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South Korea Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens generally need a short-term e-Visa for South Korea, applied for online via the Korea Visa Portal — fee around USD 40 (tourist), processing 5–7 business days.

Guide last updated September 19, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
  • Digital passport photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months
  • Completed online application via the Korea Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)
  • Proof of onward/return travel
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host)
  • Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds for the trip
  • Employment letter or business registration, depending on visa category
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected on arrival at Korean immigration for most foreign nationals
  • Travel health insurance is recommended though not always mandatory

Visa types

  • C-3 Short-Term Visit (Tourist) e-Visa: single entry, valid for a stay of up to 90 days depending on approval
  • C-3 Business e-Visa: single entry, for short business trips, requires an invitation from a Korean company
  • D-series visas (study, work): for longer stays, require a separate, more detailed application process through a Korean consulate
  • Multiple-entry visas are occasionally granted to travelers with a strong prior travel history to Korea

How to apply online

  • Register and apply through the official Korea Visa Portal (www.visa.go.kr)
  • Complete the application form with personal, travel, and sponsor details
  • Upload your passport scan, photo, and supporting documents (bank statements, invitation letter, itinerary)
  • Pay the visa fee online
  • Applications are reviewed by the relevant Korean diplomatic mission; approval or requests for further documents are sent by email
  • Print the approval notice or visa sticker instructions and present them with your passport on arrival

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist (single-entry) e-Visa fee: approximately USD 40 (around KRW 50,000)
  • Business e-Visa fee: roughly USD 60–80 depending on entry type
  • No mandatory service fee for direct portal applications
  • Standard processing time: 5–7 business days
  • Express processing is not generally offered — apply early to avoid travel disruptions

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel to allow time for review and any supplementary document requests
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient financial proof, unclear itinerary, or unverifiable invitation letters
  • Keep both digital and printed copies of your approval and all uploaded documents
  • Check current South African government travel advisories for South Korea, particularly around border-adjacent areas
  • Overstaying is strictly penalized in Korea — track your permitted stay length carefully and apply for extensions at a local immigration office if needed

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.