Get a Korea - South Visa

Tourist Travel Requirements for an Korea - South Visa for Swiss Citizens

  1. Eligibility and Documentation

    The Government of South Korea utilises an electronic travel authorization (ETA) issuance system. The ETA is an electronic authorization issued by the government granting entry into South Korea. It is the equivalent to a visa, but no stamp or label is placed in the passport.

    To be eligible the traveller must:

    • Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
    • Hold proof of sufficient funds
    • Hold proof of onward/return flights
    • Hold proof of hotel reservation
    • Hold all documents required for the next destination


    To complete the order form the traveller must provide:

    • A photograph
    • A copy of the passport information page


    Apply now and complete our order form providing basic travel and personal details. We'll take care of the rest keeping you apprised of your order's progress over email.

  2. Applicants Under the Age of 18 or Over 64

    Applicants under the age of 18 or over 64 do not require an ETA to enter South Korea.

Important Information

Appointment System
The Embassy of South Korea operates an appointment system for the submission of visa applications. CIBTvisas will book the appointment at the Embassy on your behalf. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 6 weeks.

Business Travel Requirements for an Korea - South Visa for Swiss Citizens

  1. ETA Eligibility

    Travelers attending unpaid business meetings or business conferences may apply for a Business ETA. Please return to our homepage and select "Business Electronic" from our list of travel purposes.

    Travelers engaged in profit-making activities must apply for a traditional business visa. Please follow the instructions on this page to obtain your business visa

  2. Application Procedure

    Applicants should apply for the visa no more than three months prior to travel

  3. Passport

    The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:

    • Contain at least two blank visa pages
    • Be valid for six months beyond exit date

  4. Photograph(s)

    You must provide one colour, passport type photograph that meets the following criteria:

    • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high quality photo paper
    • Be taken against an all white background
    • Be 35 mm by 45mm in size
    • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
    • You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes
    • Your photo should not be affixed to your application and it may not display evidence of adhesive or staples

  5. Business Introduction Letter

    You must provide a Business Cover Letter from the applicant's Swiss employer. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a Swiss postal address. Use the sample Business Cover Letter provided here to complete your letter.

    All Business Cover Letters must be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate. The address of the diplomatic mission can be found here

  6. Letter of Invitation

    A letter of invitation from the company the applicant is visiting. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

    • Be on company letterhead paper
    • Include the name of the applicant
    • State the purpose of journey
    • State the date of entry
    • Specify the requested number of entries and the length of visa required

  7. Company Registration Document

    Evidence of company registration must be provided as a copy of the registration certificate of the company to be visited

  8. Proof of Travel Arrangements

    A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel

  9. Visa Application Form(s)

    Complete your South Korea visa application form by logging onto https://cibtvisas.ch/formfill-order/korea-form after you have placed your order. This will ensure your documentation is accurately prepared and correctly submitted according to consular guidelines.

    Alternatively, the visa application form can be filled in by the applicant. The form must:

    • Display your full name as it appears in your passport
    • Be signed

  10. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

    For orders placed on the CIBTvisas website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.


    For all other orders, and where applicable, a completed CIBTvisas Visa Order Form which can be found in the CIBTvisas Application Pack should be submitted.


    Please note that all card payments will only be made upon completion of the visa application process. 

Korea - South Visa FAQ

  1. When is the best time to apply for my Korea - South visa?

    The best time to apply for your Korea - South visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we may be able to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy’s discretion.

  2. Do I have to send you my passport to get a Korea - South visa? Is it safe to send a passport?

    Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Korea - South visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application by a secure method, such as a guaranteed postal service or courier.