Home/from/Saudi Arabia/to/South Korea
🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇰🇷South KoreaSA-KR

Saudi Arabia to South Korea visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. Through 31 December 2026, K-ETA is waived for Saudi nationals, but a mandatory e-Arrival Card must be submitted before arrival (unless you hold an optional K-ETA). A Saudi Arabian ordinary passport holder may enter South Korea visa-free for tourism or a short visit of up to 30 days. South Korea is not in the Schengen area, so no Schengen 90/180 rule or ETIAS applies. South Korea operates the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system, but Saudi Arabia is on the temporary K-ETA exemption (waiver) list, which has been extended through 31 December 2026. This means Saudi travelers do not need to apply for a K-ETA during 2026. However, since 1 January 2026, all foreign arrivals must submit an e-Arrival Card (within 72 hours before arrival) unless they hold a valid (optional) K-ETA, which exempts them from the e-Arrival Card. The passport should be valid for at least six months, and travelers should carry proof of onward/return travel and accommodation. Note: the K-ETA waiver is a temporary measure; from 1 January 2027 a K-ETA is expected to become mandatory again for Saudi nationals, so travelers should re-check the official K-ETA portal close to travel.
VISA-FREETOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free short-stay (K-ETA waived through 31 Dec 2026)
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry
per entry
Entries
Single entry per visit (re-entry permitted on new arrival)
from issue date
Visa fee
0 (K-ETA optional: KRW 10,000 if applied)
consular fee only
Processing time
None for visa-free entry; e-Arrival Card is instant online
standard track
Validity
Entry valid for the 30-day stay from arrival
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eligibility
Verify you hold a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with blank pages.
· Passport 6+ months valid· Ordinary passport
/02
Confirm visa-free status
Saudi nationals enter Korea visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism; no visa application is needed for a short visit.
· 30 days· Tourism
/03
Check K-ETA waiver
Saudi Arabia is on the temporary K-ETA exemption list through 31 December 2026, so no K-ETA is required in 2026 (optional only).
· Waived in 2026· Optional K-ETA
/04
Submit e-Arrival Card
From 1 Jan 2026, complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card online up to 72 hours before arrival, unless you hold an optional K-ETA (which exempts you).
· Within 72 hours of arrival· e-arrivalcard.go.kr
/05
Prepare supporting documents
Carry proof of onward/return ticket, accommodation booking, and sufficient funds to show at immigration.
· Return ticket· Accommodation proof
/06
Enter Korea
On arrival, present your passport and e-Arrival Card confirmation (or K-ETA); fingerprints and a photo are taken at immigration.
· Biometrics taken· Show e-Arrival Card / K-ETA
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> South Korea · Visa-free short-stay (K-ETA waived through 31 Dec 2026)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSaudi ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond stay
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
Requirede-Arrival Card submitted (within 72 hrs of arrival)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking / host details)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the trip
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
OptionalOptional K-ETA (exempts from e-Arrival Card)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
OptionalItinerary / planned tourist activities
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
optional
RecommendedRe-check official K-ETA portal close to travel for rule changes
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Official Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) Portal
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa0No visa required for stays up to 30 days
e-Arrival Card0Free mandatory online declaration from 1 Jan 2026
K-ETA (optional)KRW 10,000Optional in 2026; if applied, exempts from e-Arrival Card. Excludes ~KRW 700 processing surcharge
Total estimate0KRW 10,000incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Optional K-ETA application
Usually under 24 hours (up to 72 hours max)
Apply at k-eta.go.kr at least 72 hours before departure if you choose to use a K-ETA instead of the e-Arrival Card.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Visa-free bilateral arrangement
Saudi ordinary passport holders are granted visa-free entry to Korea for up to 30 days for short tourist visits.
High
/02
K-ETA temporarily waived
Saudi Arabia is on Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption list, extended through 31 December 2026.
High
/03
Mandatory e-Arrival Card
Since 1 Jan 2026 all arrivals must file an e-Arrival Card unless holding an optional K-ETA.
Medium
/04
Not a Schengen / ETIAS destination
South Korea is in East Asia and has its own entry system; Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply.
Low
/05
Waiver is temporary
K-ETA is expected to become mandatory again from 1 January 2027, so rules may change.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Carry your visa grant notice or visa-free group documents, hotel address, and return ticket. Entry remains at the border officer's discretion.
/02
Arrival forms
Complete any current arrival, health, or customs declaration required by your airline or Korean immigration before inspection.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs, eSIMs, and transport cards are easy to buy at Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, and major convenience stores.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to South Korea route verified
Confirmed visa-free 30-day entry for Saudi ordinary passports; K-ETA waived through 31 Dec 2026; e-Arrival Card mandatory from 1 Jan 2026 unless holding optional K-ETA. Verified against official K-ETA portal, Korean MOFA embassy info, and IATA-aligned sources.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
No. Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for tourism or short visits of up to 30 days.
Do I need a K-ETA in 2026?+
What is the e-Arrival Card and is it mandatory?+
How long can I stay in South Korea?+
Is South Korea part of Schengen or ETIAS?+
What documents should I carry on arrival?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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