France to South Korea visa requirements

French ordinary passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is temporarily exempt through December 31, 2026, but travelers without a valid K-ETA should submit an arrival card online within 3 days before arrival or on paper at arrival. French ordinary passport holders may enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for short tourism, temporary visits, events, conferences, or non-remunerated business activities for up to 90 days. The official K-ETA portal lists France with a 90-day allowed period of stay, and France Diplomatie confirms that French nationals are visa-exempt for short stays under 90 days. The Ministry of Justice extended the temporary K-ETA exemption for currently exempt countries/regions through December 31, 2026, so French travelers do not need to obtain K-ETA for ordinary short visits during this period. A valid existing K-ETA can still be used until it expires, and travelers may optionally apply for K-ETA to avoid submitting the arrival card; optional K-ETA costs KRW 10,000, is normally assessed within 72 hours, and is valid for up to 3 years or until passport expiry. Travelers who do not hold a valid K-ETA must submit an entry declaration/arrival card, either online through the official e-Arrival Card website within 3 days before arrival or on a paper form at arrival. France Diplomatie says a current French passport is sufficient and that 6 months' validity beyond departure is not required, but damaged or abnormal passports can lead to refusal. Work, study, journalism, paid activity, residence, or stays beyond the visa-free allowance require the appropriate Korean visa or status before travel.