The C-3 short-term visit visa
C-3 is a short-stay visit status. You cannot work on it.
Who this covers
- Tourism, visiting family and friends, meetings and consultations, short study tours
- Some nationalities can enter visa-free
Steps
- Decide the purpose of your visit.
- Apply at a Korean embassy, or check K-ETA and other pre-entry steps if visa-free applies.
- Pass immigration inspection. You may be asked about your purpose, address and return ticket.
- Depart within the permitted period.
What you need
- Passport
- Invitation letter and accommodation details, if any
- A return ticket
- Proof of funds for your stay
Where to go
- The Korean embassy or consulate in your country
- HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr · 1345
Questions people ask
Can I do part-time work? No. Working on C-3 leads to deportation and an entry ban if detected.
Can I extend? Only in limited circumstances. Ask immigration before it expires.
Can I change to another status? There are restrictions in principle. Some cases are possible — check with 1345.
Can I bring my child? Each person needs their own visa. Check with the embassy.
Take care
"Come on a tourist visa and just work" from a broker is a lie. Detection means deportation and restricted re-entry. The family who invited you can also suffer consequences.
Related
c4-short-term-employment · f1-visit-cohabit · overstay-consequences · change-of-status
Source
Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08