South Korea maintains a visa waiver agreement list and a designated visa-free entry list with countries not included on those lists requiring a visa to enter the country. In addition, foreigners wishing to engage in certain activities such as diplomatic work, gainful employment, study or residence must apply for the appropriate visa prior to engaging in that activity in country. Visa policy map Visa-free entry (K-ETA: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) In 2018, the South Korea government introduced plans for an electronic travel authorization system for visa-free foreign visitors. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) became mandatory on 1 September 2021. K-ETA is required for all tourists of visa-free nationals. Travelers from visa-free countries must obtain K-ETA before embarking on their journey to South Korea. Nationals of 110(+2) countries below can apply for K-ETA. If the K-ETA application has been denied, travelers can apply for a visa. 1. 30 Days for British overseas territories. Special policy If traveling by air to Jeju Island via Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, Muan and Yangyang, citizens of who are traveling as part of a tourist group with an authorized travel agent may stay in mainland South Korea for up to 5 days. They may remain in Jeju for 15 days. Non-ordinary passports Holders of diplomatic or official service category passports of the following countries may enter without a visa: D: diplomatic passports O: official passports S: service passports Holders of diplomatic or service category passports of the following countries enjoy an extended length of stay when compared to ordinary passports: In addition, holders of laissez-passers issued by the are visa exempt for 30 days. Visa waiver agreements for diplomatic and service passports were signed with in July 2018 and in August 2019. But Ethiopia is yet to be ratified. Transit In general, travelers in transit do not require a visa to transit through South Korea for less than 24 hours (for Incheon Airport) or when departing on the same calendar day (for all other airports) as long as they stay within the transit area. Citizens of the following countries, however, must hold a Korean visa for transit: All Non-South Korean foreign nationals who are not eligible to enter into Korea without a visa departing China are not permitted to transit through any airports in Korea unless they have a valid Korea visa. The South Korean government has special visa waiver policies for passengers in transit, which