Which countries can South Korean passport holders visit without a visa?

South Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 190+ destinations including all Schengen countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy), the UK, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and most of the Americas and Europe. However, major destinations like the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA/ESTA) before arrival.

Do South Korean citizens need a visa for the United States?

South Korean passport holders do not need a traditional visa for short tourist or business trips to the USA. However, they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before departure under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA costs $21 USD, is valid for 2 years, and allows stays up to 90 days. Apply at least 72 hours before travel via the official CBP website.

Can South Korean passport holders get visa on arrival in India?

Yes, South Korean citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in India at designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The visa is valid for 60 days for tourism or business purposes. However, applying for an e-Visa online before travel is recommended as it's faster, cheaper (around $25-80 USD depending on duration), and reduces airport wait times.

Is military service mandatory for South Korean passport holders living abroad?

Yes, all male South Korean citizens aged 18-35 must complete mandatory military service (18-21 months depending on branch), regardless of where they live. Dual citizens or those born abroad must choose their citizenship by age 18 (extended to March of the year they turn 18). Failure to serve can result in passport restrictions, criminal charges, and inability to renew Korean passports. Limited exemptions exist for special circumstances, elite athletes, or classical musicians.

Do South Korean passport holders need a visa for China in 2025?

South Korean passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, transit, or family visits as of 2024-2025 policy updates. This applies to entries through major airports and ports. For stays longer than 15 days or other purposes (work, study), a visa is required. Always verify current policies with the Chinese embassy as regulations can change.

How do I renew my South Korean passport while living overseas?

South Korean citizens abroad can renew their passport at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate. Required documents typically include: current passport, passport application form, recent passport photo (3.5x4.5cm), and applicable fees (around $40-53 USD for regular processing). Processing takes 7-10 business days. Some embassies offer expedited service. Check your local embassy website for online appointment booking and specific requirements.

Can South Korean passport holders work in European countries without a visa?

South Korean passport holders can enter Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism or business. However, this does NOT grant the right to work. To work legally in EU countries, Koreans must obtain a work visa or permit sponsored by an employer. Some countries like Germany, France, and Ireland offer Working Holiday Visas for Korean citizens aged 18-30, allowing temporary work for 12 months.

Which countries are visa-required or restricted for South Korean passport holders?

South Korean passport holders require a visa in advance for 16 countries including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Cayman Islands, Chad, Eritrea, Ghana, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, countries like Syria, Cuba, and several African nations require e-visas or online applications. North Korea is effectively banned for South Korean citizens due to national security laws.

Do South Korean citizens need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

South Korean passport holders generally do NOT need transit visas for airside connections in most countries, including the USA (if staying airside), UK, Canada (if holding valid eTA), Schengen countries, and Singapore. However, if leaving the airport during layover, normal visa rules apply. China allows 24-144 hour visa-free transit in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Always verify transit rules with airlines and destination authorities before booking.

South Korea Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 190 Countries

The South Korea passport ranks 2nd globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 destinations worldwide. This powerful travel document has shown remarkable improvement over the past two decades, rising from 11th place in 2006 to its current top-tier position since 2019. South Korean passport holders enjoy exceptional global mobility, making it one of the world's most valuable passports for international travel, business, and tourism opportunities across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

190

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for South Korea passport

135

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Korean Citizens

Popular destinations where South Korea passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
Singapore	Up to 90 days	SG
Thailand	Up to 90 days	TH
Vietnam	Up to 90 days	VN
Malaysia	Up to 90 days	MY

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for South Korea passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

135 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

40 countries

🔐 ETA Required

15 countries

💻 E-Visa

20 countries

❌ Visa Required

16 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

South Korea's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 9 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official South Korea Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

🔗

Korea Visa Portal

🔗

Hi Korea (Korea Immigration Service)

🔗

Overseas Koreans Foundation - Consular Services

🔗

Korea Tourism Organization - Travel Requirements

Compare South Korea Passport with Other Passports

See how South Korea's passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
South Korea (You are here)	#2	190	85/100	85/100
Singapore	#1	193	95/100	88/100
Japan	#3	189	95/100	83/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The South Korean passport ranks 2nd globally in 2025 with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 destinations. This makes it one of the world's most powerful passports, alongside Singapore and Japan. South Korea has maintained this top-tier position since 2019, offering Korean citizens exceptional global mobility for business and leisure travel.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover South Korea's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

South Korea Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 190 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

South Korea's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 9 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare South Korea Passport with Other Passports

See how South Korea's passport compares with other ASIA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
South Korea (You are here)	#2	190	85/100	85/100
Singapore	#1	193	95/100	88/100
Japan	#3	189	95/100	83/100
Malaysia	#12	180	73/100	92/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for South Korea passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Korean Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

South Korea's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official South Korea Passport & Travel Resources

Compare South Korea Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the South Korean passport in 2025?

Which countries can South Korean passport holders visit without a visa?

Do South Korean citizens need a visa for the United States?

Can South Korean passport holders get visa on arrival in India?

Is military service mandatory for South Korean passport holders living abroad?

Do South Korean passport holders need a visa for China in 2025?

How do I renew my South Korean passport while living overseas?

Can South Korean passport holders work in European countries without a visa?

Which countries are visa-required or restricted for South Korean passport holders?

Do South Korean citizens need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for South Korea passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Korean Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

South Korea's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official South Korea Passport & Travel Resources

Compare South Korea Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the South Korean passport in 2025?

Which countries can South Korean passport holders visit without a visa?

Do South Korean citizens need a visa for the United States?

Can South Korean passport holders get visa on arrival in India?

Is military service mandatory for South Korean passport holders living abroad?

Do South Korean passport holders need a visa for China in 2025?

How do I renew my South Korean passport while living overseas?

Can South Korean passport holders work in European countries without a visa?

Which countries are visa-required or restricted for South Korean passport holders?

Do South Korean citizens need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Explore More Passport Rankings