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South Korea passport power 2026
South KoreaPassport Power

South Korea Passport Power 2026

Visa-Free: ~132 · VOA: ~40 · E-Visa: ~60 · Global Rank: ~#22

Official Sources OnlyExpert ReviewedUpdated May 26, 2026Free Visa Guide
PN

Written & reviewed by

Dr. Priya Nair

International Student Visa Specialist

PhD in International Relations. Has guided 5,000+ students through the study visa process across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify current requirements at the official government immigration website before applying. This site does not provide legal or immigration advice.

✈️
~132 countries
Visa-Free Access
🛬
~40 countries
Visa on Arrival
💻
~60 countries
E-Visa Available
🏆
~#22
Global Passport Rank

South Korea Passport Power Index 2026: Complete Guide

The South Korea passport is the primary travel document issued to citizens of South Korea, enabling international travel and providing a gateway to the world. In 2026, the South Korea passport offers approximately 132 visa-free destinations, 40 countries with visa-on-arrival, and 60 countries where an electronic visa (e-visa) can be obtained online — a total pre-travel freedom of approximately 232 countries.

Globally, the South Korea passport ranks approximately #22 among all passports worldwide, based on the Henley Passport Index methodology. This ranking places South Korea among Asia nations in terms of international travel freedom and mobility. The strength of a passport is measured primarily by the number of countries its holder can access without a prior visa arrangement.

This guide covers everything South Korea citizens need to know about their passport's power in 2026: visa-free access breakdown, entry access by category (visa-free, VOA, e-visa, visa required), regional access breakdown, comparison with similar Asia passports, how to maximise travel with the South Korea passport, and 20 expert FAQs.

South Korea passport travel

South Korea Passport

Explore the World with South Korea Travel Document

232 destinations with minimal visa pre-arrangements

South Korea Passport: World Access Breakdown 2026

Access CategoryEstimated CountriesWhat It Means
🟢Visa-Free Entry132No visa needed — present passport at border
🟡Visa on Arrival (VOA)40Obtain visa stamp at airport on arrival
🔵Electronic Visa (e-Visa)60Apply online before travel; no embassy visit
🔴Visa Required (pre-arranged)-37Must apply at embassy before travelling
Total World Countries195UN-recognised sovereign states

* Estimates based on available bilateral visa data. Always verify current requirements before travel.

South Korea Key Facts

Capital: Seoul
Currency: KRW
Region: Asia
Passport Rank: ~#22 globally
Visa-Free + VOA: ~172 countries
Official site: https://www.immigration.go.kr
D-2 student visa
E-7 professional visa

Compare: Asia Passport Rankings

South Korea Passport: 20 Expert FAQs (2026)

Everything South Korea citizens need to know about their passport's power and global access.

Explore Visa Options for South Korea Citizens

Maximise Your South Korea Passport

Compare South Korea with other passports, check visa-free destinations, and plan your international travel with our free tools.