PassportSouth Korea Passport
Passport rankings out of 226 countries
Visa requirements
Showing all 226 destinations
📖About South Korea
The South Korea passport remains one of the most powerful travel documents globally, consistently securing a top-tier position in global passport ranking data. As of 2026, it holds the 2nd rank with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival count of 187 destinations. This high level of travel mobility provides Korean nationals with seamless access to major regions, including full entry privileges to the Schengen Area. The passport's strength is reflected in its openness and global scores of 85, marking a significant evolution from its 11th-place ranking and 115 visa-free destinations recorded back in 2006. Holders of a South Korea passport benefit from extensive visa-free access to countries such as Japan, France, and Brazil, alongside electronic travel authorisations for the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. For other regions, travelers can utilize visa-on-arrival facilities in nations like India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, or apply for a visa-online for destinations including Pakistan and Uganda. While travel is highly accessible, a visa is still required for 16 jurisdictions, including Afghanistan, Algeria, and North Korea. This robust network of international agreements ensures that Korean citizens maintain exceptional global reach and simplified entry requirements across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Free One-Page Travel Guide
Download your printable South Korea passport visa guide with all 135+ visa-free destinations
✈️Top Visa-Free Destinations for South Korea Citizens
Planning a Trip to South Korea?
South Korea is part of the Schengen Area. Track your 90/180 day limit with our free calculator to avoid overstays and plan compliant trips across all 27 Schengen countries.
📈Historical Ranking Trend
South Korea's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2026
Historical ranking trend based on available yearly data.
Trend: Improved by 9 positions from 2006 to 2026
Visa Requirements by Country
Complete breakdown of visa requirements for South Korea passport holders
✅ Visa-Free
135 countries
Mexico
Albania
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Chile
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
The Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guam
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Hungary
Iceland
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao (SAR China)
North Macedonia
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mayotte
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Netherlands
New Caledonia
Nicaragua
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Reunion
Romania
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
eSwatini
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turks and Caicos Islands
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Vietnam
British Virgin Islands
Zambia
Angola
China
St. Helena
🛬 Visa on Arrival
40 countries
Ethiopia
Madagascar
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bolivia
Burundi
Cambodia
Cape Verde Islands
Comoro Islands
Egypt
Guinea-Bissau
India
Iran
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Malawi
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Namibia
Nepal
Palau Islands
Rwanda
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
Zimbabwe
Indonesia
Djibouti
Myanmar
Qatar
Niue
🔐 ETA Required
15 countries
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Puerto Rico
American Samoa
Sri Lanka
United States
US Virgin Islands
Kenya
United Kingdom
Seychelles
Israel
Mozambique
St. Kitts and Nevis
Russian Federation
💻 E-Visa
20 countries
Benin
Uganda
Papua New Guinea
Guinea
Cameroon
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Togo
Syria
Cuba
Pakistan
Burkina Faso
Mauritania
Congo (Dem. Rep.)
Nigeria
Liberia
Somalia
Bhutan
Cote d'Ivoire
South Sudan
❌ Visa Required
16 countries
Afghanistan
Algeria
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo (Rep.)
Eritrea
Ghana
Libya
Mali
Nauru
Niger
North Korea
Sudan
Turkmenistan
Yemen
Comparison against other countries
Closely related passports based on region, mobility tier, and travel profile.
Japan
Both nations consistently occupy the top tier of Asian passport mobility with nearly identical visa-free access.
Comparison context
South Korea maintains a dominant position in Asia, frequently mirroring Japan's passport strength in global mobility rankings.Singapore
Singapore shares a similar trajectory of high-tier global mobility, often ranking within the top three alongside South Korea.
Comparison context
The mobility score of South Korea is closely aligned with the Singaporean passport, reflecting high levels of international travel freedom.Germany
Germany and South Korea both represent leading global economies with high-ranking diplomatic influence and visa-free counts.
Comparison context
South Korean citizens enjoy travel privileges comparable to a German passport holder due to strong bilateral relations and economic stability.Related sources and important links
Trusted references for South Korea passport rules, travel notices, and government information.
❓Frequently asked questions
Check Your Passport Validity
Planning to travel with your South Korea passport? Many countries require 3-6 months of passport validity beyond your travel date. Use our free passport validity checker to verify you meet entry requirements before booking your trip.
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Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.