Understanding visa costs is often one of the first practical stops when planning a trip abroad. If South Korea is calling your name—for its vibrant culture, futuristic cities, or savory cuisine—knowing how much the visa will cost sets you up for smarter budgeting and a smoother journey.
With travel slowly bouncing back, clarity matters now more than ever. TRAVUL.ORG is here to guide you confidently through those numbers and show how our platform can make the rest of your planning frictionless.
Visa Basics: What’s the Difference?
South Korea offers two main types of entry permission:
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K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): An online travel permit, not a traditional visa. Many eligibilities exist for visa-exempt countries.
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Sticker Visa (consular visa): Required if you’re not eligible for K-ETA—processed through embassies or visa centers.
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Let’s break down the numbers.
K-ETA Fees
If your nationality qualifies, K-ETA can be your easiest option:
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The fee is 10,000 KRW, roughly USD 7–8 depending on exchange rates k-eta.go.kr.
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Processing typically completes within 72 hours k-eta.go.krVisaIndex.com.
Welcoming news: some countries are temporarily exempt from K-ETA requirements. For instance, nationals from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, several European countries, Japan, Canada and others can now enter without applying (and thus without paying) until December 31, 2025 News.com.au.
Sticker Visa Fees (by Type)
If K-ETA isn’t available to you, here’s what to expect for traditional visa categories:
Standard Rates (in USD):
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Single-entry (≤90 days): USD 40
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Single-entry (91+ days): USD 60
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Double-entry: USD 70
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Multiple-entry: USD 90
These are the published baseline fees and may vary based on nationality or reciprocity agreements visa.go.krVisaIndex.com+1.
Example: Indian Nationals (in INR)
Revised fees effective June 2025 (via VFS/Korea center):
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Short-term single entry (≤90 days): INR 3,400
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Long-term single entry (91+ days): INR 5,100
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Multiple-entry: INR 7,650 visaforkorea-id.comvisaforkorea-ce.com+1.
Other estimates for Indians:
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Short-term single-entry: around INR 3,200
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Long-term single-entry: INR 4,800
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Multiple-entry: INR 7,200 www.bajajfinserv.in.
Example: U.S. Nationals
Some consulates quote approximate charges of USD 45 for visa processing—but your cost depends on your specific visa type Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Why Prices Vary
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Nationality matters: Countries may have reciprocity-based adjustments.
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Processing tiers: “Express” services typically cost more—e.g., additional INR 2,550 in India visaforkorea-ce.com+1.
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Payment methods & fees: Online vs. cash/PayNow can trigger additional charges in certain regions Ministry of Foreign Affairsk-eta.go.kr.
FAQ
How much is a K-ETA?
10,000 KRW (~USD 7–8), non-refundable; processing takes up to 72 hours k-eta.go.krVisaIndex.com.
Can I avoid paying for K-ETA?
Yes—if you’re from one of the 22 countries currently exempt until December 31, 2025, including the US, UK, Australia, and more News.com.au.
What’s the sticker visa cost for a short visit?
Typically around USD 40 (≤90 days). For Indian applicants, around INR 3,400 visa.go.krvisaforkorea-id.comwww.bajajfinserv.in.
Are visa fees refundable?
No. Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied visa.go.krVisaIndex.com.
Why are there fee differences by country?
Visa costs reflect reciprocity treaties and national agreements. Plus, private center/service charges can vary Ministry of Foreign Affairswww.bajajfinserv.in.
Is express service worth it?
It depends on urgency. For instance, in India express adds INR ~2,500–3,400 on top of the standard fee visaforkorea-ce.com+1.
How TRAVUL.ORG Makes It Easier
At TRAVUL.ORG, we understand how juggling visa fees, exchange rates, and documents can feel overwhelming. Our platform will streamline this by:
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Estimating visa costs based on your nationality and travel plan, so surprises are minimized.
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Flagging eligibility for K-ETA or full visa, so you pick the least expensive, most efficient path.
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Integrating payment reminders and tracking—no missed deadlines or lost receipts.
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Offering planning and financing tools, so visa cost becomes just one part of your journey budget, not a roadblock.
In short: we’re here to help make visa-related tasks smooth, clear, and built into your broader travel plan.
Conclusion
Travel begins with clarity, and understanding the cost of your South Korea visa is foundational. Whether that’s a small K-ETA fee or a sticker visa in your local currency, you’re better equipped when you know the numbers.
TRAVUL.ORG is committed to making that process feel natural, helpful, and—even better—integrated into everything else you need to plan and fund your adventure.
Ready to take the guesswork out of visas and focus on what truly matters—your journey?
Travel Smarter with TRAVUL.ORG
We’re building an AI-powered platform to help you plan, finance, and manage your trips—all in one place. 💬 Join our Telegram to get early access, share feedback, and be part of the journey!
Join NowFEATURED