(This page was last updated on: 7 April 2026)
All information remains unchanged unless otherwise stated.

A-1: DIPLOMATIC VISA

Eligible Applicants:
Staff of diplomatic missions or consulates, or individuals with equivalent diplomatic privileges, including immediate family members, traveling to Korea for short-term assignments or postings to diplomatic missions or international organization offices.

• Single-entry visa (90 days or less) valid for 3 months: For individuals visiting for short-term assignments.

• Multiple-entry visas up to 3 years: For individuals who will be posted to a diplomatic mission or the office of an international organization in Korea that have a ‘Multiple-Entry Visa Agreement’ with the Republic of Korea, or under the principle of reciprocity.

• Fees: Exempted

Important Note:

• ①If the purpose of stay is not related to diplomatic activities, applicants must apply for the appropriate visa type. Possession of a diplomatic passport does not guarantee the issuance of a diplomatic visa.

• ②In principle, the A-1 visa is not issued to ordinary passport holders. Exceptions may be considered only upon submission of an official letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the relevant country or the Secretary-General of the relevant international organization, specifying the assignment and status of the diplomat or officer, and providing justification for the applicant’s non-possession of a diplomatic passport, including the family relationship (in cases dependent visa applications).