Korea Medical Visa Guide 2026: K-ETA Exemptions & Process

Planning medical travel to South Korea in 2026 requires securing the correct entry authorization, which means understanding the precise differences between visa-free entry, K-ETA exemptions, and specific medical visas (C-3-3 for short-term or G-1-10 for long-term). Navigating a foreign healthcare system and border regulations can feel overwhelming, especially when your primary focus should be on your health and recovery. In this comprehensive Korea medical visa guide 2026, I will walk you through the latest visa regulations, step-by-step application processes, and vital policy changes so you can enter the country seamlessly without any confusion.

1. Visa-Free vs. K-ETA Exemption: Understanding Your Entry Options
2. Complete Visa-Free Country List & Stay Durations
3. Understanding Korea Medical Visa Types
4. Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
5. Acing Your Medical Visa Interview
6. 2026 Essential Entry Checklist for Medical Tourists
7. Further Reading for Your Medical Journey

Visa-Free vs. K-ETA Exemption: Understanding Your Entry Options

To avoid any confusion before your trip, it is critical to understand the relationship between Visa-Free entry, the K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), and the Arrival Declaration. These are not entirely separate concepts; rather, the “K-ETA Exempt” group is a special privilege category included within the broader “Visa-Free” umbrella.

1. General Visa-Free Entry (K-ETA Required)

South Korea has visa waiver agreements with over 110 countries. Citizens of these countries do not need a traditional visa to enter for short-term visits. However, as a general rule, they must apply for and receive a K-ETA before boarding their flight.

2. K-ETA Exempt Countries (2026 Update)

To promote tourism, the Korean government has granted a temporary K-ETA exemption to 22 specific countries until December 31, 2026. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you are allowed to enter visa-free without needing to apply for a K-ETA:

• Asia/Oceania: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Australia, New Zealand
• Americas: United States (including Guam), Canada
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria

3. Permanent K-ETA Exemptions

Regardless of your nationality, the following groups are permanently exempt from the K-ETA requirement in 2026:

• Travelers aged 17 and under, or 65 and older.
• Holders of diplomatic or official passports.
• Transit passengers, ABTC (APEC Business Travel Card) holders, and those holding a valid Korean visa.

4. The e-Arrival Card Strategy

Many travelers wonder if they should apply for a K-ETA anyway just to save time at Incheon International Airport (인천국제공항). If your primary goal is simply to shorten your immigration processing time and skip the paper arrival card queue, completing the digital e-Arrival Card is the better and more efficient method. Therefore, if you are from a K-ETA exempt country, there is no need to unnecessarily spend money and apply for a K-ETA.

Complete Visa-Free Country List & Stay Durations

If you are traveling for minor cosmetic procedures, dermatology consultations, or quick health check-ups, visa-free entry is often sufficient. While the program covers 113 countries and regions, the permitted duration of your stay varies significantly based on your nationality.

Understanding Korea Medical Visa Types

If your intended treatment exceeds your visa-free allowance, or if you are from a country that requires a visa, you must apply for a specific medical visa. The Korean government categorizes these based on the duration and nature of the treatment.

• C-3-3 (Short-Term Medical Visa): This visa is designed for patients seeking cosmetic surgery, dermatological treatments, simple health check-ups, or short-term care. It allows a stay of up to 90 days.
• G-1-10 (Long-Term Medical Visa): This is reserved for patients requiring extended medical attention, such as major surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or intensive care. It is valid for up to 1 year and can also accommodate accompanying family members acting as caregivers.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Applying for a medical visa is straightforward if you follow the correct sequence. The Korean healthcare system is highly regulated, so ensuring your documentation aligns with official guidelines is key to a swift approval.

Step 1: Select a Registered Medical Institution & Obtain Confirmation

You must choose a hospital or clinic that is officially registered as a “Medical Institution for Foreign Patients” with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (보건복지부). Because you are applying from abroad and cannot have an in-person consultation yet, you will typically conduct an online consultation or submit your medical records digitally. Following this remote assessment, the hospital will issue a formal “Medical Appointment Confirmation” (진료예약확인서) or an official invitation letter. According to both the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this reservation document—not an on-site doctor’s referral—is the absolute prerequisite for your visa application.

If you apply for a medical visa through a clinic that is not officially registered as a ‘Medical Institution for Foreign Patients,’ your visa will be automatically denied. More importantly, registered clinics are legally required to carry medical malpractice insurance for foreigners. Choosing an unregistered clinic means stepping outside the bounds of South Korean legal protection in the event of a medical emergency.
*You can browse and filter through medical institutions at KCulture Clinic Search (kculture.com/find-clinics/)

Step 2: Submit Your Visa Application

Depending on the hospital you choose, the application method varies:

• Through an Outstanding Facilitator: If your chosen clinic is designated as an excellent medical tourism facilitator, they can apply on your behalf through the online Visa Portal. This streamlined process usually results in visa issuance within 3 business days.
• Individual Application: If applying independently, you must visit the South Korean Embassy or Consulate governing your residential jurisdiction.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Whether applying online or in person, you will need the following standard documents:

• A completed visa application form and a copy of your passport.
• Medical Proof: The appointment confirmation letter from your Korean medical provider.
• Financial Proof: Certified bank statements proving you have sufficient funds to cover both your medical expenses and your stay.
• Family Relations Certificate: Required only if a caregiver (now expanded to include up to first cousins as of 2026) is accompanying you.

Acing Your Medical Visa Interview

If you are called in for an interview at the embassy, the consular officer’s main goal is to verify the authenticity of your medical travel. Here is how I advise patients to handle common questions:

• “Why do you need to receive treatment in South Korea?” Be specific. Do not just say “Korea is better.” Mention your diagnosis from your home country and highlight the specialized technology in Korea—such as AI surgery simulation or a specific doctor’s renowned expertise in Gangnam-gu (강남구).
• “How will you fund your treatment?” Your verbal answer must perfectly match the bank statements you submitted. Have a clear breakdown of your estimated medical and living costs.

💡 Pro Tip: The most common reason for visa denial is the suspicion of illegal employment. You must clearly demonstrate your intent to return home after your treatment. Ensure your consultation records from the hospital perfectly align with your interview answers.

2026 Essential Entry Checklist for Medical Tourists

Before you board your flight, ensure you are fully prepared for these crucial 2026 updates regarding your entry into South Korea.

1. e-Arrival Card (Mandatory Digital Entry)

As of 2026, the paper arrival card has been entirely replaced for those who have not registered via K-ETA. You must complete the digital e-Arrival Card through the official website either before boarding your flight or at least 3 days prior to entry. Failing to do so will result in significant delays at immigration. For a complete walkthrough on how to fill this out, refer to our Korea e-Arrival Card Guide: Mandatory Steps for Travelers.

2. Health and Quarantine Protocols

While general pandemic restrictions have lifted, specific health declarations may still trigger depending on your departure country. Always ensure your digital health forms are error-free. You can learn how to navigate any system glitches or updates in our 2026 South Korea Quarantine Guide : How to Fix Errors, Q-Code vs. Paper Forms.

Further Reading for Your Medical Journey

If your treatment requires an extended recovery period, understanding daily life in Korea is essential. I highly recommend reading our comprehensive Korea Long Term Stay Guide 2026 : Visas, Part-Time Work, Renting to ensure your time outside the clinic is as comfortable as possible.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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