 (Consulate General in Dubai),
