How to Get a Korean Tourist Visa

Getting a visa to Korea depends on to which Korea you're traveling

Americans wishing to travel to one of the Koreas face two very different processes. If your travel takes you to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and your travel is for less than 90 days, you will not need a visa. If you're going to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) you will need a visa, and you'll need to contact the North Korean embassy in China to begin the process.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Valid U.S. passport
• Phone
• Additional documentation

Instructions

South Korea

1. Determine the nature of your travel. If it's for tourism or business and up to 90 days you will not need a visa. If it's for longer than 90 days and/or for employment or profit-making purposes you'll need to apply for a visa from the South Korean embassy.

2. Assemble the necessary documents. Everyone who requires a visa will need to submit a valid U.S. passport, a completed visa application downloadable online (see resource 1), a passport-size photo and a $45 fee. Depending on the nature of your travel other documentation may also be required (see resource 1).

3. Contact the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. to determine to which consulate you should mail your application packet.

   Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
   2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
   Washington, D.C. 20008
   [phone]

North Korea

1. Contact the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations in New York to ask whether your application for a visa will be approved.

   The Permanent Representative of the Democratic
   People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations
   820 Second Avenue
   New York, NY 10017
   Tel: [phone]
   Fax: [phone]

2. Contact The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Beijing who will seek permission to grant the visa from the North Korean Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang.

   The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Beijing
   No. 11, Ri Tan Bei Lu,
   Jian Guo Men Wai,
   Chaoyang District
   Beijing, China 100600

3. Contact the North Korean Embassy in Beijing to confirm you will be issued a visa. Do this before departing for China.

   Visa Office of the North Korean Embassy in Beijing
   (86 -10) 6532 6639
   (86-10) 6532-1186
   (86-10) 6532-1189

Tips & Warnings

• If you mail your South Korean visa application remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope but remember that the embassy will not accept regular U.S. mail--only service such as U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, Federal Express, UPS or DHL.

• The U.S. State Department encourages Americans visiting North Korea to register their visit with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. (See resource 2.)

• The U.S. State Department warns Americans to steer clear of any protests in South Korea. Many of these protests are anti-American, and while most are peaceful the State Department reports some have turned violent.

• If you're visiting North Korea the U.S. State Department warns that if you have a medical or consular emergency and need to contact the Swiss Embassy to first alert your guide.

References

• U.S. State Department: Republic of Korea

Resources

• Korea; Visa Requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the U.S.
• U.S. State Department: Information on Travel to North Korea