※ This information is provided to assist participants attending the 2026 UNFCCC Climate Week in preparing for entry into the Republic of Korea. Participants are strongly advised to check their visa requirements with the Korean Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence prior to departure.
Overview of Visa and K-ETA
Entry procedures to the Republic of Korea vary depending on the participant’s nationality and purpose of visit.
The Republic of Korea has visa waiver agreements with more than 110 countries and regions, allowing nationals of certain countries to enter Korea without a visa for short-term visits.
Nationals of visa-free countries are required to obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to entering Korea. However, some countries are currently designated as temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement, allowing their nationals to enter Korea without obtaining K-ETA.
Visa
A Visa is an official authorization issued by the Korean Embassy or Consulate General allowing a foreign national to enter the Republic of Korea.
Participants attending international conferences generally apply for the following visa type:
C-3-1 (Short-Term General Visa)
- Purpose: Participation in conferences, seminars, forums, academic events
- Period of Stay: Up to 90 days
>>Korea Visa Application and Guidelines (Link)
Visa-Free Countries (K-ETA Required, with Temporary Exemption for Certain Countries)
Nationals of countries that have visa waiver agreements with the Republic of Korea may enter Korea without a visa.
In principle, nationals of visa-free countries are required to obtain K-ETA prior to entry. However, the following countries are currently temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement and may enter Korea without obtaining K-ETA.
Countries Temporarily Exempt from K-ETA
*Exemption period: until December 31, 2026
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Asia (5)
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Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macao
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Americas (2)
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United States (including Guam), Canada
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Europe (13)
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United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria
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Oceania (2)
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Australia, New Zealand
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>> Check additional eligible countries (Link)
In addition, the following travelers are exempt from K-ETA requirements:
- Diplomatic/Official passport holders
- Registered foreign residents and visa holders
- UN passport holders
- Those who are 17 or younger or 65 or older (on the date of entry)
Countries Requiring a Visa (K-ETA Not Required)
Nationals of countries that do not have visa waiver agreements with Korea must obtain a visa from a Korean embassy or consulate prior to travel. If a visa has been issued, K-ETA is not required.
>> Check Visa Required Countries (Link)
>> Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea (Link)
Visa Application Process
Participants who require a visa should follow the steps below:
- Step 1. Check visa requirements on the website of the Korean Embassy or Consulate
- Step 2. Complete registration for the Climate Week through the UNFCCC system
- Step 3. Receive the UNFCCC Registration Acknowledgement Letter
- Step 4. Prepare required documents and apply for a visa at the Korean Embassy or Consulate
- Step 5. Await visa processing and approval before travel
※ For registered participants of the Climate Week, visa application fees will be waived. However, this requires prior coordination with the Government of the Republic of Korea based on the list of registered participants.
※ Participants from visa-required countries must complete their registration no later than 7 April 2026, 23:59 CEST in order to be included in the visa fee waiver process and ensure timely visa issuance.
Documents for Visa Application
Visa application procedures and required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, country of residence, and purpose of visit.
Participants are advised to confirm the appropriate visa type and required documents prior to applying.
Detailed visa procedures and document requirements can be found at the official website >> Korea Visa Portal (Link).
Basic Required Documents:
- Visa Application Form
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity remaining)
- One passport-size photo (3.5×4.5 cm, white background, JPG/JPEG/PNG format,
- under 120 KB)
- UNFCCC Registration Acknowledge Letter
Additional documents may be requested at the discretion of the embassy or consulate, including:
- Flight itinerary or hotel reservation
- Certificate of employment or student certificate
- Proof of financial support (bank statement, etc.