Korean citizens are among the top travelers to Vietnam, thanks to the country’s rich culture, beautiful beaches, and close geographical distance. If you are a South Korean planning to visit Vietnam, understanding the visa requirements, available visa types, and how to apply efficiently will help ensure a smooth journey. This article provides an updated 2025 guide on Vietnam visa for Korean citizens, including entry requirements, exemptions, and urgent visa options.
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Do Korean Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
As of 2025, Korean citizens are exempt from a Vietnam visa for short stays. Specifically, travelers from South Korea can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days per visit. This exemption applies to both tourism and short business trips.
However, if you plan to stay beyond 45 days, or intend to work, study, or reside in Vietnam, you will need to apply for a Vietnam visa before arrival or extend your stay while in Vietnam.
Vietnam Visa-Free Policy for Korean Citizens
The visa exemption policy allows South Korean passport holders to enter Vietnam through international airports, seaports, and land borders. To qualify for visa-free entry, travelers must meet the following conditions:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
- A confirmed outbound ticket or onward travel plan.
- Entry must be for tourism, business, or visiting purposes (not for employment).
If a Korean traveler exits Vietnam and re-enters after 30 days, they can enjoy another 45-day visa-free stay.
This flexibility makes Vietnam one of the most welcoming Southeast Asian destinations for South Koreans.
When Korean Travelers Need a Vietnam Visa
Even though short trips are visa-free, there are several cases when a visa is required for Korean citizens:
- Staying longer than 45 days.
- Frequent visits to Vietnam without meeting the 30-day gap rule.
- Working or studying in Vietnam.
- Living or doing long-term business in Vietnam.
In these cases, you can apply for one of the following visa types:
- Tourist visa (DL): For vacation and leisure.
- Business visa (DN): For business trips and meetings.
- Work visa (LD): For employment purposes.
- Student visa (DH): For education or training programs.
See more>> Vietnam eVisa for Dutch passport holders
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa (for Korean Citizens)
There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnam visa for Korean citizens:
1. Apply for an e-Visa
The Vietnam e-Visa is available online for citizens of over 80 countries, including South Korea. It allows a single or multiple entry and a stay of up to 90 days.
To apply:
- Visit the official Vietnam Immigration website or use a trusted visa support service.
- Fill out the online form with your passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
- Upload your passport photo and portrait photo.
- Pay the processing fee by card.
- Receive your e-Visa via email within 3–5 working days.
If you need to travel urgently, Entry Vietnam Visa also provides assistance with how to get urgent Vietnam visa in just 1–2 working days — ideal for last-minute trips.
2. Apply via Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
Korean citizens can also apply directly at the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul or Consulate in Busan. This method is recommended for long-term visas, such as work or student visas. You’ll need to submit your application form, passport, invitation letter (if applicable), and photos.
3. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Although e-Visa is more common now, Korean citizens can still use Visa on Arrival when entering Vietnam through major airports like Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), or Da Nang.
You must first obtain an approval letter online through a reliable service provider. Once you arrive in Vietnam, present the letter, passport, and photos at the visa counter to receive your visa stamp.
If you need to travel to Vietnam urgently, there are emergency visa services available. For example, an Emergency Vietnam visa same day option allows travelers to receive their visa approval letter within a few hours.
This service is especially useful for Korean citizens who have unexpected business meetings, flight changes, or family emergencies. Reputable platforms such as entryvietnamvisa.com can process same-day or next-day visa approvals quickly and reliably.
Extending Your Stay in Vietnam
If a Korean citizen wishes to stay longer than the visa-free period or extend an existing visa, they can apply for a visa extension or renewal through local immigration offices or authorized agencies.
To extend your stay:
- Submit your passport and current visa at least 7 days before expiration.
- Pay the required processing fee (varies depending on visa type and duration).
- Wait for approval, usually within 3–5 working days.
Alternatively, you can leave Vietnam and re-enter after 30 days to reset your 45-day visa exemption period.
Conclusion
The Vietnam visa for Korean citizens is one of the most flexible in Asia, offering a generous 45-day visa-free policy. For longer stays or special purposes, Koreans can easily apply for a Vietnam visa online or through the embassy.
