Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chet Wautlands]

Hello all!

While I'm sure this has been brought up before, I'm not able to find it. Sorry.

My father wants to travel to Korea with my sister. Both are adults from Canada. Is it true that they have to apply for a visa to visit Korea for a week? I was under the impression that they could just get a stamp when they arrived, like in Japan, England, France, or any other modern country. Do they really have to fill out an application?

Here's the page from the Korean consulate in Toronto that says they do.

http://www.koreanconsulate.on.ca/en/?b_id=77&c_id=347&mnu=a02b03&start=1

He has to provide a reference letter, a bank statement, etc.

So, is the right? Has anyone done this recently? It seems ridiculous. I believe this is only for Canadians.

[salohcin]

Weird, I thought you only needed your passport?

[Enigma]

My dad (he's also Canadian) just came over to visit in October. He did not need to do anything before he left Canada, and was given a stamp/visa upon arrival. I think we get 6 months.
I've never heard of Canadians needing a reference letter/bank statement, etc. I'm assuming that's really old information that they haven't updated.

[Chet Wautlands]

I'll call the consulate when it's open on Monday. I'll post back here when I know for sure.

[maingman]

Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:08 pm Post subject: n

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OP

Most foreigners who want to visit Korea just for a short-term tour or transit are permitted to enter Korea with no visa according to the principles of reciprocity or priority of national interests with a tourist/transit visa status (B-2, 30 days). Special status is awarded to Canadians(6 months) and Australian(90days).

[Chet Wautlands]

That's what I thought too. I've heard this many times before. I'm going to call the consulate in Toronto to make sure. The last thing I want is for my dad to show in Incheon and not be allowed in.

Fingers crossed!

[D.D.]

I love people who ask a question and then argue with the answers. It's a 6 month stamp on arrival. End of story-waste the phone call if you want..

[Chet Wautlands]

You're right, I shouldn't make the expensive, 1-800 number, phone call to ensure that my Dad can get into the country. "No dad, D.D. from the internet said it wasn't worth the time."

[Ginormousaurus]

My dad has come to see me six times and not once has he needed anything other than a passport. I've entered Korea a couple times as well without a visa as has a friend of mine.

[supernick]

No Canadian passport holder needs a pre-approved visa to enter South Korea. Your father will be issued with a 6 month visa on his arrival in Korea.

Also, for those people who might not know, that even if you have a visa issued by a country that requires a pre-approved visa (like the case with the U.S. before) does not mean that you are automatically allowed in.

http://www.iexplore.com/world_travel/South+Korea/Visa+and+Health

Go ahead and call whoever you like, and you'll find that the posters here were right, and will probably not be so generous in answering your question next time as if you weren't going to take our word for it in the first place.

[tbag81]

Actually, as a Canadian he will get a tourist visa (I'm not sure about 6 months, it could just be 30 days) upon arrival, simply a stamp, but he will only be permitted to enter the country on this type of visa if he already has a ticket out of the country. If he has no ticket out of the country when he arrives they can refuse him entry. In fact, most airlines would not even let him board the plane if he has no pre approved visa and no return ticket. Basically if he has a return ticket he is good to go.

[Chet Wautlands]

Easy...

It's Sunday. My Dad tells me that the Korean consulate website says he NEEDS a visa before showing up in Korea. I tell him I think he's wrong. I check the website. It says he does need one. Maybe I'm wrong.

I write a message on Dave's asking what the deal is. I include a link to the website. People tell me that my Dad doesn't need a visa. That's what I thought, I say. I'll call just to make sure.

[Ginormousaurus]

[jvalmer]

[supernick]

Tell your dad that he is right. He can do the paper work as it's on his time. For those of us in South Korea have been wrong and I guess there are many here that have entered the country illegally.

For the record, I am sure that China is the only country in N.E. and S.E. Asia needs a tourist visa before arrival for Canadians. All other countries simply stamp the tourist visa upon arrival.

I hope your father and sister have an enjoyable time visiting you.