Access
eTA
TStay 30 days
Policy · South KoreaGuides · South KoreaPassport Atlas
South Africa passport to South Korea
South Africa passport holders don't need a visa for South Korea, but must get an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before departure; stays of up to 30 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 30 days
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Key facts
- South Korea lets 110 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — South Africa is one of them.
- South Africa passports get “eTA” at 5 of 198 destinations.
- Travel is open both ways: South Korea passports also enter South Africa without a prior visa.
Nearby passports travelling to South Korea
Open to South Africa passports near South Korea
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flights, eSIM and insurance are third-party. Visatu does not take payment.
Flight corridor
Connection likely
South AfricaSouth Korea- Typical duration
- 17.7 hours
- From
- JNB · CPT · DUR
- To
- ICN · PUS · CJU
Usual hubs
United Arab Emirates · 18.6 hours
Qatar · 18.8 hours
Türkiye · 21.3 hours
Duration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
South Korea
Country profile
Capital
Seoul
Population
51.2 million
Area
98,480 km²
Currency
South Korean won KRW
Languages
Korean
Time zone
UTC+09:00
Foreign-born
1.8 million · 2024
Migrant share
3.5%
Ethnic groups
Korean
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type F
Mains
230 V · 60 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 112 · Ambulance 119
Dialing code
+82
Airports
ICN · PUS · CJU · GMP
Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung
- Haeundae
- Seongsan Ilchulbong
- Changdeokgung
- Bulguksa
South Africa · eTA
FAQ
Does a South Africa passport need a visa for South Korea?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “eTA”. typical stay 30 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 30 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
South Korea typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a South Korea mission.
What about a South Korea passport entering South Africa?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.
How do you apply for South Korea as a visitor?
Tourism / short visit (C-3) or visa-free + K-ETA：Usually 30–90 days。Visa-free nationals follow the K-ETA list if still required. Others apply on the Korean visa portal.