Visas to the U.S.

Last updated on May 31, 2012.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul handles all visa-related matters.  For detailed information on applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa to the United States, please visit the Embassy website.  

Detailed information about our visa application process and appointments for interviews can be made online at the GSS website. 

Since November 2008, Koreans have had the option of traveling visa-free to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making traveling to the United States easier than ever before.  To be eligible to travel using the VWP, the following requirements must be met:

• Travel must be for business, tourism or transit only.
• The traveler must possess a valid e-Passport.
• The traveler must have a ticket for return or onward travel on a participating carrier.
• The traveler must depart the U.S. within 90 days after entry.

The traveler must receive an online approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling.