This page is a translation. The Korean page is the reference text; if they differ, the Korean version prevails. Korean reference
C-3 Short-term visitstays up to 90 days, no work, K-ETA
Short stays for tourism, family visits, meetings, etc.
At a glance
| Who it is for | Short stays for tourism, family visits, meetings, etc. |
|---|---|
| Can you work? | NoYou cannot do paid work.C-3 is for stays of up to 90 days (tourism, family visits, meetings); work is not allowed, and changing to another status inside Korea is restricted. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Length of stay | For short stays of up to 90 days.C-3 is for stays of up to 90 days (tourism, family visits, meetings); work is not allowed, and changing to another status inside Korea is restricted. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Extension | If something requires a longer stay, contact 1345 or the office before expiry. |
| Change of status | Changing to another status inside Korea is restricted.C-3 is for stays of up to 90 days (tourism, family visits, meetings); work is not allowed, and changing to another status inside Korea is restricted. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Alien registration | Short stays of 90 days or less do not require alien registration (only stays over 90 days do). Confirmed by official source |
| Re-entry | A short stay ends when you leave; check visa-free, K-ETA or visa rules again before your next trip. |
Document checklist
- Passport
- Return ticket or itinerary
Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).
Fees
- Nationals of visa-free countries must get a K-ETA before boarding a plane or ship. The fee is KRW 10,000 and review usually takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least 3 days before departure. Confirmed by official source
Where to apply
For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Common mistakes
- Working while visiting as a tourist (illegal work)
- Applying for K-ETA at the last minute when your country needs it
Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure. Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ
FAQ
Can I change status after coming as a tourist?
Changing inside Korea is restricted. If you plan to study or work, the rule is to enter with the matching visa.
Facts and sources on this page
Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.
C-3 is for stays of up to 90 days (tourism, family visits, meetings); work is not allowed, and changing to another status inside Korea is restricted.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정), 비자정보 「한국 비자 종류 완벽 가이드 2026」 (2026-09-14 수정)
Verify at: 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Short stays of 90 days or less do not require alien registration (only stays over 90 days do).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 10. 2. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17 — 제31조) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터)Nationals of visa-free countries must get a K-ETA before boarding a plane or ship. The fee is KRW 10,000 and review usually takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least 3 days before departure.
Confirmed by official source (k-eta.go.kr 신청 안내 페이지 원문 대조 2026-10-17 · 시행규칙 제72조(사전여행허가서 1만원)) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: ANA 「한국 방문에 필요한 전자여행허가제도(K-ETA) 신청 안내」, naruinfo 「한국 여행 K-ETA 완벽 가이드(2026)」 (2026-05)
Verify at: K-ETA 전자여행허가For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure.
Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 대륜 이민센터 「불법체류처벌 절차와 출입국관리법 위반 대응」 (2026-05-14), 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터)