01
Check your passport's K-ETA eligibility
K-ETA covers most major countries — US, Canada, UK, EU, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, NZ, and more. Apply at k-eta.go.kr (₩10,000 fee, 24-hour processing). Valid 3 years, multiple entries.
Visa basics · C-3-3 vs visa-free
Korea medical visa explained for Busan Seomyeon patients.
Most foreign dermatology patients entering Korea don't need a special medical visa — they enter under K-ETA or visa-free. Here's exactly when you need C-3-3, when you don't, and what documents JRYN provides if you do.
K-ETA covers most patients
C-3-3 only for long stays
JRYN provides invitation letters
KHIDI-registered clinic
Visa rules at a glance
What you actually need to know.
K-ETA stay limit
≤90 days
C-3-3 stay limit
≤90 days
C-3-3 + extension
Up to 1 year
Most dermatology trips
K-ETA only
Multiple entries
Possible
JRYN invitation letter
Free
If you only read one paragraph
Most patients use K-ETA, not a medical visa.
Korea's foreign-patient visa landscape is simpler than it looks. K-ETA(electronic travel authorization) covers visitors from 100+ countries for short stays — including the typical 3–14 day dermatology trip. You don't need a separate 'medical visa' for routine treatment under 90 days. The C-3-3 medical visa exists for cases where K-ETA is unavailable (specific nationalities) or where you need formal documentation (extended treatment, recovery requirements, immigration history concerns). For most JRYN foreign patients — Japanese, American, Taiwanese, Singaporean, Australian, EU passport holders — K-ETA is the right path. We provide invitation letters free for any patient who requests one, regardless of which visa class they use.
Visa decision tree
Six steps to clarity.
02
Determine your stay length
Under 90 days → K-ETA is enough for most nationalities. Treatment + recovery + sightseeing for 1–14 days fits comfortably within K-ETA's allowance. No medical visa needed for typical dermatology trips.
03
Identify nationalities needing C-3-3
If your country isn't on the K-ETA list (some Southeast Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Central Asian nationalities), you'll need C-3-3 even for short visits. Apply at the Korean embassy in your home country.
04
Get an invitation letter from JRYN
For C-3-3 applications, your clinic must provide an invitation letter (초청장) confirming treatment scope, dates, and clinic registration. JRYN provides this free as a KHIDI-registered international healthcare facility.
05
Prepare supporting documents
C-3-3 applications need: passport, application form, photo, JRYN invitation letter, proof of funds (bank statement), travel insurance, return flight booking. Some embassies request additional items based on history.
06
Consider C-3-3 even if not required
Some patients prefer C-3-3 over K-ETA for: longer stays (over 90 days with extension), aggressive procedures with extended recovery, formal documentation for insurance/HSA reimbursement, or peace of mind for first-time visitors.
Which path fits you
Visa path by patient type.
US, Canadian, EU citizens
K-ETA. Fast, cheap, multiple entries. C-3-3 unnecessary for typical dermatology trips. ESTA-equivalent simplicity.
Japanese visitors
Visa-free under reciprocal agreement (90 days). No K-ETA, no C-3-3 for tourism-purpose entry — including dermatology under tourism category.
Taiwanese visitors
K-ETA covers Taiwan. Apply online, ₩10,000 fee, multiple entries valid 3 years. Most efficient path.
Mainland Chinese visitors
C-3-3 medical visa typically needed (China not on K-ETA list). JRYN invitation letter is required documentation. Plan 4 weeks ahead.
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Singapore: K-ETA. Malaysia: K-ETA recently added. Thailand: visa-free 90 days under reciprocal agreement.
Other nationalities
Check Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal (mofa.go.kr). Rules change periodically. WhatsApp us with your passport country and we'll confirm current status.
What JRYN provides
Visa support, free for patients.
Invitation letter (초청장)
Korean + English bilingual letter confirming treatment scope, appointment dates, clinic registration number, and KHIDI accreditation. Required for C-3-3, optional but useful for K-ETA edge cases.
Treatment confirmation document
Itemized treatment plan with KRW pricing, used for proof-of-funds documentation if your embassy requests financial evidence for the C-3-3 application.
Embassy contact list
Direct contact for Korean embassies in major cities (Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, etc.) including consulate phone numbers and visa appointment portals.
Recovery / extension support
If unexpected complications require longer stay, JRYN provides medical justification letters for visa extension applications at Korean immigration offices (출입국·외국인청).
Choosing K-ETA vs C-3-3
Decision framework.
K-ETA is right if you
- Hold a passport from one of 100+ K-ETA-eligible countries
- Plan a stay under 90 days
- Don't have prior immigration issues with Korea
- Want the fastest, cheapest entry option
- Are comfortable without a formal 'medical visa' label
C-3-3 is right if you
- Hold a passport not on the K-ETA list
- Plan extended treatment over 90 days (or with extension to 1 year)
- Want formal medical-purpose documentation for insurance reimbursement
- Have prior immigration history concerns
- Are bringing a caregiver (C-3-3-1 companion visa available)
Skip the visa step entirely if
- You're a Japanese citizen on a tourism visit (visa-free up to 90 days)
- You're a Korean ARC holder (foreign resident — already authorized)
- You're transiting through Korea under 24 hours and not seeking medical care
- Your country has visa-free reciprocal agreement
- You're under 18 — different rules apply, contact embassy
After your visa is sorted
Practical next steps.
K-ETA approval window
Approved K-ETAs are typically issued within 24 hours but apply at least 72 hours before flight. Save the approval email and have it accessible at airport check-in (some airlines require it before boarding).
C-3-3 application timeline
Allow 5–10 business days for embassy processing in most countries. Apply 4 weeks ahead for buffer. Some embassies (Tokyo, Beijing) move faster; others slower.
Bring documents to immigration
Korean immigration officers may ask the purpose of visit. Have JRYN's invitation letter or appointment confirmation ready on your phone. They rarely ask, but having it speeds up entry if they do.
If your visa application is denied
Reasons vary — incomplete documents, bank statements showing insufficient funds, prior overstays. JRYN can help draft a stronger second application with revised supporting materials. Most denials are correctable.
Dr. Lee Portrait
About the doctor
Dr. Jeong Heon Lee,
board-certified
dermatologist.
A medical decision should not feel rushed.
My job is to give you the 30 minutes you couldn't get at home
—
then deliver treatment that respects what made you fly here in the first place.
- MD, Inje University College of Medicine
- Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Member, Korean Society of Cosmetic Dermatology
- 15+ years treating international dermatology patients
Frequently asked
FAQ · Korea medical visa
questions.
Do I need a medical visa for Busan dermatology?
Most likely no. If your passport country is on Korea's K-ETA list (US, Canada, UK, EU, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, NZ, and many others), K-ETA covers your dermatology trip under 90 days. Only patients from non-K-ETA countries (mainland China, some SE Asian, African, Middle Eastern nationalities) typically need the C-3-3 medical visa.
What is C-3-3 medical visa exactly?
C-3-3 is Korea's short-stay medical purpose visa, valid up to 90 days with extension possible up to 1 year. It requires an invitation letter from a KHIDI-registered medical facility, proof of funds, return flight, and travel insurance. Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.
How long does K-ETA take to approve?
Typically 24 hours but officially up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight. K-ETA is valid 3 years (multiple entries, up to 90 days each visit). The application costs ₩10,000 (about $7) and is done online at k-eta.go.kr.
How long does C-3-3 take to approve?
5–10 business days at most Korean embassies. Apply 4 weeks before travel for safety buffer. Some embassies (Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai) process faster due to volume. Singapore, Bangkok, smaller posts can take longer. Track application via embassy portal.
Does JRYN provide visa support?
Yes — free for booked patients. We provide a bilingual Korean+English invitation letter (초청장) confirming your treatment plan, appointment dates, and clinic registration. We also help draft proof-of-funds documentation and answer embassy questions if they contact us.
Can my spouse or family come on a separate visa?
Yes. Companions can use K-ETA independently if their nationality qualifies. For C-3-3 medical visa holders, family members can apply for C-3-3-1 (companion of medical visa holder) — JRYN provides supporting documentation for this too.
What if my K-ETA is denied?
Rare but possible. Common reasons: incomplete address, prior overstays, security flags. Apply for C-3-3 instead with full supporting documentation. JRYN's invitation letter strengthens the application. Don't fly to Korea without an approved entry document — you'll be turned around at boarding.
Can I extend my stay if treatment requires it?
Yes, both K-ETA and C-3-3 allow extension at Korean immigration offices (출입국·외국인청). JRYN provides medical justification letters showing why extended stay is needed. K-ETA extension is harder than C-3-3 extension, so for known long stays, apply for C-3-3 from the start.
Are there visa benefits to being KHIDI-registered patient?
JRYN is a KHIDI-registered clinic, which means our invitation letters carry official weight at Korean embassies. KHIDI-registered patient status may also help with future visa applications (proof of legitimate medical purpose history). It's not a separate visa class but it strengthens any application.
How do I confirm my visa requirements?
WhatsApp +82-10-3951-7576 with your passport country, planned stay length, and treatment scope. We respond within 24 hours with the specific path (K-ETA, C-3-3, or visa-free) for your situation, plus required documents and timeline.
Need help with your visa path?
Free invitation letter,
fast turnaround..
WhatsApp us your passport country and travel dates. We confirm whether you need K-ETA, C-3-3, or visa-free entry, and prepare any supporting documents within 1–2 business days. No fees, no upsells.
Individual results may vary. Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a licensed medical professional before any procedure. Prices are estimates and may change. JRYN Dermatology is licensed under the Korean Medical Service Act.