South Korea Visa Guide for Pakistani Applicants

Pakistani passport holders need a C-3 Tourist visa before travelling to South Korea for tourism, family visits, or short business activities. South Korea is not on the K-ETA visa-waiver list for Pakistan, and there is no e-visa option — applications must be submitted in person with an interview at the discretion of the embassy.

Work is not permitted on this visa. Applicants seeking employment in South Korea need a separate, employer-sponsored work visa.

• C-3-9 Tourist Visa — sightseeing and general tourism, single-entry, up to 90 days
• C-3-1 Short-Term General Visa — covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits
• Multiple-Entry Visa — available in some cases for frequent travellers, at a higher fee
• Work & Study Visas — separate long-term categories requiring employer or institution sponsorship, not covered under this visit visa guide

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, with blank pages
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-size photograph on a white background
• Bank statements for the last six months showing a consistent balance and regular income
• Proof of employment, business ownership, or income (employment letter, NTN certificate, business registration)
• Detailed, specific travel itinerary naming actual attractions and cities
• Confirmed flight reservation (a firm booking is generally sufficient; purchasing tickets outright is not always required)
• Hotel bookings or an invitation letter if visiting family or friends
• Travel health insurance covering the full stay

Korean consulates assess Pakistani applicants closely on:

• A genuine, clearly detailed tourism or business purpose — vague or generic itineraries are a common red flag
• Consistent financial capacity shown over six months, not just a recent lump deposit
• Strong, well-documented ties to Pakistan — stable employment, property, or family responsibilities
• No intention to work or overstay in South Korea

Previous travel to countries such as the US, UK, Japan, or Australia can strengthen an application, though it is not a strict requirement.

Visa policy is set by South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and administered through its embassy and consular offices in Pakistan. Pakistan is treated as a higher-scrutiny country, and interviews are conducted at the embassy’s discretion. We check the Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s official Pakistan website for current requirements before advising clients.

Processing depends on embassy workload and how complete your file is at submission. We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.

Applications are submitted in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad or the Korean Consular Office in Karachi. There is no online or e-visa submission route for Pakistani applicants, and interviews may be required at the embassy’s discretion.

Our consultation and file preparation fee is separate from the South Korean government’s visa fee, paid directly at the embassy. Contact our Sahiwal or Islamabad office for our current service fee.

What is the current South Korea tourist visa fee?
Reported fees range from around USD 40 for a single-entry visa up to USD 90 for a multiple-entry visa, paid in the local currency equivalent. These are government fees, separate from our service charge, and we confirm the current amount before you apply.

Can Pakistani citizens use the K-ETA instead of a visa?
No. The K-ETA is only available to citizens of visa-exempt countries. Pakistani nationals must apply for a full C-3 visa.

What is the most common reason for refusal?
A vague or generic travel itinerary and insufficient evidence of consistent financial capacity are among the most cited reasons.

• Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
• Tourist visa extensions are generally not granted — plan your stay within the authorised duration.
• If refused, applicants are typically advised to wait a period (commonly cited as around three months) before reapplying with a strengthened file.