Do American citizens need a visa for South Korea?
The official link goes to k-eta.go.kr. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
South Korea entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | Visa-free |
|---|---|
| Document | None (K-ETA exempt until 31 Dec 2026) |
| Stay | 90 days (business or tourism) |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: South Korea entry requirements.
The details for an American passport.
Visa-free; K-ETA requirement temporarily waived until 31 Dec 2026; K-ETA required from 1 Jan 2027 unless extended. e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival (free) or paper card on arrival. Onward/return ticket required; no work. State Dept: 'A visa is not required for stays 90 days or less'; passport valid at entry, no minimum validity.
How long it must be valid.
Visa-free tourist stays: passport must be valid beyond your departure date from Korea (no fixed minimum; US State Dept: 'no minimum expiration validity requirement'). Long-term visas: at least 6 months from arrival (FCDO). Passport must be undamaged (French MFA). Airlines may apply stricter rules.
Recent changes in South Korea.
- 2025-02-24 — e-Arrival Card launched (submit online within 72 hours before arrival); paper cards still available. Start date from a secondary source; FCDO (updated 14 May 2026) confirms the system, timing and that it is free.
- 2025-03-03 — Korean Embassy in Switzerland notice (posted 3 Mar 2025, updated 13 Dec 2024) lists Switzerland and Liechtenstein as temporarily K-ETA exempt alongside 23 countries/regions (including Guam and Macao), then to 31 Dec 2025.
- 2025-09-29 — Visa-free entry pilot for Chinese nationals on designated group tours (3+ people booked through designated agencies in China) began; official period 29 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026. Not available to Chinese nationals departing from third countries (e.g. Singapore). A secondary source says it runs to 31 Dec 2026; extension not confirmed officially.
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No. American citizens don’t need a visa for South Korea for stays of 90 days (business or tourism).
How long can American citizens stay in South Korea?
90 days (business or tourism). Longer stays need a different visa.
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, k-eta.go.kr. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue South Korea visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.