South Korean Passport Global Ranking
As of May 2025 the South Korean passport holds the 28th position globally on the VisaGuide Passport Index, which ranks the passports of 199 countries and territories.
-
North Korea
Rank: 192nd
••• -
Lithuania
Rank: 27th
••• -
Cyprus
Rank: 29th
•••
Where Can South Korean Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?
As of May 2025, the holders of South Korea passport enjoy visa-free access to 148 countries and territories, offering extensive global mobility. Here is a list of worldwide destinations where South Korean citizens can travel without a visa:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
- Armenia
- Brunei
- China
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Oman
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Caribbean Netherlands
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States Virgin Islands
- United States
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Falkland Islands
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- American Samoa
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Guam
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Vanuatu
- Angola
- Botswana
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Réunion
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Tunisia
- Zambia
- Eswatini
Make sure your South Korean passport is ready for travel – see the full list of countries that require six months of passport validity before you go!
What Countries Issue eVisa to South Korean Citizens?
Citizens of South Korea can easily obtain eVisas for travel to 19 countries, making it more convenient to explore these international destinations. Here is a list of countries where Koreans can apply for an eVisa online:
- Bhutan
- Iran
- Cuba
- Papua New Guinea
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- South Sudan
- Togo
- Uganda
What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to South Korean Citizens?
If you are a South Korean citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 36 countries listed below:
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Maldives
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Sri Lanka
- Bolivia
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Comoros
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- Saint Helena
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.
Which Countries Are South Korean Passport Holders Not Allowed to Enter?
South Korean passport holders are not allowed to enter Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen.
The South Korean government has forbidden its citizens to enter these countries due to the risk of terrorism and the war in Ukraine, respectively.
Where Can I Enter Visa-Free With an APEC Card?
If you have an APEC business card from South Korea, you can enter the following countries visa-free:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Chile
- China
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Russia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
Countries With Visa Requirements for South Korean Citizens
You need a valid visa to enter 13 countries with a South Korean passport. It’s essential to apply for the appropriate visa through the relevant consulate or embassy before traveling to:
- North Korea
- Turkmenistan
- Cayman Islands
- Nauru
- Samoa
- Algeria
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ghana
- Mali
- Niger
- Gambia
Before planning a trip to any of the above destinations, it’s important for South Korean travelers to secure the necessary visa and ensure all entry requirements and travel documentation are in order.