South Korea visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting South Korea

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a South Korean Visa.

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • One passport-size 35 mm x 45 mm photograph taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Travel medical insurance to cover entire duration of stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

South Korea Visa for Kenyans

Facts about South Korea

South Korea has gained popularity among tourist due to what is known as the “Korean Wave”. The Korean Wave is a combination of South Korean pop music and television dramas. This has encouraged direct foreign investment into the country. South Korea is an attractive country which is rich in culture, ancient history, and landmarks which are popular attractions with tourists. Some of these include; the peaks of Baekdudaegan, the caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul, and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo. There are also annual festivals which tourists can take part in for their pleasure. Tourists are sure to enjoy every minute of their time in the country.
 
Since the emergence of the “Korean Wave”, the number of foreign tourists that visit the country has steadily been on the rise. This has greatly increased the investment in South Korea and the government expects the number of tourists to increase for years to come. In2017, over 13 million foreign tourists visited the country, making South Korea one of the most visited countries in Asia.

Foreigners visiting South Korea are prohibited from entering the country with guns, narcotics, pornography, treasonous materials, and counterfeit goods or materials.

Types of South Korea Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 working days 90 days
Business visa 5 working days 90 days
Medical visa 5 working days 90 days
Student visa 5 working days More than 90 days
Official visa 5 working days 90 days

General Requirements for South Korea Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • One passport-size 35 mm x 45 mm photograph taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Travel medical insurance to cover entire duration of stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
South Korea Tourist visa South Korea Business visa South Korea Medical visa South Korea Student visa South Korea Official visa

South Korea Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa is available to Kenyans for the purpose of sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, or attending conferences, cultural events, artistic events or religious ceremony.
  • The South Korean tourist visa is a single entry visa that is valid for 3 months from the date of its issue.
  • Extension for South Korea tourist visa is possible in special cases such as accidents, health problems, flight cancellation, etc.
  • A letter of invitation from the person residing in South Korea you want to visit is required. The letter should contain the host’s home address, telephone number, ad valid means of identification.
  • If you are not visiting anyone, proof of accommodation must be provided. For example, hotel reservations.
  • Pensioners must provide a copy of their pension certificate.
  • A clear copy of a National identity card or driver’s license that is not older than five years must be provided.
  • You must provide a formal statement of your financial situation from your bank for the previous 6 months.
  • Proof of employment and a copy of your income tax return (ITR) must be provided.
  • You must leave South Korea at the end of your authorized stay.
  • Your application fee will not be refunded if your application for a tourist visa is refused or rejected for any reason.
  • Here are some rules for tourists to abide by in South Korea:
    • Do not litter. You will be fined 1 million won if you do it. Whatever you do will be recorded by CCTV because there are so many CCTVs in South Korea.
    • Do not take pictures of the locals without their permission.
    • When riding public transportation, do not sit in the reserved/priority seats. It is reserved for pregnant women, old people and handicaps. 

South Korea Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The South Korean business visa allows foreigners to engage in business activities, attend conferences, trade fairs, business summits negotiate and sign business contracts while they are in South Korea.
  • Your international passport should valid for at least 6 months and should have 2 blank pages is required.
  • A letter from your employer written with the company’s letterhead stating the awareness and allowance of your business leave. The duration of your visit and the purpose of your visit, as well as your status in the company, should be clearly stated.
  • An official invitation letter from the company in South Korea should be provided. The company’s address, the reason for your visit and the duration of your stay should be clearly stated.
  • A guarantee letter from the company in South Korea stating that the company will take responsibility for any criminal activities committed by you while you are in the country.
  • Certificate of business registration of following is required:
    • The Certificate of Business Registration of the inviting company in South Korea.
    • The Certificate of Business Registration of the company/employer in Kenya.
    • If your employer or the company in South Korea will be responsible for taking care of your expenses, it should be stated in the invitation letter.
    • If you have been in business with the same company previously, proof of this should be presented during the visa application process.
    • You are required to provide a Business Introduction Letter from your Kenyan-based company. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a Kenya mailing address. 

    South Korea Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

    • Kenyans seeking medical attention from a hospital in South Korea are the eligible applicants of this visa.
    • A medical report from your doctor in Kenya proving that you need specialized treatment is required. The reason the treatment is best treated in South Korea should also be stated.
    • Foreigners are required to present a letter of invitation from the South Korean hospital. The letter should state that the doctor has accepted to treat your illness. The length of your treatment should be clearly stated in the letter.
    • If you are employed, you should provide proof that your employer is aware of your leave. This may be stated in a letter written with the company’s letterhead and signed by your employer.
    • Registration certificate of the hospital in South Korea is required.
    • Proof of payment of medical fees should be provided.
    • Minors must ensure they possess the original copy of their birth certificate. If they are traveling alone or with one of their parents, a document of consent which is signed by both parents of the minor should be provided.
    • You are not allowed to work while you are in the country.
    • At the end of your treatment, you are expected to leave the country.
    • Holders are not allowed to take up permanent residence in the country.
    • Proof of payment of visa application fee is required.

    South Korea Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

    • The student visa allows foreigners to visit South Korea to study in one of the schools in the country.
    • The student visa is called a D-visa. The D-visa falls into four categories:
      • D-2-1 For taking an Associate Degree in South Korea
      • D-2-2: For taking a Bachelor’s Degree
      • D-2-3: For Master’s Degree program
      • D-2-4: For Doctorate Degree in South Korea.
    • Kenyans may apply for either the single-entry or the multiple-entry visa. The single-entry visa costs $60 while the multiple-entry visa costs $90.
    • One 35 mm x 45 mm passport-sized photograph is required.
    • On a student visa, you can apply for the right to work part-time after you have studied in Korea for six months.
    • Applicants are required to present a letter of admission from the institution which they have been accepted to. The course you have been offered and the duration of the study should be written on the letter.
    • Proof of paid tuition fee should be presented.
    • Students undertaking a year-long program will be required to present a bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000.
    • Students need to have at least $500 monthly in order to cover their financial expenses.
    • If you have been offered a scholarship to study in South Korea, the scholarship certificate should be provided.
    • Students who have been previously convicted may not be issued this visa.
    • A health certificate filled in by your doctor is required.

    South Korea Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

    • The Official Visa is meant for those visiting South Korea for official purposes.
    • Diplomats visiting the country aim to improve the relationship between the government of Kenya and South Korea.
    • A diplomatic note from the Kenyan government is required. The note should contain your position in government, duration, and purpose of your visit to the country.
    • An original invitation letter from the government in South Korea is required.
    • Applicants of this visa are Heads of State, Consular officers, ministers, and African Union representatives.
    • Asides Head of States, if your purpose of visiting the country is non-official, this visa will not be issued to you.
    • If you are traveling with a minor, the original copy of the minor’s birth certificate should be presented during the visa application process.
    • Diplomats can attend conferences and meetings while you are in the country.
    • You are not allowed to study with this visa.
    • Holders of this visa cannot be paid for the services they render in the country.
    • Applicants should ensure they have a valid means of identification.

    South Korea Visa Fees

    Visa Type

    Sub Types

    Visa Fees

    Tourist visa

    40.00 (USD)

    Business visa

    40.00 (USD)

    Medical visa

    40.00 (USD)

    Student visa

    90.00 (USD)

    Official visa

    40.00 (USD)

    South Korea Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

    Location

    Address

    Nairobi

    1st and 2nd Floor, Misha Tower, Westlands Roads, Nairobi, Kenya.

    http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ke-en/index.do

    emb-ke@mofa.go.kr

    +254 20 361 5000

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the most beautiful place in South Korea?

    The most beautiful place to visit in South Korea is Busan. It boasts a mix of stunning beaches, city life, and historic buildings.

    What is the best time to visit South Korea?
    The best time to visit South Korea is during spring from March-May which offers sunny days ideal for sightseeing.
    Can you drink tap water in South Korea?
    Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in South Korea. The water goes through 163 water quality tests, more than most developed cities.
    Can I extend my tourist visa in Korea?
    Visa extension in South Korea can only be granted on special cases. In order to apply for a visa extension, the applicant must go to Seoul immigration office.
    How long do you have to live in South Korea to become a citizen?

    To become a citizen in South Korea, you must have lived in the country for 5 years as a permanent or long-term resident.

    Do minor's have to appear in person for the visa interview??
    What's the eligibility criteria for a kenyan passport holder to get a tourist visa to South Korea?
    Iam a member of county assembly of kericho and would wish to travel for a tour to south Korea?
    I have 3 delegates from Kenya flying to Seoul south Korea for business meetings for 4 days. Do we need to arrange a visa beforehand or can they just do it on arrival??
    Does South Korea have work visa?