C-3 Short-term General / Business Visa — South Korea
- Max stay
- 90days
- Processing
- 5–14days
- Fee
- $40.00
Difficulty3/10·Realism7/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- -0.25Onward / return ticket required
- -0.5Proof of funds required
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)
Approval realism
Approval depends on youApproval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
51+ days beforeMost countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
35+ days beforeYou'll need: Invitation from a Korean host company (Korean BRN — Business Registration Number — required); Permitted: market research, business meetings, conferences, training, attending exhibitions; Multiple sub-variants: C-3-1 (general short-term), C-3-4 (general business), C-3-9 (multiple short-term general); K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) covers short business visits for most visa-waiver nationalities — much simpler than a formal C-3; and others (see full list above).
- 3
Prepare proof of funds
35+ days beforeBank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.
- 4
Book refundable flight + accommodation
28+ days beforeUse a refundable booking (or a free hold/itinerary service) until your visa is approved — embassies want to see real plans, but you don't want to lose the money on a refusal.
- 5
Book a biometrics appointment (Destination consulate / Visa Application Centre)
28+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 6
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
21+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 7
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 5–14 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 8
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Invitation from a Korean host company (Korean BRN — Business Registration Number — required)
- Permitted: market research, business meetings, conferences, training, attending exhibitions
- Multiple sub-variants: C-3-1 (general short-term), C-3-4 (general business), C-3-9 (multiple short-term general)
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) covers short business visits for most visa-waiver nationalities — much simpler than a formal C-3
- Multi-entry 1-3-5 year C-3 issued routinely for repeat business visitors
- Cannot perform employment in Korea — requires E-7 Specially Designated Activities or similar
Fee breakdown
- Visa application fee$40.00