Does my child need to obtain a Korean visa?

The final decision on all matters relating to Korean law, including immigration law, rests with the Korean authorities and not with the U.S. Embassy. The information below is a guide to obtaining a Korean visa for your child. In cases where our general information conflicts with that published by the Korean authorities, their requirements are controlling.

Korea Immigration Service:  http://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/index.do
Korean Immigration Contact Center: Dial 1345

U.S. Citizens

Korean Immigration requires parents of U.S. citizen children who are not also dual citizens of Korea to obtain a Korean visa in the child's passport within 90 days of the child's birth, if the child will remain in Korea for more than 90 days. Failure to register the child for a Korean visa within 90 days after birth could result in a fine by Korean Immigration.

Dual Citizens

If your U.S. citizen child has a dual U.S. and Korean citizenship (i.e., one parent is a Korean national), she/he must be registered at the Korean ward office closest to your residence within 30 days of birth, as required of all Korean citizens.

Traveling to the United States

Please remember that U.S. citizens (even dual citizens) are required by law to travel into and out of the United States on their U.S. passport. Therefore if your child holds a dual citizenship, you will be turned around at the port of entry if you attempt to bring your child into the United States on his/her Korean passport. We encourage all U.S. citizens to apply for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and passport as soon as possible after their child is born.

SOFA status

Requirements for your child's Korean visa vary if one or both of the parents are in SOFA status. Contact your unit legal office for additional information and assistance. Your child's visa or SOFA stamps are your responsibility. While the Embassy can provide some information about Korean visa regulations, we cannot intervene with Korean Immigration on your behalf. Military employees can contact the Administration Section of the 121st Hospital, their own Personnel Offices, or Army Community Services for assistance or information.