Do Irish 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. This row comes from a reputable source NUM hasn’t yet confirmed on the official page.
South Korea entry rules for Irish citizens.
| Verdict | Visa-free |
|---|---|
| Document | None (K-ETA exempt until 31 Dec 2026) |
| Stay | 90 days |
| Checked | From a reputable source, not yet verified on the official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an Irish passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: South Korea entry requirements.
The details for an Irish passport.
Visa-free; Irish DFA states Irish nationals on short visits/business are temporarily exempt from K-ETA and 'The temporary exemption ends on 31 December 2026'. CONFLICT: Ireland is not on the Korean Embassy in Switzerland's official exemption list (updated Dec 2024), and the Korean Embassy in Ireland's notice (2024) said K-ETA was required; Ireland may have been added during 2025, but no Korean page confirming this was read. To be safe, consider applying for a K-ETA (KRW 10,000; also removes the arrival card). 90 days: Ireland is in the visa-waiver group with a default stay of 90 days (Korean Embassy (Oman) list). e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival (free) or paper card. Onward/return ticket required; no work. Passport cards cannot be used.
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 Irish citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No. Irish citizens don’t need a visa for South Korea for stays of 90 days.
How long can Irish citizens stay in South Korea?
90 days. Longer stays need a different visa.
Where do Irish 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.