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

Planning a trip to Korea for skincare treatments but confused about visa requirements? You're not alone. With Korea welcoming over 1 million foreign medical tourists in 2024—705,000 of them for dermatology alone—understanding visa regulations is crucial for planning your beauty journey.

The good news? Most international visitors don't need a special medical visa for short skincare treatments. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about K-ETA, visa-free entry, medical tourism visas, and the documents required for your Korean skincare adventure.

Do You Actually Need a Visa for Skincare Treatments in Korea?

Short answer: Most visitors don't need a special medical visa.

The type of visa or entry authorization you need depends on:

• Your nationality
• Length of stay
• Type of treatment planned
• Whether you're traveling for treatment or combining it with tourism

For most skincare procedures (laser treatments, fillers, Botox, skin boosters like Rejuran, facial treatments), you can visit Korea on a standard tourist visa or visa-free entry if your country qualifies.

When You DON'T Need a Medical Visa

You can use regular tourist entry if:

• ✅ Your treatment takes less than 90 days total
• ✅ You're from a visa-exempt country
• ✅ You're getting outpatient procedures (most skincare treatments)
• ✅ You're combining treatment with sightseeing

When You MIGHT Need a Medical Visa

Consider applying for a medical tourism visa (C-3-3) if:

• ⚠️ You need multiple follow-up appointments over several weeks
• ⚠️ Your treatment requires extended recovery time
• ⚠️ You're from a country that requires a visa for Korea
• ⚠️ You want documentation specifically for medical purposes

Understanding K-ETA: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization

What is K-ETA?

K-ETA is Korea's electronic travel authorization system—similar to the US ESTA or Canada's eTA. It's a pre-entry approval for visa-free travelers, not a visa itself.

Important Update for 2026: K-ETA has been temporarily waived through December 31, 2025, and is extended through December 2026 to encourage tourism.

K-ETA Key Facts

Countries Eligible for K-ETA

K-ETA applies to 112 countries including:

Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland Asia-Pacific: Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar

Check your country's status: Visit K-ETA Official Website

How to Apply for K-ETA (When Required)

1. Visit https://www.k-eta.go.kr
2. Fill out the online application (10-15 minutes)
3. Provide passport details, travel information, contact info
4. Pay application fee (~$10 USD)
5. Receive approval via email (typically within 72 hours)
6. Print or save approval for airport check-in

Pro Tip: Apply at least 1 week before your departure date, even though processing is usually quick.

Medical Tourism Visa (C-3-3): Detailed Guide

What is the C-3-3 Visa?

The C-3-3 visa is Korea's short-term medical tourism visa, specifically designed for foreign patients seeking medical treatments in Korea.

C-3-3 Visa Specifications

Who Should Apply for C-3-3?

This visa is ideal if you:

• Need multiple treatment sessions over several weeks
• Want clear documentation that you're in Korea for medical purposes
• Are from a country that requires a visa to enter Korea
• Plan to stay close to the 90-day limit
• Need official medical travel records for insurance

Required Documents for C-3-3 Visa

Standard Documents:

1. Visa application form (완성된 비자 신청서)
2. Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
3. Passport photos (1-2 recent photos, 3.5cm x 4.5cm)
4. Visa fee (varies by country, typically $30-$80)

Medical-Specific Documents: 5. Medical diagnosis or doctor's letter from your home country explaining need for treatment 6. Treatment plan from Korean clinic showing:

• Specific procedures planned
• Treatment timeline
• Expected duration of stay
• Estimated costs

7. Appointment confirmation from registered Korean medical institution
8. Invitation letter from Korean clinic (for some applications)

Financial Documents: 9. Bank statements (last 3-6 months) proving you can afford:

• Treatment costs
• Accommodation expenses
• Daily living expenses
• Return flight

10. Proof of payment or deposit to Korean clinic (if already paid)

Additional Documents (may be required):

• Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
• Employment letter or proof of ties to home country

How to Apply for Medical Tourism Visa

Step 1: Book Your Korean Clinic Contact and confirm treatment dates with a registered medical institution in Korea. Request:

• Official treatment plan letter
• Appointment confirmation
• Cost estimate
• Clinic registration certificate (if required)

Step 2: Prepare Documents Gather all required documents listed above. Ensure:

• All documents are current (within 3-6 months)
• Financial proof shows sufficient funds
• Medical letters are on official letterhead

Step 3: Submit Application Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country:

• Schedule an appointment if required
• Submit all documents in person or by mail (varies by embassy)
• Pay visa application fee

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Standard processing: 5-10 business days
• Peak season: Up to 30 days
• Fast-track for select hospitals: 3 days (new 2025 policy for 45 major hospitals)

Step 5: Receive Visa

• Collect passport with visa stamp
• Verify dates, entries allowed, and validity
• Make copies for your records

Fast-Track Medical Visa Processing (2025 Update)

Korea's Ministry of Justice introduced expedited e-visa processing for patients visiting select medical institutions:

• Processing time: 3 days
• Eligible institutions: 45 top-tier hospitals including major Seoul hospitals
• Method: Electronic visa system
• Validity: 4 years for qualified institutions

Top hospitals included: Major university hospitals, 22 comprehensive hospitals, 18 dermatology clinics, 17 plastic surgery centers

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

For treatments requiring more than 90 days:

G-1-10 Visa Details

Note: This visa is rarely needed for cosmetic dermatology. Most skincare treatments are completed within days or weeks, not months.

Visa-Free Entry: Complete Country List

Countries with 90-Day Visa Exemption

No visa required for stays up to 90 days (perfect for skincare treatments):

Europe (30 days to 90 days): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

Americas (90 days): United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru

Asia-Pacific (30-90 days): Australia (90 days), Japan (90 days), New Zealand (90 days), Singapore (90 days), Taiwan (90 days), Hong Kong (90 days), Malaysia (90 days), Thailand (90 days)

Middle East (30-90 days): UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar

Total: 112 countries eligible for visa-free entry

Visa Exemption Stay Periods by Region

Treatment Planning Timeline

Recommended Timeline for Skincare Trip

3-4 Months Before Travel:

• ✅ Research clinics and treatments
• ✅ Contact 2-3 clinics for consultations and quotes
• ✅ Check visa requirements for your nationality
• ✅ Review your passport expiration date (needs 6+ months validity)

2-3 Months Before:

• ✅ Book clinic appointments and confirm treatment dates
• ✅ Apply for visa if required (allow 2-4 weeks processing)
• ✅ Apply for K-ETA if required and not waived
• ✅ Book flights and accommodation near clinic
• ✅ Arrange travel insurance

1 Month Before:

• ✅ Receive visa approval (if applicable)
• ✅ Confirm all clinic appointments
• ✅ Prepare medical history documents
• ✅ Check clinic payment policies (deposit, payment methods)
• ✅ Plan post-treatment recovery time

1-2 Weeks Before:

• ✅ Pack recommended skincare products
• ✅ Print all confirmations (clinic, hotel, flights)
• ✅ Exchange currency or notify bank of travel
• ✅ Download translation apps

Upon Arrival in Korea:

• ✅ Present passport and visa/K-ETA at immigration
• ✅ Fill out arrival card
• ✅ Have clinic address and contact ready
• ✅ Check in to accommodation near clinic

How Long Should You Stay?

Recommended stay duration by treatment type:

Pro Tips:

• Book consultation 1-2 days before main treatment
• Allow buffer days for swelling/redness to subside
• Schedule follow-up check 2-3 days after procedure
• Add tourist activities during recovery (gentle sightseeing)

Insurance Considerations

Travel Insurance vs Medical Insurance

Travel Insurance:

• ✅ Covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, emergencies
• ✅ May include emergency medical care
• ❌ Usually EXCLUDES elective cosmetic procedures
• ❌ Won't cover complications from planned treatments

Medical Tourism Insurance:

• ✅ Designed for international medical travel
• ✅ May cover treatment complications
• ✅ Emergency evacuation if needed
• ⚠️ Review policy carefully—many exclude cosmetic procedures

What to Look for in Travel Insurance

When choosing insurance for your Korean skincare trip:

Essential Coverage:

• Emergency medical care (non-cosmetic)
• Hospital admission for emergencies
• Medical evacuation
• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Lost baggage and documents

Optional but Recommended:

• Treatment complication coverage (specialized policies)
• Extended stay coverage (if treatment delayed)
• COVID-19 related coverage

Popular Providers for Medical Tourism:

• IMG Global Medical Insurance
• GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners Medical Tourism Coverage
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Cost: $50-$200 for 1-2 week coverage, varies by age and coverage level

Should You Get Insurance?

We recommend travel insurance if:

• ✅ Your flights are non-refundable
• ✅ You're booking expensive treatments in advance
• ✅ You have pre-existing health conditions
• ✅ You want peace of mind for emergencies

Specialized medical tourism insurance if:

• ✅ You're getting invasive procedures (not typical for basic skincare)
• ✅ Your treatment involves anesthesia
• ✅ You're combining multiple complex treatments
• ✅ You want coverage for potential complications

For basic skincare treatments (Botox, fillers, lasers): Standard travel insurance with emergency medical coverage is usually sufficient. These procedures carry minimal risk and don't typically require specialized medical tourism insurance.

Visa Extension: What If You Need More Time?

Can You Extend Your Stay?

Yes, but requirements vary:

For Tourist/Visa-Free Entry:

• Must apply at Immigration Office in Korea
• Need valid reason (medical complications, follow-up treatment)
• May require clinic letter explaining need
• Extension typically granted for 30-90 days
• Apply before current stay expires

For C-3-3 Medical Visa:

• Easier to extend for medical reasons
• Requires updated treatment plan from clinic
• Proof of financial means for extended stay
• Maximum total stay: typically up to 6 months
• Must demonstrate legitimate medical need

For Emergency Medical Issues:

• Can apply for G-1 temporary status
• Requires hospital admission proof
• Granted for duration of medical necessity

How to Apply for Extension:

1. Visit local Immigration Office (not at airport)
2. Submit extension application form
3. Provide updated medical documents
4. Show financial proof
5. Pay extension fee (₩60,000-100,000 / $45-$75)
6. Receive decision within 1-2 weeks

Important: Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Always apply for extension before your current authorization expires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I enter Korea for skincare treatments on a tourist visa?

A: Yes! Most skincare treatments (lasers, Botox, fillers, facials) can be done on a standard tourist visa or visa-free entry. You only need a specific medical visa (C-3-3) if you're from a country requiring a visa, need extended stay, or want official medical travel documentation.

Q: How long can I stay in Korea without a visa?

A: It depends on your nationality. Most visa-exempt countries (US, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan) can stay up to 90 days. UK citizens get 180 days. Check your country's specific agreement with Korea.

Q: Do I need K-ETA right now (2026)?

A: As of January 2026, K-ETA remains temporarily waived and is extended through December 31, 2026. Always check the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) for the latest updates before your trip.

Q: What if I'm only staying for 3 days for Botox—do I need anything special?

A: No special visa needed. If you're from a visa-exempt country, simply enter as a tourist. Bring your clinic appointment confirmation just in case immigration asks about your visit purpose.

Q: Can I work remotely while in Korea for medical treatment?

A: Technically, tourist and medical visas don't permit work. However, remote work for a foreign employer while physically in Korea is a gray area. Officially, you should not work. If you need to work, consider a longer-term visa appropriate for your situation.

Q: What documents should I bring to Korean immigration?

A: Always carry:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Return flight ticket
• Accommodation details (hotel booking)
• Clinic appointment confirmation
• Proof of funds (credit card, bank statement)
• K-ETA approval (if required and not waived)
• Visa (if required)

Q: Can I bring a companion? Do they need a medical visa too?

A: Companions can travel with you on regular tourist visas—they don't need medical visas. They're simply tourists accompanying you. Ensure they also meet visa/K-ETA requirements for their nationality.

Q: What if my treatment gets cancelled or delayed?

A: This is why travel insurance is important. If you have trip cancellation coverage, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable flights and hotels. Contact your clinic immediately to reschedule, and check if you can modify your travel plans.

Q: Are there any treatments that require special permission?

A: Most cosmetic dermatology procedures don't require special permits. However, if you're getting prescription medications to take home, check both Korean export regulations and your home country's import regulations for pharmaceuticals.

Q: How much money should I show as proof of funds?

A: While there's no official minimum, having evidence of $2,000-$5,000 USD available (bank statement, credit card limit) is generally sufficient for a 1-2 week medical tourism trip. This shows you can cover treatment, accommodation, and living expenses.

Q: Can I visit multiple clinics during one trip?

A: Absolutely! Many medical tourists book consultations at multiple clinics or combine different treatments at different facilities. Just ensure your schedule allows adequate recovery time between procedures.

Q: What happens if I have a medical emergency during my stay?

A: Dial 119 for emergency services in Korea. If it's treatment-related, contact your clinic immediately—most offer 24/7 emergency support. This is where travel insurance with emergency medical coverage becomes crucial.

Q: Do I need to declare my medical purpose at immigration?

A: You can mention you're visiting for medical tourism if asked, but it's not required to declare. Most tourists simply say "tourism" or "sightseeing." Having your clinic appointment confirmation ready is sufficient if questions arise.

Conclusion: Planning Your Korean Skincare Journey

Understanding visa requirements is the first step to a stress-free Korean skincare adventure. Here's your quick action plan:

Check Your Visa Status:

1. Confirm if your country is visa-exempt (112 countries qualify)
2. Verify K-ETA requirements (currently waived through Dec 2026)
3. Decide if medical visa (C-3-3) benefits your specific situation

Prepare Your Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months)
• Clinic appointment confirmations
• Accommodation bookings
• Return flight tickets
• Financial proof
• Travel insurance

Plan Your Timeline:

• Book clinics 2-3 months in advance
• Apply for visa (if needed) 1-2 months before travel
• Allow adequate recovery time in your itinerary
• Schedule follow-up appointments before leaving

Stay Informed:

• Check latest entry requirements before booking
• Monitor K-ETA status updates
• Verify clinic registration and credentials
• Review insurance coverage carefully

With over 700,000 international visitors choosing Korea for dermatology treatments in 2024, the country has streamlined processes to welcome medical tourists. Whether you're getting laser treatments in Gangnam, Botox in Apgujeong, or a comprehensive skincare program, proper visa planning ensures you can focus on achieving your beauty goals.

Ready to start your Korean skincare journey? Research clinics, verify your visa requirements, and book with confidence knowing you have all the entry information you need.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Korean embassy or consulate in your country and the official K-ETA website before making travel plans. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.

Need clinic recommendations? Browse our Gangnam clinic guides and treatment comparisons to find the perfect match for your skincare goals.

Last Updated: January 5, 2026 Reading Time: 12 minutes