VISA Information

Step 1: Determine if you need a visa. And find the right visa for you.

All visitors to the Republic of Korea are required to present a valid passport. However, citizens from many countries may travel to the Republic of Korea without a visa. A search of visa requirements should be your first step to ensuring smooth and easy entry. To check the appropriate visa requirements for your trip, please click on the button below.

Pro Tip: When using the Visa Navigator, select 'Short Term Visit' from the drop-down menu as the purpose of entry, and then choose '90 days or less' as the length of stay. However, residents of many countries may not require a visa simply to attend the International Biometric Conference. Regardless, we urge you to begin the visa process as early as possible. 

Go to Visa Navigator

Step 2: K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

A K-ETA requirements search should be your second step. Except where current exemptions are in effect, nationals of countries/regions eligible for visa-free entry are required to obtain K-ETA approval to board the flight bound for the Republic of Korea.

Pro Tip: K-ETA approval should be applied for at least 72 hours prior to boarding the flight.

You can apply for K-ETA using this website (www.k-eta.go.kr), or via mobile app (K-ETA).

Go to apply for K-ETA

Step 3: E-Arrival Card

Most foreign visitors, including those not needing a visa or a K-ETA, will need to apply for a Korea e-arrival card. This is in addition to having your valid passport and other necessary documentation on your person when attempting to enter the country. Note that valid K-ETA holders, registered residents, and crew are exempt from filling out the digital arrival card. Also note that a digital arrival card does not replace a visa and does not guarantee entry, but it does simplify the entry process upon arrival. It is strongly recommended to submit your digital arrival card online within 3 days (72 hours) of your arrival to avoid immigration delays.

Complete request for E-arrival card

Regarding Invitation Letters to Attend IBC 2026

  • We are pleased to provide an official invitation letter to those who need it. It confirms your intent to enter the Republic of Korea and attend the International Biometric Conference.
  • This letter is processed automatically as a part of the online registration system. See your registration confirmation email for a link to the letter.  
  • A separate official invitation letter may be needed when applying for a visa. Our office will provide this letter upon request, along with a copy of our local organizer's business registration certificate. This is available ONLY to those who have completed their registration and submitted payment.
  • Some visa processing offices may have different requirements. Please contact our office regarding any special visa needs. We ask that you first review the visa instructions available through the Korean government websites before contacting us. You may follow the steps listed above to start the process.
  • Remember: It is your responsibility to book your travel and complete the entry requirements in a timely manner. The International Business Office will not issue refunds due to travel difficulties related to visa denials. We look forward to seeing you in Seoul! 

Related Websites

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Go to Website

Find a Diplomatic Mission

Go to Website

Immigration Bureau

Go to Website

Controlled Medication Permit

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety enacted a provision to approve a person carrying with him/her medicines with controlled substances (narcotic drugs or psychoactive substances) for his/her own treatment when he/she enters into Korea, which has been implemented since Oct. 23, 2009 under the Enforcement rule of the Narcotics Control Act.

To be approved under the provision, any person who will enter into Korea with medicines containing controlled substances should get a permit from the Ministry, regardless of their nationality. When a person sends the documents required to get the permit, described in the guideline (see the attached), via e-mail to narcotics@korea.kr or via fax to +82-43+719-2800, the person will get the review result in 10 business days.
Please read the attached files (application forms, guideline, FAQ, etc.) for further information on this issue.

Guidelines for Controlled Medications

Guideline_on_Permit_to_Bring_in_Narcotics_to_Korea.zip