Korea updates visa policy 2026: Multiple entry visa (C-3) has a validity of up to 10 years

South Korea Updates Visa Policy for 2026: Multiple-Entry C-3 Visa Valid for Up to 10 Years

What Is the 10-Year Multiple-Entry C-3 Visa?

The C-3 visa is a short-term visa for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending conferences, or short-term business activities in South Korea.

For the 10-year multiple-entry visa:

• Visa validity: Up to 10 years from the date of issuance
• Number of entries: Multiple entries during the visa validity period
• Length of stay: Up to 30 days per entry (subject to the decision of the immigration authorities)

This means that visa holders can travel to and from South Korea multiple times over a 10-year period without applying for a new visa for each trip.

Who May Be Eligible for the 10-Year Multiple-Entry C-3 Visa?

The 10-year multiple-entry visa policy generally applies to individuals with high professional qualifications or strong personal profiles, including:

1. Professionals and Highly Qualified Individuals

Doctors, lawyers, and university professors

Professionals working in specialized fields

Individuals holding a master's or doctoral degree from universities in South Korea or abroad

2. Business Owners and Investors

Business owners and company directors

Investors or individuals who make significant economic contributions through international cooperation

3. Academics and Researchers

University lecturers and researchers

Individuals who have graduated from long-term university programs in South Korea

4. Certain Residents of Major Cities

Depending on the specific policy period, citizens residing in major cities with stable employment and financial backgrounds may also be considered for a long-term multiple-entry visa.

Benefits of Holding a 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

Compared with a standard single-entry tourist visa, a multiple-entry visa offers several benefits:

• No need to apply for a new visa for every trip during the 10-year validity period
• Multiple entries for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term business purposes
• Save time and costs associated with preparing visa applications

Greater convenience for people who frequently travel to South Korea for personal or business purposes

Length of Stay Upon Entry

Although the visa has a long validity period, the length of stay for each entry remains limited.

Typically:

Maximum stay: Around 30 days per entry

After leaving South Korea, visa holders may return at any time during the visa's validity period, provided that the visa remains valid.

Complying with the permitted period of stay is essential. Overstaying may result in fines, visa cancellation, or restrictions on future entry into South Korea.