Visa-Free Countries for South Korea Passport Holders (2026)
South Korea passport holders can visit 199 of 245 destinations without arranging a visa in advance: 146 visa-free, 19 with an electronic travel authorization and 34 with a visa on arrival. 25 more offer an e-visa you apply for online. 15 require a visa before travel. That puts the South Korea passport at #4 of 208 in our ranking.
- Visa-free 146
- ETA 19
- On arrival 34
- E-visa 25
- Visa 15
- Special 6
Visa-free access
199
Visa-free, ETA or on arrival
Passport rank
#4 of 208
E-visa online
25
Visa required
15
Visa-free for South Korea passport holders
146 destinations. No visa or online approval needed. Show your passport at immigration.
Online travel authorization (ETA) needed for South Korea passport holders
19 destinations. No visa, but you need an online approval before you board.
Visa on arrival for South Korea passport holders
34 destinations. Get the visa at the airport or border, usually for a fee.
E-visa for South Korea passport holders
25 destinations. Apply online and get approved before you travel.
Visa required for South Korea passport holders
15 destinations. Apply for a visa at an embassy, consulate or official visa center before you go.
Special permits and unconfirmed entry
6 destinations. A special permit is needed, or entry on this passport isn't confirmed. Contact the destination's embassy.
Home: Jeju Island, South Korea. South Korea passport holders don't need anything beyond their passport or ID to enter Jeju Island.
South Korea passport: common questions
How many countries can South Korea passport holders visit without a visa?
199 destinations: 146 visa-free, 19 with an online travel authorization (ETA) and 34 with a visa on arrival. Another 25 let you apply for an e-visa online.
Do South Korea passport holders need a visa for the United States?
No visa, but South Korea passport holders need an electronic travel authorization (ESTA, US$40.62 (from 2026-10-16; US$10.62 if denied)) before they travel to the United States, for stays of up to 90 days.
Do South Korea passport holders need a visa for the United Kingdom?
No visa, but South Korea passport holders need an electronic travel authorization (UK ETA, GBP 20 (from 2026-04-08)) before they travel to the United Kingdom, for stays of up to 180 days.
Do South Korea passport holders need a visa for France?
No. South Korea passport holders can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days.
Do South Korea passport holders need a visa for Italy?
No. South Korea passport holders can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days.
Do South Korea passport holders need a visa for Spain?
No. South Korea passport holders can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days.
Which countries need an ETA for South Korea passport holders?
American Samoa, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Guam, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands and Pakistan and 7 more. An ETA is an online approval, not a visa, but airlines check it before you board.
Which countries require a visa for South Korea passport holders?
15 destinations, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Republic of the Congo and Somaliland. Apply at the destination's embassy, consulate or official visa portal well before you travel.
Compare with nearby passports
Ranked by destinations you can enter visa-free, with an ETA or on arrival.
Tourist visits only. Requirements come from a dataset compiled in October 2025, with changes since then checked against official government sources on 2026-10-31. Rules change, so confirm with the destination's official site before you book and again before you fly.