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South Korea Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

Visa Free

German citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business, with no K-ETA currently required for German passport holders under the ongoing exemption.

Guide last updated September 10, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of the intended stay
  • No visa application form; K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is currently waived for German citizens under the temporary exemption programme, but check current status before travel as it is periodically renewed
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of sufficient funds (rarely checked)
  • No photo or biometrics required beyond standard immigration fingerprint/photo capture on arrival
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • No visa required for tourism or short business visits up to 90 days under the Korea-Germany visa waiver agreement
  • Work, study or long-term stays require a separate visa (e.g. D-2 Student Visa, E-series Work Visa) applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate before travel

Entry conditions

  • German citizens are granted up to 90 days on arrival at Incheon or other international airports
  • Entry is recorded electronically and stamped into the passport at no cost
  • No paid work is allowed under visa-free entry
  • Extensions are uncommon; travelers needing longer generally must apply for a proper visa or leave and re-enter

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee for entry
  • If K-ETA is reinstated for German citizens, the fee is about KRW 10,000 (around USD 8), with approval usually within 24-72 hours
  • No processing time under the current waiver - entry is immediate at the airport

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Check the K-ETA exemption status shortly before departure, since the waiver for European countries is renewed periodically and could change
  • Keep return or onward tickets accessible, as airlines check them before boarding
  • Register with the Global Tax Free network if planning significant shopping, since VAT refunds are available to short-term visitors
  • South Korea has strict rules on cannabis and certain medications - check the Korean customs list before packing prescriptions
  • If your visit may exceed 90 days, arrange the correct long-term visa at a Korean consulate in Germany before departure

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.