South Korea Visa on Arrival: Myth or Reality

South Korea has become a very attractive Asian destination to many travellers. Having a lively culture, state-of-the-art technology, K-pop, and a rich tradition, there is no wonder tourists and business travelers are keen to visit the country. The most persistent question that comes up among foreign visitors, however, is the existence of South Korea visa on arrival. The notion of arriving in Seoul or Busan and picking up a visa in the airport appears to be an easy thing, but is it a fantasy or merely a common myth?

It is important to know the visa requirements in order to plan your trip. Some nations are granted a visa-free stay in South Korea within a given timeframe, whereas others are required to obtain a South Korea visa or South Korea travel visa prior to visit. The misunderstanding of rules has also caused confusion with regards to the so-called visa on arrival. This article will set the record straight and give you the actual picture, thus avoid finding yourself in trouble at the immigration stand. With proper information you will be able to organize your trip without any inconvenience, and save yourself the stress of traveling.

The idea of Visa on Arrival.

A visa on arrival is commonly known as a system whereby travellers do not need to seek a visa beforehand, but can acquire it upon arrival at the airport or seaport. Such facilities are available in many countries globally, and this makes travelling very easy by the tourists. But in the case of South Korea visa on arrival, there is no such a simple thing. Although certain tourists may expect South Korea to have such an option, the reality is more demanding and entirely relies on the nationality, the purpose of the visit and the length of stay.

Is there Visa on Arrival in South Korea?

The fact is that there is no general South Korea visa on arrival policy to most of the travelers to South Korea. Rather, a structured visa system is practiced in the country. Citizens of certain nations do not even need a visa to enter the country on short term basis, usually 30 to 90 days. These tourists are allowed to travel into South Korea without having to get a visa but are expected to fulfill all conditions that are required to enter into the country like valid passports, return tickets and accommodation arrangements.

But exceptions are few in few cases where a display akin to visa on arrival can be applicable especially on transit passengers or on special arrangements. This is, to most of all travelers, a myth and not a reality.

South Korea Visa free entry agreements.

South Korea has visa-waiver accord with over 100 states. United States nationals, Canadian nationalities, the European Union origin, and some nations in Asia are allowed to visit south Korea without a visa in a short period. For instance:

• US citizens are allowed to remain up to 90 days without a visa.
• Passport holders within the European Union usually receive up to 90 days in visa free stay.
• The countries in Southeast Asia such as Singapore and Malaysia also have visa-free access.

This visa-free policy is confused with a South Korea visa on arrival which is not comparable. Visa-free entry is not a visa as issued by the airport, but rather as already agreed upon.

Visa options available to South Korea Travelers.

To travelers who do not have the privilege of visa-free entry, it is obligatory to get a travel visa to South Korea prior to travelling. The usual types of visa are:

• Tourist Visa (C-3) - To sightsee, leisure visit and short visit.
• Business Visa - To conduct meetings with business, discuss trade or corporation.
• Student Visa (D-2)- Visas issued to students studying in South Korea.
• Work Visa (E-series)- To apply to professionals, skilled workers, or long-term workers.

The applications are usually done at the Korean Embassy or Consulate located in the home country of the applicant, and one has to be approved before travelling.

The Special Case of K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization).

In order to ease entry among qualifying travelers, South Korea launched the K-ETA system. Nationals of some countries are also required to submit an online request to receive this electronic travel authorization before boarding their flight instead of applying to obtain a traditional visa.

Some of them mistake K-ETA to mean a visa on arrival to South Korea, but it is a pre-travel condition. To travel, travelers have to provide their information online and pay a minimal fee and get permission to travel. The K-ETA is granted and valid to make several temporary visits during two years.

What is the confusion over Visa on Arrival?

The confusion comes about due to the fact that:

• Visa-free access usually becomes confused with visa on arrival.
• K-ETA appears to be the most basic form of acquiring a visa, as a traveler feels that it is granted on arrival.
• There are deceptive terms used by some of the online sources which give the impression that South Korea grants visas on arrival.
• As a matter of fact, there is no such phenomenon as South Korea visa on arrival in the traditional meaning. The tourists are to either obtain visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA, or process a visa to South Korea beforehand.

In South Korea, transit situations take place.

Other passengers who pass through the Incheon international Airport are left wondering whether they can exit the airport without a visa. There are situations where transit passengers to a third nation can be granted entry without a visa albeit on stringent terms. This is not alikened to South Korea visa on arrival; it is a controlled transit exemption.

South Korea Travel Visa Application.

In case people require a South Korea travel visa, the general steps are as follows:

• Identify the type of visa (tourist, business, student, work).
• Make the necessary arrangements such as preparing your required documents: valid passport, photos, financial documents, itinerary and invitation letters (where necessary).
• Apply at the closest Korean Embassy or Consulate.
• Visa fee to be paid as per visa category.
• Wait processing time- 5 to 15 working days.
• Get the visa and make travel plans.

Gokite Oman - Your preferred visa partner.

The process of manoeuvring visa regulations can be daunting, and all the misunderstanding about South Korea visa on arrival can be disheartening. This is where professional help is very significant. Through specialized services such as Gokite Oman, the travelers are able to receive step-by-step assistance on the eligibility of the visa, the documents needed and easy submission of application. Whether you are seeking tourist visa or business visa, the presence of professional hands makes you never have to encounter the last minute travel problems.

The inquiries to Gokite Oman about any kind of travel visa are guaranteed to receive good consultation in relation to using the Korean K-ETA system. Their team of trained professionals makes sure that their customers do not make expensive errors during their journey.

Conclusion

The concept of visa on arrival in South Korea is more a myth to most travellers. The South Korean system is clear and not only permits visa-free entry to specific nationalities, or demands K-ETA permission, but also allows other people to apply to their visas first. It is necessary to have knowledge of this difference to better avoid misunderstanding and inconveniences at the cost of traveling. Though no visas are issued at airport to regular visitors, the country does offer simplified options such as visa-free entry and electronic permits.

When traveling to South Korea, it is always good to have a look at the current visa regulations to your nationality. It will save time and stress to apply to the right South Korea visa or to complete your South Korea travel visa requirements in advance. And with professional help of trusted services such as Go kite Oman, your trip will be easy, safe and stress-free.