South Korea visa requirements for Thailand citizens 2026
Find out if Thailand citizens need a visa to enter South Korea. Get the latest entry requirements, document checklist and processing times for South Korea travel.
eTA REQUIRED
Travel Requirements & Information
Visa Required
- Application: Required in advance
- Processing time: 15-30 business days
- Validity: Varies by visa type
- Fees: Check embassy website
Application Steps
- 1. Complete visa application form
- 2. Gather required documents
- 3. Schedule embassy appointment
- 4. Submit application & pay fees
- 5. Wait for processing & collect visa
Important Notes
- • Apply well in advance
- • Check embassy requirements
- • Ensure document validity
- • Keep copies of all documents
Thailand Passport
South Korea Passport
Thailand vs South Korea Passport Comparison 2026
Thailand Citizens Traveling To
Traveling to South Korea
Travelling from Thailand to South Korea in 2026
Thailand citizens visiting South Korea currently need eTA Required entry — duration varies. The Thailand passport holds global rank #110 with 40 visa-free destinations, while South Korea ranks #19 with 116 visa-free destinations. This guide outlines the exact rules, required documents, and processing timelines for this specific route.
Reverse: South Korea citizens travelling to Thailand
Travellers from South Korea entering Thailand need Visa Free — 60 days. Visa policies are not always symmetric, so the requirements may differ from the opposite direction.
Passport Comparison: Thailand vs South Korea
Passport Power Comparison: Visa-Free Access
Thailand citizens currently enjoy visa-free or easy-access travel to 115 destinations, while South Korea passport holders can visit 183 countries without a prior visa. That's a difference of 68 destinations — the South Korea passport holds the stronger position in the 2026 global mobility index.
Mobility Score Analysis
The Thailand passport scores 115 points on the easy-access index, compared to 183 for South Korea. This 68-point gap reflects the difference in how freely each passport lets its holder enter foreign territories without prior permission.
Where Thailand and South Korea Citizens Can Travel Together Visa-Free
Planning a joint trip from Thailand and South Korea? Both passports share visa-free or easy-access entry to 114 countries. These are ideal destinations if you're travelling as a mixed-nationality group, business delegation, or family.
Shared visa-free destinations (top 12):
See the full list below to plan your next joint getaway.
Political & Regional Bloc Memberships
Thailand is a member of:
- ASEAN
South Korea is a member of:
South Korea is not a member of any major regional or political bloc tracked here.
Regional bloc membership often grants simplified visa rules, free movement rights, and shared external border policies. When both origin and destination belong to the same bloc, entry is usually visa-free or heavily streamlined.
Estimated Visa Cost for Thailand Citizens
Expected fee: approximately $10 – $50 USD per applicant, depending on visa category, processing speed, and current exchange rates.
Payment is processed online at the time of application.
Visa Processing Time
Electronic Travel Authorization typically arrives within hours, up to 3 business days in rare cases.
Required Documents for Thailand Citizens
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond entry date, with at least 2 blank pages)
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental, or invitation)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the trip duration
- Completed online application form
- Digital scan of passport bio-page
- Recent passport-style photo (colour, white background)
- Valid credit or debit card for online payment
Travel Insurance Requirements
Although not always mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance with at least $50,000 USD in medical coverage is strongly recommended for Thailand travellers visiting South Korea.
Currency, Time Zone & Practical Info
- Currency in South Korea: South Korean Won (KRW)
- Time zone: Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)
- Capital city: Seoul
- International dialling code: +82
Alternative Destinations Similar to South Korea
Explore other countries in the same region as South Korea — compare visa policies and plan multi-country trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Thailand citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?
You need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Thailand citizens must apply for an eTA online before traveling to South Korea.
What documents do I need to travel from Thailand to South Korea?
Essential documents for travel from Thailand to South Korea:
- Valid Thailand passport with at least 3-6 months validity
- At least 2 blank pages in your passport for stamps
- Valid visa or travel authorization for South Korea
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Travel insurance (recommended or required)
How do Thailand and South Korea passports compare globally?
Here's how the two passports compare in global rankings:
- Global Rank: #110
- Visa-free destinations: 40
- Easy access countries: 115
- Global Rank: #19
- Visa-free destinations: 116
- Easy access countries: 183
Can visa requirements change between Thailand and South Korea?
Yes, visa requirements can change due to diplomatic relations, security concerns, or policy updates. Always check current requirements before traveling.
What should I do if I'm denied entry to South Korea with my Thailand passport?
If denied entry, remain calm and ask for the reason. Contact your embassy for assistance and keep all documentation for potential appeals.
Do Thailand citizens need a visa to visit South Korea in 2026?
Thailand citizens currently require eTA Required to enter South Korea. Requirements can change, so always verify with the official embassy or consulate before travel.
How much does a South Korea visa cost for Thailand passport holders?
The visa fee for Thailand applicants travelling to South Korea typically ranges from $10 to $50 USD, excluding any service or expedited-processing surcharges.
How long does a South Korea visa take to process for Thailand citizens?
Standard processing for Thailand citizens applying for a South Korea visa is 0 – 3 business days. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.
How many countries can both Thailand and South Korea citizens visit together visa-free?
Both Thailand and South Korea passport holders share visa-free or easy-access entry to approximately 114 countries, making these ideal destinations for joint travel.
Which passport is stronger — Thailand or South Korea?
Passport strength is measured by the number of visa-free or easy-access destinations. Compare both passports in the section above to see the current ranking gap.
How long can Thailand citizens stay in South Korea?
The permitted stay duration depends on the visa category. Most short-stay visas allow 30–90 days per entry. Check the embassy website for your specific visa type.