Last updated: 13 August 2026 (South Korea Visa Costs From South Africa)
Reviewed by: Road2Asia Visa & Document Services
Information verified against: Republic of Korea Ministry of Justice, Korea Visa Portal and Embassy of the Republic of Korea in South Africa
If you are a South African passport holder travelling to South Korea for a qualifying short visit of up to 30 days, you generally do not need to pay for a conventional tourist visa. South Africa is currently listed by Korea’s official K-ETA system as eligible for visa-free entry for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Instead, South African travellers normally need a K-ETA — Korea Electronic Travel Authorization before travelling. The official K-ETA application fee is KRW 10,000 per person, approximately USD $7–8, plus a separate online payment charge.
So, for the typical South African travelling to South Korea for a short holiday, the most useful answer is:
Tourist visa fee: R0
K-ETA government fee: KRW 10,000 + online payment charge
The exact amount reflected on a South African bank card will depend on the exchange rate and any foreign-payment charges applied by the card provider.
South Korea Visa Cost at a Glance
| Requirement | Cost / rule |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa for qualifying South African short stay | No conventional visa required |
| Maximum visa-free stay | 30 days |
| K-ETA required | Yes, for travellers who are not otherwise exempt |
| Official K-ETA fee | KRW 10,000 per person |
| Approximate official USD equivalent | USD $7–8 |
| Online payment fee | Additional |
| K-ETA validity | Up to 3 years |
| Standard processing target | Usually within 72 hours |
| Conventional visa if required | Usually USD $40–$90 base fee depending on visa type |
South Africa appears on Korea’s current official K-ETA eligibility list with an allowed stay of 30 days. The Korean Ministry of Justice states that the K-ETA fee is KRW 10,000 and that the authorization is generally valid for three years unless the passport expires earlier.
How Much Is a Visa to South Korea from South Africa?
For an ordinary South African tourist travelling to South Korea for 30 days or less, there is normally no separate South Korean tourist visa fee because South African passport holders qualify for short-term visa-free entry.
The expense that most South African holidaymakers need to budget for instead is the K-ETA application fee of KRW 10,000 per person, plus the electronic payment fee charged during the application.
This is an important distinction because a K-ETA is not a visa.
It is an electronic travel authorization used by eligible travellers who are permitted to enter the Republic of Korea without first obtaining a visa.
Do South Africans Need a Visa for South Korea?
South African passport holders can currently visit South Korea without obtaining a conventional visa in advance for qualifying stays of up to 30 days. South Africa is specifically listed in the official K-ETA system with an allowed period of stay of 30 days.
The K-ETA system covers eligible short visits for purposes including:
- tourism;
- visiting relatives;
- attending events;
- attending conferences; and
- certain short-term business visits where no commercial activities are performed.
These permitted purposes are listed by Korea’s official K-ETA system for visa-free travellers.
If your reason for travelling falls outside the visa-free conditions — for example employment, long-term study or residence — you may need an actual Korean visa.
How Much Does the K-ETA Cost for South Africans?
The official Korean government fee is:
KRW 10,000 per applicant
The K-ETA authority describes this as approximately USD $7–8, although the actual amount charged to a South African card will vary according to exchange rates and payment-provider fees.
| K-ETA charge | Amount |
| Government application fee | KRW 10,000 |
| Approximate USD equivalent stated by K-ETA | USD $7–8 |
| Electronic payment fee | Additional |
| Express fee | No official express option |
The application fee is non-refundable, even if the K-ETA application is refused.
Road2Asia Cost Tip
Do not confuse a private company’s K-ETA assistance fee with the Korean government’s official K-ETA charge.
The Korean government fee itself is KRW 10,000. If an agent, visa service or travel company charges more, the additional amount is generally for its own professional or administrative service rather than an additional Korean government visa fee.
Is a K-ETA the Same as a South Korea Visa?
No.
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization is specifically described by the Korean government as not being a visa. It is an authorization used by eligible travellers who can enter South Korea without obtaining a visa beforehand.
For a typical South African tourist, the distinction therefore looks like this:
| Document | South African tourist |
| Conventional Korean tourist visa | Generally not required for qualifying stays up to 30 days |
| K-ETA | Generally required before travelling |
| Maximum visa-free stay | 30 days |
| K-ETA fee | KRW 10,000 + payment fee |
A K-ETA approval also does not guarantee entry. The final decision to admit a traveller remains with Korean immigration officials at the port of entry.
How Long Can South Africans Stay in South Korea Without a Visa?
The current official K-ETA eligibility list gives holders of South African passports an allowed visa-free stay of:
30 days.
This means that a South African travelling for an eligible short-term purpose can generally remain in South Korea for no more than 30 days under this visa-free arrangement.
The validity period of a K-ETA must not be confused with the maximum stay in Korea.
A K-ETA can generally remain valid for three years, but each entry remains subject to the visa-free stay period allowed for the traveller’s nationality.
For South African passport holders, that period is currently 30 days.
When Does a South African Need an Actual South Korean Visa?
A conventional South Korean visa may be required when your proposed stay or activities are not covered by the 30-day visa-free arrangement.
Examples can include:
- working in South Korea;
- teaching English in South Korea;
- studying for an extended period;
- staying longer than the permitted visa-free period;
- joining family or taking up residence;
- undertaking activities that require a specific immigration status;
- certain professional or commercial activities; or
- other circumstances that do not qualify for K-ETA entry.
Korea operates numerous visa categories covering study, employment, investment, family residence and other purposes. Korea’s Visa Portal should be used to identify the applicable status before applying.
South Korea Visa Fees If You Do Need a Visa
For applicants who genuinely require a Korean visa, the Republic of Korea Visa Portal currently publishes the following standard base visa application fees:
| Visa type | Standard base fee |
| Single-entry visa — 90 days or less | USD $40 |
| Single-entry visa — 91 days or longer | USD $60 |
| Double-entry visa | USD $70 |
| Multiple-entry visa | USD $90 |
These are the standard fees published by Korea’s Ministry of Justice. The government specifically warns that different fees may apply because of reciprocity, international agreements or nationality-specific arrangements.
Therefore, if you are applying for a work visa, student visa, dependent visa or another long-term Korean visa from South Africa, the exact amount should be checked for your specific visa category before submission.
The Visa Portal also states that application fees are generally non-refundable because they cover the cost of evaluating the visa application.
Why Are Different South Korea Visa Prices Shown Online?
South Africans searching for South Korea visa costs may encounter several different amounts online.
There are four major reasons for this.
1. South Africans Have Visa-Free Short-Stay Access
A South African tourist travelling for an eligible stay of up to 30 days generally does not need the conventional short-term tourist visa in the first place.
2. K-ETA Is Often Incorrectly Called a Visa
The K-ETA costs KRW 10,000, but the Korean government specifically states that K-ETA is not a visa.
3. Actual Visa Fees Depend on Visa Type
Someone applying to work or study in Korea may need a conventional visa, with the standard fee schedule ranging from USD $40 to USD $90 depending on entry type and duration.
4. Older Online Information May No Longer Reflect Current Entry Rules
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in South Africa announced the lifting of the COVID-era suspension of visa-free entry for South African passport holders from April 2022, and South Africa is currently listed in the official K-ETA system as eligible for a 30-day stay.
For this reason, travellers should distinguish between current official rules and older visa-fee pages that may still appear in search results.
How to Apply for a K-ETA from South Africa
For an eligible South African traveller, the K-ETA process is completed electronically.
The official application flow is:
- Access the official Korea Electronic Travel Authorization system.
- Accept the application terms.
- Verify your email address or create/login to your account where applicable.
- Enter your passport information.
- Enter your personal and travel information.
- Upload the required photograph.
- Check all information carefully.
- Pay the KRW 10,000 application fee and applicable online payment charge.
- Submit the application.
- Wait for the assessment result before travelling.
The Ministry of Justice lists these steps as the official K-ETA application procedure.
What Do South Africans Need for a K-ETA?
The official K-ETA system lists four primary items that applicants should prepare:
- a valid passport;
- a valid email address;
- an appropriate ID photograph; and
- a credit or debit card capable of paying the application fee.
The official application fee is KRW 10,000 per person.
Applicants should ensure that passport information is entered accurately. Incorrect or false application information can result in refusal or cancellation of K-ETA approval and may cause immigration difficulties.
How Long Does a K-ETA Take for South Africans?
The Korean government states that K-ETA assessment typically takes 72 hours or less.
However, processing can exceed 72 hours when application volumes increase or additional assessment is required.
There is currently no official expedited K-ETA service that allows an applicant to pay more to guarantee faster processing.
For that reason, Road2Asia recommends that travellers avoid leaving their K-ETA application until the day before departure.
How Long Is a K-ETA Valid?
For applications submitted under the current system, a K-ETA is generally valid for:
3 years
or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first.
The same K-ETA can generally be used for multiple eligible visits during its validity period.
However, the three-year authorization validity does not mean a South African can remain in Korea for three years.
The permitted visa-free stay remains 30 days per qualifying entry for a South African passport holder.
What Happens If Your Passport Changes?
A traveller must apply for a new K-ETA when a passport has been reissued, even if the previous K-ETA has not yet reached its expiration date.
The Korean government also requires certain changes to travel information to be updated within the K-ETA system, including information such as:
- purpose of entry;
- address in South Korea;
- local contact information;
- expected arrival and departure dates; and
- information relating to accompanying travellers.
Failure to update relevant information can create difficulties at entry.
Where Do South Africans Apply for an Actual Korean Visa?
Where a South African requires a conventional visa rather than K-ETA travel authorization, applications are handled through the Republic of Korea’s visa system and the relevant Korean diplomatic mission.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in South Africa is currently located at:
| Detail | Information |
| Embassy | Embassy of the Republic of Korea |
| Address | 265 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0181 |
| Visa Section | Monday–Friday |
| Visa Section hours | 08:00–11:30 |
| Main office hours | 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00 |
These contact and operating details remain published by the Embassy on its 2026 pages.
Applicants requiring an actual visa should confirm their specific category and documentation before travelling to the Embassy.
How Road2Asia Can Assist With South Korea Travel and Visa Documents
Road2Asia assists South Africans with visa and international document requirements where professional assistance is needed.
Depending on the purpose of travel, Road2Asia can assist with:
- determining whether K-ETA entry or a conventional Korean visa is appropriate;
- K-ETA application assistance;
- Korean visa application preparation;
- South African Police Clearance Certificates;
- SAQA qualification verification;
- qualification and supporting-document preparation;
- DIRCO apostille services;
- document authentication;
- courier coordination; and
- documentation required by South Africans relocating abroad for employment.
Road2Asia is a private visa and document assistance company and is not the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Korea Immigration Service or the Korean Ministry of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Korea Visa Costs
How much is a tourist visa to South Korea from South Africa?
For a South African passport holder making a qualifying short visit of up to 30 days, a conventional tourist visa is generally not required, meaning there is no separate tourist visa fee. South Africa is currently listed as eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay.
The traveller normally needs K-ETA authorization instead.
How much does the K-ETA cost for South Africans?
The official K-ETA application fee is KRW 10,000 per person, which the Korean government describes as approximately USD $7–8. A separate online payment charge also applies.
Can South Africans travel to South Korea without a visa?
Yes. South African passport holders are currently listed as eligible for visa-free entry for qualifying stays of up to 30 days.
Eligible travellers generally need K-ETA approval before travelling unless they fall within a specific K-ETA exemption.
Is K-ETA a South Korean visa?
No. The Korean Ministry of Justice explicitly states that K-ETA is not a visa. It is a travel authorization for eligible visa-free travellers.
How long does a South Korean K-ETA take?
Assessment typically takes 72 hours or less, although some applications may take longer. There is no official expedited K-ETA processing option.
How long can a South African stay in South Korea?
The current visa-free stay period listed for South African passport holders is 30 days.
How much is a South Korea work or study visa?
For applicants who require an actual visa, Korea’s standard fee schedule starts at USD $40 for a single-entry visa allowing a stay of 90 days or less and USD $60 for a single-entry visa covering 91 days or longer. Double-entry visas are USD $70 and multiple-entry visas USD $90 under the standard schedule. Actual fees can vary according to nationality, visa type and reciprocal arrangements.
Can Road2Asia assist with a South Korea visa or K-ETA?
Yes. Road2Asia can assist South African travellers with application preparation and can also assist clients travelling for employment with supporting South African documents such as police clearance certificates, qualification verification, apostilles and other document services.
Official Sources
The information in this article was verified using the following official Republic of Korea sources:
- Korea Electronic Travel Authorization — Eligible Countries and Applicants: confirms South Africa’s current 30-day permitted stay and K-ETA eligibility.
- Korea Electronic Travel Authorization — Application Guide: confirms the KRW 10,000 fee, processing guidance, validity and the distinction between K-ETA and a visa.
- Korea Visa Portal — Visa Application Fees: provides Korea’s standard USD $40–$90 visa-fee structure.
- Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of South Africa: confirms current Pretoria Embassy location and visa-section operating hours.
- Embassy visa-free entry notice: records the restoration of visa-free entry arrangements for South African passport holders from April 2022.
About Road2Asia
Road2Asia Visa & Document Services assists South Africans and international clients with visa applications, electronic travel authorizations, police clearance certificates, qualification verification, apostilles, document authentication and other cross-border document requirements.
This guide was reviewed on 13 August 2026 using current information published by official Republic of Korea government sources.
Related Road2Asia Guides
- South Korea Visa Requirements for South Africans
- How to Apply for a South Korea K-ETA from South Africa
- South Korea Work Visa for South Africans
- South Korea Teaching Visa Requirements
- South Korea Visa Processing Time
- Police Clearance Certificate for South Korea
- SAQA Verification for South Korea
- How to Apostille Documents for South Korea
Need Help Travelling or Relocating to South Korea?
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