Korea Medical Tourism Visa Guide: Do You Need One for Skincare? 2025

Planning a skincare trip to Korea? You're not alone. In 2024, Korea welcomed a record-breaking 1.17 million foreign patients, with dermatology treatments accounting for over 56% of all medical tourism visits. The explosive growth—particularly from Taiwan (550.6% increase), Japan (135%), and China (132.4%)—demonstrates Korea's position as Asia's premier destination for skincare and aesthetic treatments.

But before you book those laser sessions and filler appointments, there's one crucial question: Do you need a visa for medical tourism in Korea?

The answer depends on your nationality, length of stay, and type of treatment. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Korea medical tourism visas, from visa-free entry to specialized medical visas.

Understanding Korea's Visa System for Medical Tourists

Korea offers several visa pathways for foreign patients seeking skincare and aesthetic treatments. The good news? Many travelers don't need a special medical visa at all.

Visa-Free Entry for Short Stays

If you're planning a quick skincare trip (under 90 days), you may already be eligible for visa-free entry to Korea. Citizens from over 100 countries can enter Korea without a visa for tourism purposes—and yes, this includes getting skincare treatments.

Visa-free countries include:

• United States (90 days)
• United Kingdom (90 days)
• Canada (180 days)
• Australia (90 days)
• Most European Union countries (90 days)
• New Zealand (90 days)
• Singapore (90 days)
• Malaysia (90 days)
• Hong Kong (90 days)
• Taiwan (90 days)

Important: While you can receive medical treatments during a visa-free stay, you cannot extend your stay beyond the permitted period or change your visa status without leaving the country first.

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

Since September 2021, visa-exempt travelers from certain countries must obtain a K-ETA before entering Korea. This electronic authorization is valid for 2 years and costs 10,000 KRW (approximately $8 USD).

Countries requiring K-ETA include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Canada
• Most EU countries
• And many others

How to apply:

1. Visit the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr)
2. Fill out the application form (10-15 minutes)
3. Pay the 10,000 KRW fee
4. Receive approval within 24 hours (usually much faster)

Pro tip: Apply for your K-ETA at least 72 hours before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.

Medical Tourism Visas: C-3-3 and G-1-10

For travelers who need longer stays or whose countries don't have visa-free agreements with Korea, specialized medical tourism visas are available.

C-3-3 Visa (Short-Term Medical Treatment)

The C-3-3 visa is designed for foreign patients seeking medical treatment in Korea for 90 days or less.

Eligibility:

• Patients requiring medical treatment or procedures
• Companions/caregivers accompanying patients
• Those whose countries don't have visa-free agreements with Korea

Required Documents:

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
2. Visa application form (completed and signed)
3. Passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, taken within last 6 months)
4. Medical certificate or doctor's letter from a Korean medical institution stating:
   • Diagnosis and recommended treatment
   • Expected treatment period
   • Estimated cost
5. Proof of financial capability (bank statements showing sufficient funds)
6. Round-trip flight reservation
7. Accommodation confirmation (hotel booking or invitation letter)

For companions:

• Copy of patient's medical certificate
• Proof of relationship to patient
• Same financial and travel documentation

Processing time: 5-10 business days Fee: Varies by nationality (typically $40-80 USD)

G-1-10 Visa (Long-Term Medical Treatment)

The G-1-10 visa is for patients requiring extended medical treatment exceeding 90 days.

Common uses:

• Complex surgical procedures with long recovery periods
• Multiple-stage treatments (e.g., orthognathic surgery with orthodontics)
• Chronic condition management
• Extended post-operative care

Required Documents: All documents for C-3-3 visa, plus:

1. Detailed treatment plan from Korean hospital explaining why extended stay is necessary
2. Doctor's recommendation for long-term treatment
3. Proof of medical expenses coverage (insurance, bank statements, or sponsor letter)
4. Criminal background check from home country
5. Health examination certificate

Processing time: 10-15 business days Fee: Varies by nationality (typically $80-120 USD)

Important: G-1-10 visas must be applied for from your home country; you cannot convert from a tourist visa or C-3-3 visa while in Korea.

Do You Really Need a Medical Visa for Skincare?

Here's the practical reality: most skincare tourists don't need a specialized medical visa.

When You DON'T Need a Medical Visa

You can use visa-free entry or a standard tourist visa (with K-ETA if required) if you're planning:

• Botox injections (15-30 minutes procedure)
• Dermal fillers (30-60 minutes procedure)
• Laser treatments (multiple sessions over 1-2 weeks)
• Chemical peels (quick sessions)
• Thread lifts (1-2 hours procedure)
• Skin boosters and mesotherapy (quick sessions)
• Most non-surgical aesthetic procedures

Why? These treatments typically require minimal downtime (1-7 days) and can easily fit within a visa-free tourism period.

When You SHOULD Get a Medical Visa (C-3-3)

Consider applying for a C-3-3 medical visa if:

1. Your country isn't visa-exempt for Korea
2. You're planning extensive treatments requiring multiple clinic visits over several weeks
3. You want the flexibility to extend your stay if complications arise
4. You're getting surgical procedures with longer recovery periods (e.g., double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty)
5. Immigration asks for medical documentation at the airport (rare, but having a medical visa prevents issues)

When You NEED a Long-Term Visa (G-1-10)

The G-1-10 visa is necessary for:

• Major cosmetic surgeries with 6+ week recovery periods
• Combination surgeries requiring staged procedures
• Medical treatments genuinely requiring over 90 days
• Facial contouring surgeries (jaw reduction, cheekbone reduction)

Documentation Tips for Skincare Travelers

Even if you're entering Korea visa-free, having the right documentation can smooth your entry and prevent immigration questions.

Recommended Documents to Carry

1. Appointment confirmation from your Korean clinic/hospital
2. Treatment itinerary outlining your scheduled procedures
3. Hotel/accommodation booking for your entire stay
4. Return flight ticket
5. Proof of funds (credit cards, cash, bank statements)
6. Travel insurance covering medical procedures (highly recommended)
7. Contact information for your clinic in Korea

At Immigration

When entering Korea for skincare treatments:

If asked your purpose of visit:

• "Medical tourism" or "Aesthetic treatments" is acceptable
• Be honest but concise
• Have your clinic documentation ready if needed

Common questions:

• "Where are you staying?" (Provide hotel name and address)
• "How long will you stay?" (Match your treatment timeline)
• "What treatments are you getting?" (Brief answer: "Laser treatments" or "Dermatology consultation")

Red flags to avoid:

• Don't mention "working" or "business" unless on a business visa
• Don't say you're "looking for clinics"—have appointments pre-booked
• Don't have excessive luggage suggesting a long-term stay when claiming short tourism

Cost Considerations

Understanding visa costs is part of budgeting for your Korea skincare trip:

Total budget impact: For most skincare tourists from visa-exempt countries, you'll only need to budget $8 for K-ETA—a negligible addition to your overall treatment costs.

Special Considerations for 2025

Korea's medical tourism industry is rapidly evolving. Here are key updates for 2025:

Increased Scrutiny

With dermatology patients increasing by 194.9% in 2024 (reaching 705,000 visitors), Korean immigration has become more aware of medical tourism patterns. This doesn't mean restrictions—just be prepared with proper documentation.

Streamlined Processes

Korea is working to simplify visa procedures for medical tourists to compete with destinations like Thailand (which offers 1-year medical visas). Expect potential improvements in:

• Online visa applications
• Faster processing times
• Clearer documentation requirements

Companion Visas

If traveling with family or friends who aren't receiving treatment, they can enter on the same visa type as you (visa-free, K-ETA, or companion C-3-3 visa).

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visa Experience

Before You Travel

1. Check your passport expiration date (must be valid 6+ months beyond your stay)
2. Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours early if required
3. Book clinic appointments before arriving (documentation is crucial)
4. Get travel insurance that covers medical procedures
5. Print all confirmations (digital copies may not suffice at immigration)

During Your Stay

1. Keep all medical receipts (may be needed for insurance or tax purposes)
2. Don't overstay your permitted period (heavy fines and future entry bans)
3. If you need to extend your stay:
   • Visit the Immigration Office at least 2 weeks before expiration
   • Bring medical documentation explaining the need for extension
   • Extension fees: approximately 60,000 KRW ($50 USD)

After Treatment

1. Get treatment records and prescriptions from your clinic
2. Verify medication export regulations (some prescriptions require documentation)
3. Schedule follow-up consultations (many clinics offer video consultations)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Arriving without K-ETA (if required) ✅ Solution: Apply online at least 3 days before departure

❌ Mistake 2: Booking one-way tickets for "flexibility" ✅ Solution: Always have a return ticket when entering on visa-free or tourist status

❌ Mistake 3: Vague answers at immigration ✅ Solution: Be honest and specific with proper documentation

❌ Mistake 4: Assuming you can extend any visa ✅ Solution: Understand your visa type's limitations before booking long treatment plans

❌ Mistake 5: Not checking visa requirements for your specific nationality ✅ Solution: Verify requirements on the official Korean embassy website for your country

The Bottom Line

For most international visitors planning skincare treatments in Korea, you don't need a special medical visa. Visa-free entry (with K-ETA if required) is sufficient for popular treatments like Botox, fillers, lasers, and other non-surgical procedures.

Quick Decision Guide:

• Visa-free country + treatments under 2 weeks? → Just get K-ETA (if required)
• Visa-free country + treatments spanning 3-6 weeks? → Still use visa-free, but have documentation ready
• Non visa-free country or extended surgical procedures? → Apply for C-3-3 medical visa
• Treatment genuinely requires 90+ days? → Apply for G-1-10 long-term medical visa

Korea welcomed over 700,000 dermatology patients in 2024, and the process is well-established for skincare tourists. With proper preparation and documentation, your visa situation should be the easiest part of your Korean skincare journey.

Need More Help?

For official visa information:

• Visit Korea Immigration: hikorea.go.kr
• Contact your nearest Korean embassy or consulate
• Ask your Korean clinic for assistance with medical documentation

Safe travels, and enjoy your transformation at Korea's world-class skincare clinics!

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about visa requirements and should not be considered official immigration advice. Visa policies can change, and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify current requirements with official Korean immigration authorities or your nearest Korean embassy before traveling. Individual circumstances may affect visa eligibility.

Sources:

• 한국 의료관광 정책 규제에 '발목'…"비자 허용해야"
• 2024년 외국인 환자 유치 117만 명, 아시아 의료관광 '중심국가' 도약
• 한국 의료에 꽂힌 외국인…국가별 인기 시술은?