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South Korea Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghan citizens require a visa to travel to South Korea; there is no general e-visa option for Afghanistan; apply through a South Korean embassy/consulate via visa.go.kr with typical processing times of 5–15 working days and fees that vary by visa type.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry; include at least two blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: Completed South Korea visa application form (downloadable from https://www.visa.go.kr/ or from the embassy/consulate site) and signed; additional forms may be requested by the consulate depending on visa type.
  • Financial proof: Recent bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing enough funds to cover travel and stay; if sponsored, include a sponsorship letter plus sponsor's bank statements and a letter of employment with payslips.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel bookings or invitation letter, plus a round-trip air ticket or onward travel itinerary.
  • Photo spec: One recent color photo (size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months; ensure the photo meets Korean visa requirements.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics submission is not always required; if requested, you will be notified by the embassy and directed to the visa application center to provide fingerprints/photographs.
  • Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended to have travel medical insurance covering the duration of your stay; not always mandatory for visa issuance but advisable.

Visa types

  • Short-term tourist visa (Short-term visitor visa for tourism): Official name typically Short-term visa for tourism; Validity up to 90 days per entry; Max stay 90 days; Single or multiple entry depending on consulate; Approximate fee: USD 60–100.
  • Short-term business visa: Official name Short-term business visa; Validity up to 90 days per entry; Max stay 90 days; Single or multiple entry depending on case; Approximate fee: USD 60–100.
  • Student visa (D-2): Official name Student visa; Validity equals duration of study as approved (often multiple years for degree programs); Max stay aligns with program length; Multiple entry commonly allowed; Approximate fee: USD 60–100.
  • Work visas (E-series, e.g., E-7 professional work, E-9 seasonal worker, E-2 language instructor): Official names vary by subcategory; Validity and entry type depend on employment contract and category; Fees: USD 60–100 as a base visa issue fee; Additional employer-related documents required.
  • Other long-term or family-related visas (varies by consulate): Official names include various dependents/visiting statuses; validity and entry rights depend on category; Fees: USD 60–100 as baseline; may vary.

How to apply

  • Portal reference: Start at https://www.visa.go.kr/ to determine the correct visa type and the designated embassy/consulate for your region.
  • How to proceed if there is no local Korean mission: Afghan applicants typically apply through a Korean embassy/consulate in a neighboring country (e.g., Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Iran region) or through an accredited visa center as directed by the chosen consulate; verify exact procedure on the embassy site and visa.go.kr.
  • Steps: 1) Identify the correct visa type and consulate; 2) Prepare and organize all required documents listed in the 'What you need' section; 3) Submit the application in person at the consulate or an authorized visa center and pay the visa fee as directed; 4) Attend an interview if required; 5) Wait for processing (typical 5–15 working days, can be longer during peak periods); 6) Passport return with visa if approved or a refusal notice if not approved.
  • Fees and submission method: Visa fees are paid at submission and vary by visa type and local currency; submission method (in person, courier, or visa center) depends on the consulate's arrangements; confirm with the specific embassy/consulate.
  • How approval arrives: If approved, the passport is stamped with the visa and returned to you by the chosen delivery method (in person or courier); if not approved, you will receive a refusal notice with reasons.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (local currency and approximate USD): Varies by visa type and consulate; approximate baseline range is USD 60–100 per short-term visa; actual amount to be confirmed at submission.
  • Application center/VFS/BLS service fee: Not universally applicable for Korea visas; where a regional visa center is used, an additional service fee may apply as published by that center.
  • Total cost estimate: Visa issuance fee plus any service charges (if applicable); expect additional costs for courier/delivery if you choose passport return by courier.
  • Standard processing time: Typically 5–15 working days; some consulates may request more time (up to 3–4 weeks) depending on background checks and peak travel periods.
  • Express/priority option: Not uniformly offered; where available, it is provided at an extra fee by the consulate or visa center. Confirm availability and cost with the chosen embassy.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start the visa process at least 2–3 months before planned travel to accommodate consular appointment times and potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent documents; insufficient funds or weak financial ties to home country; lack of a clear travel purpose or plan; security-related or background checks; previous visa refusals without adequate explanations; failure to demonstrate intent to return home.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Afghanistan does not typically have a direct Korean mission; most applicants must apply through a neighboring country’s Korean embassy/consulate or an authorized visa center. Always verify the correct submission channel at visa.go.kr and the local embassy site.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check current travel advisories from your government and South Korea’s MOFA site for any visa-related or security advisories; confirm entry conditions close to your travel date.
  • Extension options inside South Korea: Extensions may be possible for certain visa types by applying to the Korea Immigration Service before your status expires; approvals are discretionary and depend on your visa category, purpose of stay, and supporting documents; consult the immigration office for guidance if you plan to extend.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.