Vietnamese Visa Requirements for South Korea (2026)
Yes — Vietnamese citizens need a C-3-9 short-term visitor visa to enter South Korea. Vietnam is not on South Korea's K-ETA exemption list, which as of 2026 covers countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, and Singapore, so Vietnamese travelers must go through the full consular visa process rather than the lighter K-ETA.
Visa Requirements at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa required | Yes, C-3-9 short-term visitor visa |
| K-ETA eligible instead of visa | No |
| Consular visa fee | Varies by entry type (single, double, multiple); check current pricing at the Korea Visa Application Center — not independently verified for this page |
| Where to apply | Korea Visa Application Center in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City |
| Documentation | Financial proof, employment certificate, and a detailed itinerary are typically required |
Source: k-eta.go.kr exemption list; mofa.go.kr visa guidance, 2026. Fee figure flagged for review, see note below.
FAQs
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for South Korea? Yes. Vietnam is not on the K-ETA exemption list, so a full C-3-9 visitor visa is required rather than the lighter electronic authorization.
Is K-ETA an option for Vietnamese travelers to South Korea? No. K-ETA is only available to nationals of countries already visa-exempt from Korea, and Vietnam does not qualify.
Where do Vietnamese citizens apply for a South Korea visa? Through the Korea Visa Application Center in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, which handles document collection on behalf of the consulate.
What documents does South Korea require from Vietnamese applicants? Financial proof such as bank statements, an employment certificate, and a clear travel itinerary are standard, and applications from Vietnam typically receive closer scrutiny.
How long does a South Korea visa take to process for Vietnamese citizens? Processing commonly takes about one to two weeks after document submission, though this can vary by season and visa center workload.
Related Guides
- Vietnamese visa requirements for Japan
- Vietnamese visa requirements for Singapore
- Vietnamese visa requirements for Australia
- Vietnamese visa requirements for Canada
- Chinese visa requirements for South Korea
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