Do you know Korea's latest entry rules for 2024? Korea's Ministry of Justice announced that, from 1 June 2022, it resumed issuing short-term visit (C-3) visas and e-visas to travellers from general (Level 1) countries, meaning Taiwanese travellers can enter Korea for business or tourism and apply free of charge for a short-term visa of up to 90 days! Feeling the urge to book that trip already? Here is what you need to know before entering Korea 👇

Entry rules for Taiwanese travellers heading to Korea

  1. Because of the pandemic, all flights into Korea are currently restricted to Incheon Airport. Flights from Taiwan to Korea are currently limited to Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines, Korean Air and Scoot, with Tigerair adding Jeju Island flights in winter.
  2. Entering Korea requires a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours, along with a valid visa, APEC card, or Alien Registration Card. (COVID-19 vaccination is "not" a requirement for entering Korea.)
  3. You will need a phone number reachable within Korea, and must install the self-quarantine app on your mobile device.

Documents Taiwanese travellers need to enter Korea

  1. A negative PCR or hospital rapid antigen test (RAT) result
  2. Proof of vaccination
  3. Details submitted in advance through the Q-Code quarantine information system: Q-Code

Quarantine-free entry rules for Korea

While quarantine is currently not required to enter Korea, you still need either a negative PCR result taken within 48 hours, or a negative hospital RAT result taken within 24 hours to board your flight, and must confirm your entry details and personal information on the quarantine information website to obtain a QR code for immigration screening.
💡 As of 15 July 2023, the QR code is no longer required.

Documents needed for a Korea tourist visa

Visa application materials

  1. Visa application form (download), with a 2-inch white-background photo taken within the last 6 months attached
  2. Original passport valid for at least 6 more months, plus one photocopy of the information page
  3. Original Taiwan (ROC) national ID card, plus one photocopy
  4. A travel itinerary in any format (spelling out travel dates, places to visit, and planned activities)
  5. Proof of a round-trip flight booking
  6. Proof of your own bank balance (issued by a bank or post office within the last month, showing at least NT$100,000)

Notes on the tourist visa

  1. You must book an appointment in advance and submit your documents in person at the Korean Representative Office in Taipei. Approval typically takes about 10 business days, and once your visa is approved, someone else may collect the physical visa on your behalf.
  2. The C-3-9 tourist visa allows a short-term stay of 90 days in Korea, and you must depart within 3 months of approval or the visa becomes invalid.
  3. Taiwan (ROC) passport holders qualify for the visa fee waiver, so applying for this visa is free of charge.
  4. K-ETA is only required for visa-free entry to Korea, but since Taiwan is not currently on Korea's visa-free list, there is no need to apply for K-ETA.

The above rounds up the current rules and things to keep in mind when entering Korea, and we will keep updating it for anyone with a trip coming up! Once you land in Korea, activate a Korea no-throttle data SIM and enjoy the trip you have been waiting for 🥰

Further reading:
>> The complete guide to travel packing lists: items you cannot bring on a plane, plus 3 tips for easy packing
>> 2023 roundup of credit cards offering free airport transfers — 16 banks including Taishin, CTBC and Cathay United covered
>> How to apply for off-site airport MRT check-in? 3 super-easy methods, all doable from your phone

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