Korean Medical Tourism Visa Guide: Do You Need One for Skin Treatments?

Planning a skincare trip to Seoul but unsure about the paperwork? Understanding the Korea medical tourism visa situation is one of the most important first steps before booking any clinic appointments. The good news is that most international visitors do not need a special medical visa for short skincare treatments. In this guide, we break down exactly who can enter visa-free, when you need the dedicated C-3-3 medical tourism visa, and how to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Do You Need a Medical Visa?

For the vast majority of international visitors coming to Korea for dermatology consultations, laser treatments, Botox, fillers, or other non-surgical skincare procedures, the answer is no. If your country has a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea, you can enter on a standard tourist entry and receive cosmetic or dermatological treatments during your stay.

A dedicated medical visa (C-3-3) is generally required only in specific circumstances:

• You are from a country that does not have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea
• You plan to stay longer than your visa-free allowance (often 30 or 90 days)
• You are undergoing major surgery requiring extended recovery time
• Your clinic or medical facilitator recommends applying through an official medical tourism channel for streamlined processing

If your skincare trip involves a few clinic visits over one to two weeks, tourist entry is almost always sufficient.

Visa-Free Entry: K-ETA and Visa Waiver Countries

South Korea has visa-waiver agreements with over 120 countries, making it one of the most accessible destinations in Asia for medical tourism. Citizens of these countries can enter without a visa for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on nationality.

Key Visa-Free Countries (90-Day Stay)

Many Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines) also enjoy visa-free entry, though the allowed stay may be shorter (30 days in some cases).

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

The K-ETA is an online pre-approval system for visa-free travelers. Here is what you need to know as of early 2026:

• K-ETA exemption extended through December 31, 2026: Citizens of 22 key countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and most major European nations) currently do not need to apply for a K-ETA at all. You can simply arrive with your passport.
• Other visa-free nationals: If your country is not on the exemption list but you are still visa-free, you may need to apply for a K-ETA at www.k-eta.go.kr at least 72 hours before departure.
• K-ETA fee: Approximately 10,000 KRW (about $8 USD). Valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
• Tip: Even if you are exempt, you can voluntarily apply for a K-ETA to skip filling out the paper arrival card at immigration — a small convenience that saves time.

C-3-3 Medical Tourism Visa: Who Needs It and How to Apply

What Is the C-3-3 Visa?

The C-3-3 is South Korea's dedicated medical tourism visa for foreigners seeking medical treatment, including health checkups, cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, traditional Korean medicine (hanbang), and rehabilitation. It allows a stay of up to 90 days and is issued as a single-entry visa with a 3-month validity period.

Who Should Apply for a C-3-3?

You should consider the C-3-3 visa if:

• Your country does not have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea
• You need documented proof of medical purpose for your trip (some immigration officers may ask)
• Your clinic is a designated "Excellent Medical Tourism Facilitator" (우수 유치기관) and can process your e-visa directly — this is often faster and easier than a standard tourist entry
• You have visited Korea for medical purposes twice or more on a C-3-3 previously
• You are pre-paying treatment fees of 10 million KRW ($7,700 USD) or more — this qualifies you for expedited processing

How to Apply

There are three main application routes:

1. Apply at a Korean Embassy or Consulate (Individual Application)

This is for patients applying on their own without a clinic invitation. Required documents include:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• One passport-size photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, taken within 6 months)
• Medical records: hospital diagnosis, doctor's letter, or medical opinion explaining the purpose of your visit
• Proof of appointment or reservation at a Korean medical institution
• Financial proof: bank statements showing at least 6 months of history, demonstrating you can cover treatment costs and living expenses
• Family relationship documents (if a spouse or family member is accompanying you)
• Application fee (varies by embassy)

2. E-Visa Through a Designated Excellent Facilitator

If your clinic or medical tourism agency is designated by the Korean Ministry of Justice as an "Excellent Medical Tourism Facilitator," they can apply for an electronic visa on your behalf. Benefits include:

• No need to visit an embassy in person
• Financial proof requirement may be waived if the facilitator provides a guarantee
• Faster processing times
• Currently, the government is expanding these designated institutions from 27 to over 50 nationwide

3. Visa Issuance Confirmation (Through an Invited Facilitator)

If a registered patient recruitment agency invites you, they can apply for a visa issuance confirmation certificate at a Korean immigration office, which you then present at your local Korean embassy for faster visa issuance.

Important Notes

• Processing time: Varies by embassy, typically 5 to 10 business days. Plan well in advance.
• Companions: Spouses and direct family members can receive companion C-3-3 visas for caregiving, but they must enter Korea at the same time as the patient.
• Extending your stay: If 90 days is not enough, you can apply to change your status to a G-1-10 (Treatment and Recuperation) visa, which allows stays of up to 1 year.
• Country-specific requirements: Document requirements can vary by embassy, so always confirm with your local Korean consulate before applying.

Planning Your Skincare Trip to Seoul

How Long Should You Stay?

Most skincare treatments like laser toning, Rejuran, or Botox require minimal downtime, so a one-week trip works well. If you are combining multiple procedures or want a follow-up appointment, plan for at least 10 days.

Booking Clinics Before You Arrive

• Contact clinics directly: Many Gangnam and Apgujeong clinics have English-speaking coordinators. Email or use KakaoTalk to inquire.
• Use medical tourism platforms: Websites like Medical Korea (www.medicalkorea.or.kr) list accredited clinics and can help connect you with facilitators.
• Get a written quote: Ask for a treatment plan and price estimate in writing before you fly. This also serves as supporting documentation if you need a visa.
• Book your first appointment for Day 2 or 3: Give yourself a day to recover from jet lag before your consultation.

Getting from Incheon Airport to Gangnam

• Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station (43 min, ~9,500 KRW / $7), then transfer to Subway Line 2 to Gangnam Station (about 30 min)
• Airport Limousine Bus 6009 runs directly to Gangnam (70–90 min, ~17,000 KRW / $13) — the most convenient option with luggage
• Taxi: Approximately 65,000–100,000 KRW ($50–$77) depending on traffic; takes about 60–90 minutes

Insurance and Payment Tips

• Travel insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatments abroad. Some policies exclude elective cosmetic procedures, so read the fine print carefully.
• Payment methods: Most Korean clinics accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Cash payments in Korean Won sometimes receive a small discount.
• Tax refund: Foreign patients receiving medical treatments at VAT-refund eligible clinics can claim a partial tax refund. Ask your clinic about this at the time of payment.
• Currency exchange: Airport exchange rates are poor. Use ATMs at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) for better rates, or bring USD/EUR to exchange at money changers in Myeongdong or Gangnam.
• Exchange rate reference: As of February 2026, approximately 1,350 KRW = 1 USD. Rates fluctuate, so check before your trip.

Useful Korean Phrases for Medical Visits

Having a few key phrases ready can make your clinic experience smoother, even at English-friendly clinics.

FAQ

Q: Can I get skincare treatments in Korea on a tourist visa? A: Yes. If your country has a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea, you can receive cosmetic and dermatological treatments during your visa-free stay. No special medical visa is required for short-term, non-surgical procedures.

Q: How long can I stay in Korea without a visa? A: Most Western countries, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and others enjoy up to 90 days visa-free. Some countries are allowed 30 or 60 days. Check with your local Korean embassy for your specific allowance.

Q: What is the difference between K-ETA and a visa? A: K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of visa-free countries — it is not a visa itself. It pre-screens travelers before arrival. As of 2026, citizens of 22 major countries are exempt from K-ETA entirely and can enter with just a passport.

Q: When should I apply for a C-3-3 medical tourism visa instead of entering visa-free? A: Apply for a C-3-3 if your country does not have a visa-waiver agreement, if you need to stay longer than your visa-free period, or if your clinic can process a faster e-visa through a designated medical tourism facilitator.

Q: Can my family member accompany me on a medical tourism visa? A: Yes. Spouses and direct family members (parents, children) can receive companion C-3-3 visas for caregiving purposes. They must enter Korea at the same time as the patient. The government has recently expanded companion eligibility to include relatives within the 4th degree for patients invited by designated excellent facilitators.

Conclusion

For most international visitors planning a skincare trip to Seoul, entering Korea is remarkably straightforward. Citizens of over 120 countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, and with the K-ETA exemption extended through 2026, the process is even simpler. The dedicated C-3-3 medical tourism visa exists for those who need it — particularly travelers from non-visa-waiver countries or those undergoing extensive procedures through official medical tourism channels.

The key is to plan ahead: confirm your visa status, book your clinic appointments in advance, arrange travel insurance, and learn a few Korean phrases. Seoul's world-class dermatology clinics are waiting for you.

Ready to plan your Korean skincare trip? Start by checking your visa-free status, then browse our clinic guides and treatment guides to find the perfect procedures for your visit.

Last Updated: February 24, 2026