Visa Requirements to Visit the U.S. from South Korea

Do I Need a Visa to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

Yes, you will need a visa to visit from South Korea to the United States. You can apply for a nonimmigrant visa at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Depending on your purpose of travel, you may be eligible for either a B-1/B-2 visitor visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information about the application process and requirements for each type of visa.

What Types of Visas Can I Get from South Korea to Visit the United States?

The most common type of visa for short-term visits to the United States from South Korea is the B-1/B-2 visa, which allows visitors to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. This visa can be applied for at a U.S. embassy or consulate in South Korea. Other types of visas include the F-1 student visa, J-1 exchange visitor visa, and H-2A and H-2B work visas.

Do I Need an Visa Interview to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

Yes, you need to attend a visa interview in order to visit the United States from South Korea. You will need to complete an online application form on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in South Korea website. After submitting the application, you will be contacted for an interview appointment. At the interview, you will be asked questions about your trip, such as purpose of travel, financial resources and contact information. The consular officer will also review your documents and take your photo and fingerprints.

What are the Required Documents to Visit fromSouth Korea to the United States?

1. A valid passport
2. A valid U.S. visa
3. Proof of financial resources to cover the cost of your stay in the United States
4. A completed, signed Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
5. A passport photograph
6. Evidence of your ties to South Korea, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license or employment verification
7. Any additional documents required by the consulate

What are the Steps to Apply for a Visa to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

1. Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and print the confirmation page.

2. Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in South Korea.

3. Gather required documents including passport, Form DS-160 confirmation page, photo, and other documents as required (see below).

4. Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in South Korea and present the required documents.

5. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee and any applicable visa issuance or reciprocity fees, if required.

6. Wait for the processing of your visa application and receive notification of the decision on your application.

Are There Special Instructions to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

Yes. All travelers from South Korea to the United States must have a valid visa, meet certain eligibility requirements and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure from South Korea. They must also comply with all other U.S. entry requirements.

What is the Visa Fee to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

There is no visa fee for South Korean citizens to visit the United States. South Korean citizens are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, which allows them to visit the United States as tourists for a period of up to 90 days without a visa.

What is the Processing Time to Get a Visa to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

The processing time for a visa to visit the United States from South Korea can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, the processing time for a nonimmigrant visa is anywhere between 3 and 5 weeks. For an immigrant visa, the processing time is much longer and can range from 6 months to 1 year or longer.

What to Do in Case of a Visa Denial to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

If you have been denied a visa to visit the United States from South Korea, you should contact the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to determine why your application was denied. You may be eligible to reapply for a visa if the reason for denial is correctable.

In some cases, you may need to provide additional evidence or information to demonstrate that you qualify for a visa. You may also be able to appeal the decision or request a waiver of the conditions that led to the visa denial. In any case, it is important to contact the U.S. Embassy in Seoul as soon as possible for further information and assistance.

What are the Frequently Asked Visa Questions and Answers to Visit from South Korea to the United States?

Q: What types of visas are available for citizens from South Korea to travel to the United States?

A: South Korean citizens can apply for a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa or an ESTA – the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to stay in the United States for business or pleasure. The ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States without a visa.

Q: How do I apply for a visa?

A: To apply for a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, you must first fill out and submit the online application form and pay the required fee. After that, you must schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in South Korea. For ESTA, you need to complete an online application form, pay the fee and submit your passport details and travel information.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for a visa?

A: You will need to provide proof of your identity, purpose and duration of stay in the United States, financial resources to cover your stay, evidence of your ties to South Korea, such as a job or property ownership, and any other documents requested by the consular officer.

Q: How much does it cost to get a visa?

A: A B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa costs $160; however, there may be additional fees depending on your particular case. An ESTA costs $14.

Q: How long does it take to get a visa?

A: Processing times vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and can take up to several months. The processing time for an ESTA is usually 72 hours or less.