South Korea Visa for Nepal Passport Holders

Nepalpassport South Koreadestination

Single entry ApprovalMedium Transit visaConditional

Data verified 15 May 2026

At a glance

Nepal passport holders: Single entry for South Korea. Fee: KRW 40000 (~USD 26.7). Processing: 5-15 working days (Tourist) / 1-3 months (EPS). Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.

Overview

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) NOT available for Nepalese. Full visa required. Fee: KRW 40,000-90,000 (~USD 30-67 / NPR 4,530-10,117) for Tourist Visa via Korean Embassy Kathmandu (KR has direct mission). EPS (Employment Permit System) is MAJOR for Nepali workers.

Visa types: C-3 Tourist Visa (single 30/90 days, multiple); C-4 Short-term Business; D-2 Student; D-4 Language Training; E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS — MAJOR Nepali category); E-7 Specialty; F-2 Long-Term Resident; F-3 Dependent; F-5 Permanent Resident; F-6 Marriage; H-2 Working Visit (Korean diaspora); Transit; Diplomatic. K-ETA visa-free for select countries (not Nepal).

Fees & funds

Visa fee (local)KRW 40,000 (C-3 single Tourist)

In USDUSD 30

In NPRNPR 4,530

Minimum bank balanceUSD 100/day

Stay & validity

Validity: 3 months from issue. Max Stay: 30/90 days (C-3). EPS E-9: 3 years renewable for 5 years total.

Extension possibleConditional

Overstay penalty: KRW 100,000-30,000,000 fine + deportation + entry ban

How to apply

MethodKorean Embassy Kathmandu (in-person)

Application centreEmbassy

Processing time5-15 working days (Tourist) / 1-3 months (EPS)

AppointmentYes · Book

InterviewConditional

Urgent processingNo

Requirements

Bank Statement Yes Yes (3 months, USD 100/day)

Return Ticket Yes

Hotel Booking Yes

Sponsor Doc Conditional

Invitation Letter Yes Yes (Business/Family)

Vaccination No None typically required

Travel Insurance Recommended

Biometrics Yes Yes (EPS)

Police Clearance Yes Yes (EPS)

Employment Letter Yes Yes (EPS)

Passport & photo

Passport validity6+ months

Photo size35 × 45 mm · White bg

Required documents: Valid passport (6+ months); Visa application form; 35x45mm photo; Flight booking; Hotel reservation / Sponsor's invitation; Bank statement (3 months, USD 100/day); Employment letter; ITR; Property documents; Family Registration; For EPS: TOPIK Korean exam pass + EPS skill test + employer's confirmation via HRD Korea; Medical exam; Police clearance.

Visa types (1)

Tourist ★

Single KRW 40000 (~USD 26.7) 5-15 working days (Tourist) / 1-3 months (EPS)

Common rejection reasons

Common NP rejections: (1) Document fraud — fake bank statements, employment letters from Nepal flagged; (2) TOPIK exam fraud history (Korean language test scams); (3) EPS skill test failures; (4) Past Korea overstays heavily flagged (Nepalese high overstay rate historical); (5) Migration concerns — Nepal is top EPS source country; (6) Family ties in Korea raise visa-shopping suspicion; (7) Insufficient funds; (8) EPS quota fluctuations affect approval; (9) Single female applicants — anti-trafficking screening for entertainment sector.

Good to know

South Korea visa FAQ for Nepal passport holders

Do I need a visa to visit South Korea with a Nepal passport?

Yes — Nepal passport holders need a visa for South Korea (Single entry). Apply via Korean Embassy Kathmandu (in-person).

How much does a South Korea visa cost for Nepal passport holders?

The South Korea visa fee is USD 30 (about NPR 4,530). Additional service, biometric or courier charges may apply on top.

How long does it take to get a South Korea visa?

Typical processing for a South Korea visa is 5-15 working days (Tourist) / 1-3 months (EPS). Apply well ahead of your travel date and allow for appointment availability.

How long can I stay in South Korea on this visa?

A South Korea visa for Nepal passport holders typically allows a stay of Validity: 3 months from issue. Max Stay: 30/90 days (C-3). EPS E-9: 3 years renewable for 5 years total.. Extensions may be possible (Conditional).

How do I apply for a South Korea visa from Nepal?

Apply for your South Korea visa via Korean Embassy Kathmandu (in-person). An appointment is required. Your passport should be valid 6+ months.