• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult DOD Foreign Clearance Guide, and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months.

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do not require Korean visas and do not require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using Department of State's eCC system or DOD APACS system.

HIV/AIDS Restriction: The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the Embassy of Korea website for current visa information. Please read our Customs Information page.

COVID-19 Requirements:

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Helpful resources

• Embassy of Japan
• Dual Nationality
• Prevention of International Child Abduction (IPCA)
• Customs Regulations

Entry and exit requirements
For tourist or business “visa free” stays up to 90 days:

• You must have a valid passport and should have proof of return or onward ticket.
• Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
• You cannot work on the local economy.
• You cannot change to another visa while in Japan (like a spouse, work, or study visa). You will need to leave and re-enter Japan with the correct visa.
• Immigration officers may deny entry if you lack proof of how you'll support yourself in Japan. They may also deny you exit from Japan if you have unpaid bills.
• All visitors must provide fingerprints and have their photo taken upon arrival. This doesn't apply to those entering on diplomatic visas, minors, or certain members of the military traveling on official orders.

For further information about landing procedures, please visit the Immigration Bureau of Japan.

Lost or stolen passports

• You cannot use a passport that you’ve reported as lost or stolen, even if you find it later.
• Japanese authorities will likely deny you entry if you try.
• If your passport was lost or stolen, you need to get a new one before traveling.

Visit the Embassy of Japan to see instructions on how to replace a lost or stolen passport.

Transiting through Japan

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid for your entire stay. Passport services are not available at the airport.
• Airlines in Japan may not let you board if you don't have the right travel documents for your next destination, or if your passport has less than 6 months of validity.

Military and SOFA travelers

• Active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DoD) identification and travel orders.
• However, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports to enter Japan.
• Please consult the DOD Foreign Clearance Guide before leaving the United States.

VisitSee the Immigration Services Agency website for various immigration procedures.

HIV/AIDS restrictions
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or for foreign residents of Japan.