Korea visa for foreigners in Vietnam refers to the entry authorization process that non-Vietnamese nationals residing in or transiting through Vietnam must navigate to enter South Korea. The documents, procedures, fees, and processing time form the core requirements that vary significantly based on nationality and visa type. Critical distinctions emerge immediately: US citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free entry privileges, while Vietnamese citizens must obtain embassy visas through South Korean diplomatic missions.
Understanding visa-free entry eligibility, required documentation standards, authorized submission channels through VFS Global centers and approved agencies, and professional assistance options ensures successful application outcomes. Processing timeframes and fee structures vary by nationality and visa category, making accurate information essential for planning purposes.
Whether you’re a tourist planning a short-term visit, a business traveler attending conferences, or requiring specialized visa categories, this guide provides detailed navigation through Korea’s visa requirements, application procedures, and support services specifically tailored for foreigners residing in Vietnam.
Which countries are exempt from Korea visa requirements?
South Korea allows people from 112 countries to visit without a visa. If you have a passport from these countries, you can enter South Korea for tourism or business without applying for a visa first. The time you can stay depends on which country your passport is from.
- Countries that can stay 30 days without visa
- Countries that can stay more than 30 days without visa
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Solomon Islands
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brunei
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Fiji
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- New Caledonia
- Oman
- Palau
- Paraguay
- Qatar
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Tuvalu
- Vatican City
Countries that can stay 60 days without a visa: Lesotho and Russia can stay up to 60 days without a visa.
Countries that can stay 90 days without visa: All European Union countries (except Cyprus), Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Special case for Canada: Canadian citizens can stay in South Korea for 180 days without a visa.
Important note: Even if your country does not need a visa, you still need to get K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. If your country is not on this list, you must get a visa before going to South Korea.
Required documents for Korea visa application by foreigners in Vietnam
To get a Korean visa, you need to prepare many documents. These documents prove who you are, that you have enough money, and that you live legally in Vietnam. Korean consulates check all these documents carefully.
- Basic personal documents
- Work and money documents
- Proof you live legally in Vietnam
- Money proof
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months
- Your passport needs 2 empty pages for the visa stamp 2 passport photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with white background, taken in the last 6 months
- Your Vietnam residence card or temporary residence certificate
- If traveling with family: marriage certificate or birth certificate
- All documents in Vietnamese must be translated to English or Korean
- Letter from your employer in Vietnam showing your job, salary, and how long you have worked there
- Bank statements from the last 6 months showing your salary
If you own a business: business registration certificate and tax payment records
If you are a student: a school enrollment certificate and proof that your parents can pay for your trip
- Valid residence permit, work permit, or temporary residence certificate from Vietnamese government
- These documents must be current and valid during your planned trip
- Bank statements showing you have enough money (at least 3,000-5,000 USD)
- Bank letter confirming your account balance (must be less than 2 weeks old)
- Property ownership papers, investment documents, or other assets
Important: All documents from other countries need special stamps called “legalization” or “apostille” from your home country, and then Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs must also approve them.
How to apply for Korea visa for foreign nationals in Vietnam?
Getting a Korean visa takes 5 simple steps. The whole process usually takes 10-15 business days from start to finish. Follow these steps carefully to make sure your application is successful.
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Step 1. Prepare and notarize your documents
This step takes 3-5 business days and is the most important part. First, collect all the documents you need from the list above. Make sure each document meets Korean consulate requirements.
Get your documents translated to English or Korean by a professional translator. The translator must put their official stamp on the translation. Make copies of all original documents but keep the originals safe – you will need to show them.
Check everything twice before moving to the next step. Missing or wrong documents will delay your application.
Step 2. Fill out the visa application form
You must fill out the Korean visa application form in English using capital letters only. Download the newest form from the Korean consulate website. Old forms will be rejected.
Write your personal information exactly as it appears in your passport. Include your full name, birth date, and passport number exactly. Write down your travel dates, where you will stay, and what you plan to do in Korea.
Your financial information must match your bank statements. Your work information must match your employment letter. Check everything twice before signing the form.
Step 3. Submit your Korea visa application and pay fees
You can submit your application in two ways: directly at Korean consulates or through authorized service centers. Korean consulates require appointments booked online. Service centers accept walk-in applications.
Visa fees are different for each type of visa. Tourist visas cost 20-80 USD. Business visas cost more. Service centers charge extra fees (about 390,000 VND) but provide help with your application.
You can pay with cash, credit card, or bank transfer. After submitting, you will get a receipt with a tracking number to check your application status.
Step 4. Wait for processing
Tourist visas take 5-7 working days to process. Business visas take 10-15 working days. The Korean consulate may ask for more documents during this time. Answer quickly if they contact you.
During Korean holidays like Chuseuk and Lunar New Year, processing takes 3-5 extra days. Plan ahead and don’t apply too close to your travel date. Emergency processing is available for urgent travel but costs extra money (50-100 USD).
Step 5. Collect your Korea visa
When your visa is ready, you will get a text message, email, or phone call. Bring your receipt and ID to collect your visa. If someone else collects it for you, they need a signed letter from you.
Check your visa immediately when you get it. Make sure the dates, name, and other information are correct. If your visa is rejected, you will get a letter explaining why. You can apply again after fixing the problems.
Where to submit Korea visa applications for foreigners in Vietnam?
You have two options to submit your Korean visa application in Vietnam. Each option has different benefits. Choose the one that works best for your location and schedule.
| Submission locations | KVAC Ho Chi Minh City | KVAC Hanoi | Consulate General in Da Nang |
| Addresses | 253 Dien Bien Phu Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City | 12th Floor, Discovery Complex, 302 Cau Giay Street, Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi | 3rd – 4th Floor, Lot A1-2, Chuong Duong Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang |
| Visa application hours | 08:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday (Ho Chi Minh City) 08:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday (Hanoi) | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday (Da Nang) | |
| Visa result collection time | |||
| Official websites | KVAC Ho Chi Minh City | KVAC Hanoi | Consulate General in Da Nang |
Korea visa processing time for foreigners living in Vietnam
Korean visa processing takes different amounts of time depending on what type of visa you need and when you apply. Understanding these times helps you plan your trip better and avoid problems.
Normal processing times:
- Tourist visas: 7-10 business days
- Business visas: 10-15 business days
- Student visas: 10-15 business days
- Work visas: 15-20 business days
Factors that make processing slower: Processing takes longer during Korean holidays like Chuseok (September-October), Lunar New Year (January-February), and summer vacation (July-August). During these times, add 5-7 extra days to the normal processing time.
Updated Korea visa fees for foreign applicants in Vietnam
Getting a Korean visa requires paying different fees. The total cost depends on what type of visa you need and which services you use. Here is a simple breakdown of all costs to help you plan your budget.
| Type of fee | Is it required? | Amount |
| Korean consulate fee | Yes (required) | – Single entry: 20 USD (~500,000 VND) – Multiple entry: 80 USD (~1,970,000 VND) |
| KVAC service fee | Yes (required) | 390,000 VND per application |
| Home delivery/collection | No (optional) | – In Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi: 60,000 VND – Other places: 80,000 VND |
| Printing/photocopy service | No (optional) | 2,000 VND per page |
Notes:
- All fees must be paid in cash.
- You cannot get your money back, even if your visa is not approved.
- Fees may change if the exchange rate changes.
- You may need to pay extra for translation, notarization, photos, or SMS notifications.
Professional Korea visa services for foreigners in Vietnam – VisaNow
VisaNow helps foreign people in Vietnam get Korean visas easily. We have helped over 5,000 customers with a 98% success rate. Our team knows exactly what Korean consulates want and can solve problems quickly. We handle everything from document checking to visa collection, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Why choose VisaNow:
- Complete visa solution: We handle everything – document review, form filling, appointment booking, submission, and tracking
- Korean visa specialists: Our experts know all Korean consulate requirements and immigration law changes
- 98% success guarantee: Your visa approval is guaranteed or get your money back
- Save time and stress: We do all the work while you focus on planning your Korea trip
- Fast processing: Priority relationships with Korean consulates for quicker visa approval
- 24/7 support: Get updates and answers to your questions anytime
For professional Korean visa help designed for foreign nationals in Vietnam, contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of the Korean visa process, ensuring successful results and stress-free travel preparation.
