🇰🇷 Korea Visa Guide 2025 (A–F Categories)
Complete & Up-to-Date Information for Foreign Visitors
Last Updated: November 14, 2025
South Korea classifies visas into A through F categories, depending on the travel purpose, stay duration, and applicant background.
This guide summarizes each visa type, key requirements, stay period, and essential notes for 2025.
⚠ Important Notice
Korean visa rules, visa-waiver policies, and K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirements change frequently.
Before traveling, always check official resources:
HiKOREA, K-ETA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
🅐 A Visa Category — Diplomatic / Official / Agreement
For government-related missions, diplomats, and individuals entering under intergovernmental agreements.
Main Types
- A-1 Diplomatic – Diplomats and their family members
- A-2 Official – Government officials, international organization staff
- A-3 Agreement – U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel and related agreement entries
Not applicable for tourists, workers, or students.
🅑 B Visa Category — Visa-Free / Transit
For nationals who can enter Korea without a visa or who are transiting through Korea.
Main Types
- B-1 Visa Exemption – Nationals of visa-waiver countries
- B-2 Tourist/Transit – Short stopover while heading to a third country
2025 Notes
- Even if visa-free, K-ETA may still be required.
- Some nationalities may have temporary K-ETA exemptions (date-limited).
- Always verify before departure.
🅒 C Visa Category — Short-Term Visit (Up to 90 Days)
For tourism, family visits, short-term business trips, or temporary employment.
Main Types
- C-3 Short-Term Visit
Tourism, family visit, business meetings - C-4 Short-Term Employment
Performers, media activities, short IT/marketing assignments
2025 Notes
- Visa requirements differ by nationality.
- Processing times may change depending on embassy or visa center policies.
- Even visa-free nationals may need C-3 for business activities.
🅓 D Visa Category — Study / Training / Research / Art (Long-Term)
For individuals staying in Korea for academic programs, language studies, research, or artistic work.
Main Types
- D-2 Student Visa – University & graduate school programs
- D-4 Training / Language Study – Korean language institutes, vocational training
- D-6 Arts / Religious Activities – Missionary work, artistic activities
- D-10 Job-Seeking Visa – For those preparing to work in Korea
2025 Notes
- Some institutions require stricter financial proof and attendance rules.
- Required documents vary significantly by school.
🅔 E Visa Category — Work & Professional Employment
For certified professionals or employees officially hired by Korean companies or institutions.
Main Types
- E-2 Foreign Language Instructor
- E-7 Designated Skilled Professional (IT, Design, Engineering, etc.)
- E-1 to E-6 Professional Series – Professor, Research, Technical roles, Performance arts, etc.
2025 Notes
- The E-7 occupational list is updated annually; check the latest version.
- Employment contract, degree, and work experience documents are strictly reviewed.
🅕 F Visa Category — Family / Residency / Permanent
For those staying in Korea with family, or planning long-term settlement.
Main Types
- F-4 Overseas Korean (Ethnic Koreans abroad)
- F-6 Marriage Migrant
- F-2 Residency Visa – Based on income, education, work, or point-based system
- F-5 Permanent Residency
2025 Notes
- Income, stay duration, and integration requirements for F-2/F-5 change regularly.
- F-6 applications often include stricter interviews and documentation.
📘 Summary Table — A to F Visa Categories
| Category | Purpose | Stay | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Diplomatic / Official | Short & Long | Diplomatic missions |
| B | Visa-Free / Transit | 30–90 days | Tourists, transit passengers |
| C | Short-Term Visit | Up to 90 days | Tourism, family visit, short business |
| D | Study / Research | 90+ days | University, language study |
| E | Work / Professional | Long-term | Teachers, professionals |
| F | Family / Residency | Long-term | Marriage, residency, permanent |
🛄 Required Documents (General for All Visitors)
✔ Passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
✔ K-ETA (for Visa-Free Travelers)
- Required for eligible visa-waiver nationals.
- Needs: passport, ID photo, email, payment card
- Approval time: 30 minutes to 72 hours
✔ General Entry Requirements
- Return or onward ticket
- Accommodation details
- Financial proof (if required by immigration)
📌 Final Notes for 2025
- Visa rules, K-ETA requirements, and visa-waiver agreements may change suddenly.
- Always check:
- HiKOREA (www.hikorea.go.kr)
- K-ETA Official Website (www.k-eta.go.kr)
- MOFA Visa Announcements
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