South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Venezuela passport holders
Venezuelans must obtain a visa before visiting South Korea. The tourist visa (C-3) costs approximately $50 USD and requires an in-person application at the Korean Embassy in Caracas.
Venezuela passport holders require a visa to enter South Korea.
Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Caracas (Calle Las Lomas de Prados del Este, Caracas). Required documents: valid passport, completed application form, passport photo, round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation, bank statements (last 3 months showing sufficient funds), and employment or enrollment documents. Fee approximately $50 USD. Processing: 5-7 business days. Single or multiple-entry options available.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Completed visa application form
Downloadable from the Korean Embassy website; submit at the Embassy in Caracas.
Venezuelan passport
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
Passport photos (2 copies)
Recent passport photos meeting Korean specifications.
Round-trip flight booking
Entry and exit flight itinerary.
Hotel bookings
Accommodation confirmation for all nights in South Korea.
Bank statements (3 months)
Showing minimum $3,000-$5,000 USD equivalent is recommended.
Employment or income documentation
Employer letter, recent pay slips, or business registration.
Visa fee (~$50 USD)
Pay at the Korean Embassy in Caracas.
Current Travel Situation
Venezuela to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea is a vibrant destination combining ancient palaces, K-pop culture, excellent cuisine (Korean BBQ, bibimbap, tteokbokki), ultra-modern cities, and natural beauty (Jeju Island, Seoraksan National Park). Seoul (ICN/GMP), Busan (PUS), and Jeju (CJU) are the main airports. Venezuelan passport holders require a C-3 short-term visitor visa.
How to Get There
South Korea has a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system for some nationalities; Venezuelan nationals must verify if K-ETA is available to them or if a standard visa is required. Always check the Korean Embassy in Caracas for current requirements.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). Card payments are universal in cities. ATMs are widely available, including at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven). T-Money card (reloadable transport card) is essential for Seoul Metro and buses. Budget around 80-150 USD per day for comfortable travel.
Practical Tips
Seoul's Incheon International Airport (ICN) is Asia's best-connected hub. Popular Seoul attractions: Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong (traditional market), Myeongdong (shopping), Gangnam, and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour to the North Korea border. Busan (KTX bullet train from Seoul, 2.5 hours) offers beaches, seafood markets, and Gamcheon Culture Village. Jeju Island (domestic flight) is Korea's Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Venezuelan citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
Yes. Venezuelan passport holders require a C-3 short-term visitor visa for South Korea. The fee is approximately $50 USD and the application is made at the Korean Embassy in Caracas.
How do I apply for a South Korean visa from Venezuela?
Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Caracas (Calle Las Lomas de Prados del Este, Caracas). Required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form (downloadable from the Korean Embassy website), passport photos (2), round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel bookings), bank statements (last 3 months, recommend showing at least $3,000-$5,000 USD equivalent), and proof of employment or studies.
What is the K-ETA and does it apply to Venezuelan passport holders?
The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) allows citizens of certain countries to enter South Korea without a traditional visa stamp for up to 90 days. Venezuelan passport holders should check with the Korean Embassy in Caracas whether Venezuela is currently on the K-ETA eligible list. If so, the online K-ETA application ($10 USD) would be faster than a full visa.
What are South Korea's top attractions for Venezuelan visitors?
Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong cultural street, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong shopping, Gangnam district, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun markets, Han River parks. Busan: Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Haedong Yonggungsa temple. Jeju Island: volcanic landscape, waterfalls. DMZ tours to the North Korea border.
How do Venezuelans get from Caracas to South Korea?
No direct flights. Common routes: via Los Angeles (Korean Air or Asiana Airlines, good connections from North America); via the Middle East (Korean Air from Dubai); via a European hub. Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul is Asia's major hub and a consistently top-rated airport. Seoul's Gimpo Airport (GMP) handles some domestic and regional flights.
What is unique about Korean food culture for Venezuelan visitors?
Korean cuisine is distinct and exciting: Korean BBQ (bulgogi, galbi, samgyeopsal) cooked at the table, spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki), bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, kimchi (fermented vegetables), and street food in Myeongdong and Gwangjang Market. Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) sell cheap and surprisingly good prepared foods. Food is central to Korean culture.
What currency does South Korea use?
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). ATMs are widely available including in convenience stores (GS25, CU) and at major metro stations. The T-Money card (transport card) is also usable for small purchases at convenience stores. Card payments are standard in Seoul's restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Is South Korea affordable for Venezuelan travelers?
South Korea is moderately priced. Seoul is more expensive than other Asian destinations like Vietnam or Indonesia but cheaper than Japan or Singapore. Budget $70-130 USD per day for comfortable mid-range travel. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses (jjimjilbang, Korean sauna-hotels) to luxury international hotels.