U.S. Department of State Seal
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

South Korea

South Korea
Republic of Korea

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 60 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 120 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 120 Months
E-1 2 None Multiple 60 Months
E-2 2 None Multiple 60 Months
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 60 Months
G-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-3 None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 None Multiple 60 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2A None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
I None Multiple 60 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 60 Months
L-2 None Multiple 60 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 60 Months
N-9 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 60 Months
R-2 None Multiple 60 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /
  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

There is no general document information.

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  Fees can vary from 0 Won to 1,000 Won.

Document Name:  Basic Certificate (Detailed) “Gibon Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)"; Family Relations Certificate (Detailed) “Gajok Kwankye Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)”.  Both certificates must be submitted together. 

Issuing Authority:  Si, Gu, Eup, or Myeon offices; Judicial Information Technology Center of the National Court Administration for online certificates.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Printed with an official seal of the chief of the issuing office, issuance confirmation number, and the emblem of “Supreme Court of Korea” as a background image.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Chief of Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon; System Operation Officer of the Judicial Information Technology Center for online certificates.

Registration Criteria: The birth of a child must be registered at the competent local government office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon) to register the child on the family’s certificate of family registry.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants can obtain their certificates in person with a Korean ID at an issuing office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon). Qualifying family members (spouse and lineal blood relatives) or the representative may apply on behalf of the applicant at an issuing office. Applicants and their qualifying family members (parents, spouse, or child) can print applicant’s certificates online at efamily.scourt.go.kr if they have an authentication certificate.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  A person who lost Korean nationality prior to 2008 can submit a Family Census Register “Jejeok Deungbon” in lieu of a Basic Certificate (Detailed)“ Gibon Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)” and Family Relations Certificate (Detailed) “Gajok Kwankye Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)”.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Detailed “Sang Sae” version of the Basic Certificate “Gibon Jeungmyongseo" contains information on date of birth, place of birth, death, recognition of parentship, parental authority, nationality, change of name, etc. while the General “Ilban” version shows information on birth, death, and denationalization. Detailed “Sang Sae” version of the Family Relations Certificate “Gajok Kwankye Jeungmyongseo” contains information on parents, spouse, and all children excluding stepchildren while the General “Ilban” version shows information on parents, spouse, and children who are alive and from the current marriage.

Please note that the English certificate of Family Relations is not a translation of a conventional certificate of registered matters in Korean, but a new type of certificate. The English certificate contains information on subject, parents, and spouse. This English certificate is not acceptable for the Immigrant visa purposes since it does not contain children’s information.

Birth Certificates for Non-Korean Nationals

Available

Fees:  Fees can vary from 500 Won to 1,000 Won.

Document Name:  Certificate of Acceptance “Soori Jeungmyongseo”.

Issuing Authority:  Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon offices.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Printed with an official seal of the chief of the issuing office where the birth was accepted.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Chief of Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon.

Registration Criteria:  When a child is born in South Korea to non-Korean national parents, child’s birth can be reported to the competent local government office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon) but it is not registered in the Korean Family Relations Registration System.  However, an official birth certificate is issued in the form of Certificate of Acceptance “Soori Jeungmyongseo”. 

Procedure for Obtaining: Certificate of Acceptance can be issued at the local government office corresponding to the place of birth.  Other government offices or Korean diplomatic missions abroad will not be able to issue this certificate.  Applicants can obtain their certificates in person with a personal ID at an issuing office.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Death Certificates

Unavailable:  Basic Certificate (Detailed) “Gibon Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)” provides information on an individual’s death.  The Family Census Register “Jejeok Deungbon” also provides information if the death was reported before January 1, 2008.

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees:  Fees can vary from 0 Won to 1,000 Won.

Document Name:  Marriage Relations Certificate (Detailed) “Honin Kwankye Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)”.

Issuing Authority:  Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon offices; Judicial Information Technology Center of the National Court Administration for online certificates.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Printed with an official seal of the chief of the issuing office, issuance confirmation number, and the emblem of “Supreme Court of Korea” as a background image.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Chief of Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon; System Operation Officer of the Judicial Information Technology Center for online certificates.

Registration Criteria:  Marriage must be reported to the competent local government office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon). For Korea nationals, the marriage becomes effective when the report is accepted and registered in the Family Relations Registration System.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants can obtain their certificates in person with a Korean ID at an issuing office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon). Qualifying family members (spouse and lineal blood relatives) or the representative may apply on behalf of the applicant at an issuing office. Applicants and their qualifying family members (parents, spouse, or child) can print applicant’s certificates online at efamily.scourt.go.kr if they have an authentication certificate.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Applicants who have previous marriage prior to 2008 can submit a Family Census Register “Jejeok Deungbon”.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Detailed “Sang Sae” version of the Marriage Relations Certificate “Honin Kwankye Jeungmyongseo” contains information on spouse, current marriage, previous marriage, divorce or death of the previous spouse while the General “Ilban” version shows information on spouse and current marriage.

Marriage Certificates for Non-Korean Nationals

Available

Fees:  Fees can vary from 500 Won to 1,000 Won.

Document Name:  Certificate of Acceptance “Soori Jeungmyongseo”. Often translated as Marriage Registration Certificate, Verification of Marriage Registration or Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Registration.

Issuing Authority:  Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon offices.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Printed with an official seal of the chief of the issuing office where the marriage was accepted.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Chief of Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon.

Registration Criteria:  When both or one of the marriage partners are non-Korean nationals, their marriage can be accepted by the competent local government office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon) but it is not registered in the Korean Family Relations Registration System.  Therefore, the marriage certificate for non- Korean nationals is issued in the form of Certificate of Acceptance “Soori Jeungmyongseo”.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Certificate of Acceptance can be issued at the local government office where the marriage report took place and accepted.  Other government offices or Korean diplomatic missions abroad will not be able to issue this certificate.  Applicants can obtain their certificates in person with a personal ID at an issuing office.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  For Korea nationals, the marriage becomes effective when the report is accepted and registered in the Family Relations Registration System.  Detailed “Sang Sae” version of the Marriage Relations Certificate “Honin Kwankye Jeungmyongseo” is acceptable certificate for Korean nationals in lieu of a marriage certificate.

Divorce Certificates

Unavailable:  Marriage Relation Certificate (Detailed) “Honin Kwankye Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)” provides information on marital status and contains previous divorce information.  The Family Census Register “Jejeok Deungbon” also provides divorce records if the divorce was reported before January 1, 2008.

Available

Fees:  Fees can vary from 0 Won to 1,000 Won.

Document Name:  Adoptions Relation Certificate (Detailed) "Yipyang Kwankye Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)".

Issuing Authority:  Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon offices; Judicial Information Technology Center of the National Court Administration for online certificates.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Printed with an official seal of the chief of the issuing office, issuance confirmation number, and the emblem of “Supreme Court of Korea” as a background image. 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Chief of Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon; System Operation Officer of the Judicial Information Technology Center for online certificates.

Registration Criteria:  Adoption becomes effective when it is reported to the competent local government office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon) under the Act on the Registration of Family Relationship. If an adopted child is a minor, a written permission from the Family Court must be submitted. If an adopted child is under 13 years old, his or her legal representative who assented to the adoption must report the adoption. If a child is adopted through Full Adoption, the adoption must be reported within 1 month from the date on which the court decision on the adoption of a child through full adoption becomes final and conclusive.  

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants can obtain their certificates in person with a Korean ID at an issuing office (Si, Gu, Eup or Myeon).  Qualified family members (spouse and lineal blood relatives) or the representative may apply on behalf of the applicant at an issuing office. Applicants and their qualifying family members (parents, spouse, or child) can print applicant’s certificates online at efamily.scourt.go.kr if they have an authentication certificate.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Adoption Relations Certificate (Detailed) “Yipyang Kwankye Jeungmyongseo (Sang Sae)” contains information on biological/adoptive parents or adopted children, adoption, and dissolution of adoption.

Available

Fees:  No fee for initial issuance and 5,000 Won for the reissuance

Document Name:  Resident Registration Card “Jumindeungrokjeung”

Issuing Authority:  It is issued by the Ward offices (Gun or Gu offices) and City halls throughout the country.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The Resident Registration Card “Jumindeungrokjeung” is a plastic card containing the individual’s photo, name, national ID number, address, issuance date of the card, and the title and seal of the chief of the issuing authority on the front side.  The individual’s address change information and his/her right thumb fingerprint on the back side.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Title of the chief of the issuing office is printed with his/her official seal on the front side of the card.

Registration Criteria:  Any Korean nationals who are over 17 years old can be issued a card.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Individuals may apply in person at the Eup office, Myeon office, or Dong office of his/her residence or online at gov.kr.  Fingerprints will be taken.  The card can be picked up at the office where individuals have designated or received by mail.  One photo taken within 6 months is required.  The card can be reissued if it is lost or damaged.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The Resident Registration Card “Jumindeungrokjeung” certifies the individual is a resident of South Korea as a Korean national.  It is not required for the visa issuance purpose.

Police/Prison Records

Available

Fees:  No fees.

Document Name:  For Korean national applicants: Criminal (Investigation) Records Check Report 'Issuance of permit to enter and stay in a foreign country’ “Bomjoi-Soosakyongryeok Hoiboseo: Waekuk Yipkuk-Chaeryu Heogayong”.

For Foreign national applicants: Criminal (Investigation) Records Check Report “Bomjoi-Soosakyongryeok Hoiboseo”.

Issuing Authority:  It is issued at any local police station in Korea.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  It is printed electronically with an official seal of the Commissioner General.  A computer-generated anti-fraud logo should be at the bottom of the certificate for Korean nationals.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Commissioner General, Korean National Police Agency

Registration Criteria:  There is no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Korean national applicants may apply in person at a local police station or online at crims.police.go.kr if they have an authentication certificate. 

Foreign national applicants must request in person at a police station. Applicant’s passport and one photo are required.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Korean nationals and foreigners living outside Korea can obtain a police certificate through a Korean Embassy or Consulate.  They must apply in person at a Korean Embassy or Consulate. 

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The certificate may be issued as a single document or as separate Criminal Records Check Report and Investigation Records Check Report.  Both are acceptable, but if issued as separate documents, both the Criminal Records Check Report and Investigation Records Check Report must be submitted.
 


Court Records

Available

Fees:  Fee is 1,000 Won.

Document Name:  “Pangyeolmun” or “Pangyeolseo”. Depending on the type of court decisions, the title can be “Pangyeol (Judgement)”, Gyeoljeong (Ruling)”, or “Myeongryeong (Order)”.

Issuing Authority:  It is generally issued by the court where the conviction took place.  For criminal cases, the court records are preserved at the prosecutor’s office corresponding with the competent court.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Certified copies are issued with a seal of the issuing office.  If electronic copies are available, it is printed with a computer-generated anti-fraud logo at the bottom or in the upper left corner.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Judge

Registration Criteria:  There is no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants may apply in person at the court or by mail.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents:  “Yaksik Myeongryeong (Summary Order)” for minor offenses which may result in punishment of fine or seizure.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Available

Fees:  No fees.

Document Name:  Certificate of Military Service “Byungjeok Jeungmyongseo”.

Issuing Authority:  Certificate of military service in English is issued by competent government offices, regional offices of military manpower, ward offices, city halls, Myun offices, Eup offices, and Dong offices throughout the country.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  It is generally printed electronically with an official seal of the chief of the issuing office, and on a white paper.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  The title of the chief of the issuing office is printed with his/her official seal.

Registration Criteria:  A Certificate of Military Service “Byungjeok Jeungmyongseo” is usually issued to people who have finished their military service. It contains details about one’s military service, including information such as rank, military classification, military ID number, category of service, branch of service, date of conscription or enlistment, date of discharge, and reason of discharge. This certificate is also available to people who have not served in the military and states that there is no record of military service.  Please note that conscription in South Korea has existed since 1957 and requires male citizens to perform compulsory military service with few exceptions.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Individuals can apply for the issuance of this certificate with a Korean ID at an issuing office in person. Qualified family members (parents, spouse, children, siblings, etc.) may apply on an individual’s behalf and they need to bring their Korean ID, and a family relations certificate. A third party can only apply with a power of attorney and need to bring his/her Korean ID, and the applicant’s Korean ID. Individuals can also apply for the issuance of this certificate online at “gov.kr” by using their authentication certificate.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.):  Regular passports are issuable to any Korean national.  Individuals can apply for either a multiple entry passport (PM) which is usually valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors or a single-entry passport (PS) which allows one overseas trip within one year.   Official passport (PO) and Diplomatic passport (PD) are issued to eligible government officials and diplomats under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and their dependents with a maximum validity of five years.

Note:  South Korea began issuing the next generation biometric passports in December 2021. Existing passports can be used until they expire.

Fees:  Fees may vary depending on the type of passport.  Please refer to passport.go.kr for the fee details.

Document Name:  Passport “Yeo Kwon”

Issuing Government Authority:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The new generation biometric passports have been redesigned entirely. The identification page is made of polycarbonate to make it harder to forge. The bearer’s personal ID number is removed from the passport. The color of the regular passports has changed from green to navy blue. Official passports are grey and diplomatic passports are red. 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria:  Please refer to passport.go.kr website.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Other Documents Available:  Travel certificate (PT) is issued to a stateless person who is departing Korea, a person who is residing overseas but his/her passport has been lost or expired and cannot wait for the issuance of the new passport prior to travel, and to a child who is eligible for intercountry adoption.

Not applicable

Post Contact information

Embassy:  U.S. Embassy Seoul

Address:

  • APO/DPO:  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Unit 9600, BOX 9997 DPO, AP 96209-9997
  • Diplomatic Pouch:  9600 Seoul Pl Washington DC 20521-9600
  • Local Address:  188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141 Korea

Phone Number: (82-2) 397-4114

Comments / Additional Information: None

All visa categories for all South Korea.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.