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🇿🇦 Does a South African need a visa for South Korea 🇰🇷?
No visa, but an ETA. South African passport holders do not need a visa for South Korea, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Checked against Wikipedia's list of visa requirements for South African citizens on 2026-10-04. Entry rules change: confirm with the embassy of South Korea or its official government website before you travel.
What this means for your trip
An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.
It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.
South Korea at a glance
Capital: Seoul · Currency: South Korean won (KRW, ₩) · Official languages: Korean · Calling code: +82
U.S. State Department travel advisory for South Korea: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (updated 28 May 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.
Plugs and voltage
Some of your plugs fit (C); for type D, M, N plugs bring a travel adapter for South Korea's sockets (C, F). Mains voltage differs (South Korea: 220 V; South Africa: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.
More about entering South Korea →
Your embassy in South Korea
If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in South Korea, contact the embassy of South Africa:
- Embassy of South Africa in South Korea · 104 Dokseodang-ro · southafrica-embassy.or.kr
Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.
Easier destinations near South Korea for South African passport holders
- 🇭🇰 Hong Kong — Visa-free 30 days
- 🇲🇴 Macau — Visa-free 30 days
- 🇬🇪 Georgia — Visa-free 360 days
- 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan — Visa-free
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇵🇭 Philippines — Visa-free 30 days
- 🇶🇦 Qatar — Visa-free 30 days
The other way round
🇰🇷 South Korean passport holders visiting South Africa: South Korean passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 30 days.
The South African passport at a glance
All destinations for South Africa passport holders → · Who needs a visa for South Korea →
Questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for South Korea?
South African passport holders do not need a visa for South Korea, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Does a South Korean need a visa for South Africa?
South Korean passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 30 days.