How Long Can Foreigners Stay in Korea Without a Visa? (2026 Rules)

How Long Can Foreigners Stay in Korea Without a Visa?

One of the most searched questions about Korea entry is deceptively simple:

How long can foreigners stay in Korea without a visa?

The answer depends on nationality, entry method, and travel purpose.
Misunderstanding this rule can lead to overstay fines, entry bans, or future visa rejection.

This guide explains visa-free stay limits in Korea and what foreigners must know to stay legally.

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What Does “Visa-Free Stay” Mean in Korea?

Visa-free stay means you can enter Korea without applying for a visa in advance, as long as:

• Your nationality is eligible
• Your visit is for approved short-term purposes
• You leave Korea before the allowed period ends

Visa-free entry is not unlimited and comes with strict time limits.

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How Long Is the Visa-Free Stay in Korea?

For most visa-free nationalities, the allowed stay is typically:

• 30 days
• 60 days
• 90 days

The exact duration depends on your passport country.
Your permitted stay length is determined at entry, not by personal plans.

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When Does the Stay Period Start and End?

Important details many travelers miss:

• Day 1 starts on the date of entry
• The final day includes the day you must exit Korea
• Staying even one day longer counts as overstay

There is no grace period.

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Can You Extend a Visa-Free Stay?

In most cases, visa-free stays cannot be extended.

Exceptions are rare and usually require:

• Serious medical emergencies
• Unavoidable flight cancellations
• Immigration approval with documentation

Tourism or convenience is not a valid reason for extension.

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What Happens If You Overstay in Korea?

Overstaying in Korea is taken seriously.

Possible consequences include:

• Monetary fines
• Detention during departure
• Temporary or permanent entry bans
• Visa rejection in future applications

Even short overstays are recorded in immigration systems.

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Can You Leave and Re-Enter to Reset the Stay?

Many travelers assume a quick exit and re-entry resets the clock.

Reality:

• Frequent re-entries raise red flags
• Immigration may deny entry if abuse is suspected
• There is no guaranteed “reset” rule

Visa-free entry is meant for temporary visits, not continuous stays.

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Does K-ETA Affect Length of Stay?

K-ETA does not extend your allowed stay period.

It only authorizes travel.
The actual length of stay is determined by:

• Your nationality
• Immigration decision at arrival
• Visa-free agreement terms

K-ETA approval does not override stay limits.

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How to Check Your Exact Allowed Stay

Foreigners should:

• Confirm their nationality’s visa-free duration
• Check entry stamps or digital entry records
• Keep track of exit deadlines independently

Do not rely on assumptions or informal advice.

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Final Thoughts

• Visa-free stay in Korea is limited and strictly enforced
• Overstays can damage future travel plans
• Extensions are rare and not guaranteed
• Re-entry tricks are risky and unreliable

Understanding how long you can legally stay in Korea is essential for a trouble-free visit.

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