Do Mexico passport holders need a visa to visit South Korea?

Mexican ordinary passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, but they MUST obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) online before boarding. Mexico is NOT on the 22-country list temporarily exempted from K-ETA through 31 December 2026, so the K-ETA is mandatory. Mexico and South Korea have a visa-waiver agreement that lets Mexican ordinary passport holders enter for tourism, family visits, business meetings and short events for up to 90 days without a consular visa. However, like most visa-exempt nationals, Mexicans must first obtain an approved K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). South Korea has temporarily waived the K-ETA requirement for 22 selected countries/regions (e.g. the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, most of Western Europe) through 31 December 2026 — but Mexico is not among them. Therefore a valid K-ETA is required before travel. The K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (plus a small payment-processing fee), is approved online (usually within 72 hours), allows multiple entries, and is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA is expected to become mandatory for all visa-free nationals including the currently exempt 22. Travelers should apply at least 72 hours before departure via the official k-eta.go.kr site or the K-ETA app, and avoid third-party sites that overcharge.