Who Needs a C-3 Tourist Visa
The C-3 is Korea's short-term visit visa for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short conferences. You need a C-3 if your nationality is not on Korea's visa-waiver list, if your K-ETA application was denied, or if you want to stay longer than the visa-waiver period allows.
Nationals of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and roughly 100 other visa-waiver countries do NOT need a C-3 for tourism under 90 days — they use the K-ETA system instead. See our K-ETA guide for details on which applies to you.
C-3 visas can be single-entry (one use, up to 90 days) or multiple-entry (5 years, up to 30-90 days per visit depending on nationality).
C-3 Documents Checklist
- Completed visa application form (download from your local Korean embassy website)
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- One recent passport-style photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
- Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed booking
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter from host)
- Bank statement from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds (~US$100/day of stay)
- Proof of employment or enrollment (employment letter, student card)
- Travel itinerary with planned cities and activities
For family visits, an invitation letter from your Korean host plus a copy of their ID/ARC significantly strengthens your application.
How to Apply
C-3 visas must be applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Most consulates now require online booking for in-person appointments via the e-consulate portal. A few accept postal applications — check your local consulate's website. Never pay a third-party broker unless you are comfortable losing the money to a scam.
- Find your nearest Korean embassy — see our embassy directory
- Download the current C-3 application form from the consulate's website
- Book an appointment online if required
- Prepare all documents in the specified language (English is usually accepted)
- Submit in person or by mail with the visa fee
- Collect your passport with visa sticker when notified (5-10 business days)
Fees, Validity & Processing
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Max Stay | Validity |
|---|
| C-3 Single-entry | $40 | 90 days | 3 months from issue |
| C-3 Double-entry | $70 | 30-90 days each | 6 months from issue |
| C-3 Multiple-entry | $90 | 30-90 days each | 5 years |
Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Express processing is not generally offered. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow margin for document requests or clarifications. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Always verify current fees, document requirements, and appointment procedures directly with your local Korean embassy or at hikorea.go.kr. Rules vary by country and change periodically.
Who Needs a C-3 Tourist Visa
The C-3 is Korea's short-term visit visa for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short conferences. You need a C-3 if your nationality is not on Korea's visa-waiver list, if your K-ETA application was denied, or if you want to stay longer than the visa-waiver period allows.
Nationals of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and roughly 100 other visa-waiver countries do NOT need a C-3 for tourism under 90 days — they use the K-ETA system instead. See our K-ETA guide for details on which applies to you.
C-3 visas can be single-entry (one use, up to 90 days) or multiple-entry (5 years, up to 30-90 days per visit depending on nationality).
C-3 Documents Checklist
- Completed visa application form (download from your local Korean embassy website)
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- One recent passport-style photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
- Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed booking
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter from host)
- Bank statement from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds (~US$100/day of stay)
- Proof of employment or enrollment (employment letter, student card)
- Travel itinerary with planned cities and activities
For family visits, an invitation letter from your Korean host plus a copy of their ID/ARC significantly strengthens your application.
How to Apply
C-3 visas must be applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Most consulates now require online booking for in-person appointments via the e-consulate portal. A few accept postal applications — check your local consulate's website. Never pay a third-party broker unless you are comfortable losing the money to a scam.
- Find your nearest Korean embassy — see our embassy directory
- Download the current C-3 application form from the consulate's website
- Book an appointment online if required
- Prepare all documents in the specified language (English is usually accepted)
- Submit in person or by mail with the visa fee
- Collect your passport with visa sticker when notified (5-10 business days)
Fees, Validity & Processing
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Max Stay | Validity |
|---|
| C-3 Single-entry | $40 | 90 days | 3 months from issue |
| C-3 Double-entry | $70 | 30-90 days each | 6 months from issue |
| C-3 Multiple-entry | $90 | 30-90 days each | 5 years |
Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Express processing is not generally offered. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow margin for document requests or clarifications. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Always verify current fees, document requirements, and appointment procedures directly with your local Korean embassy or at hikorea.go.kr. Rules vary by country and change periodically.