C-3 Short-term visit visa guide
Tourism, visit, meetings · Extensions, status changes and permitted activities, based on Ministry of Justice manuals and laws.
What can and can't you do with a C-3 short-term visit visa?
With a C-3 (Short-Term Visit) visa, you can only do activities that do not earn money, for a period of no more than 90 days. You cannot take a job where you work and get paid. You also cannot do for-profit activities th…
Read more ›I entered on a C-3 short-term visit. Can I extend my period of stay?
Yes, you can extend. But it is not available to everyone. It is possible only if the need for an extension is recognized within 90 days from your date of entry. Your activity must fall within the C-3 scope, and there mu…
Read more ›Can I change from C-3 (short-term visit) to another status while staying in Korea?
Yes, you can, but only if the specific guidelines allow it. In principle, Korea rarely approves a change of status from C-3. Usually, you have to leave the country, get a new visa, and enter again. Check whether you can…
Read more ›Can my family who came to Korea on a C-3 short-term visit stay in Korea longer?
Yes, it may be possible. But if you extend, you can stay only up to 90 days in total, counting from the day you entered Korea. To stay longer than 90 days, you must separately check whether you can change to another sta…
Read more ›What happens if I stay past my C-3 period of stay?
If you stay even one day past your C-3 period of stay, you become an illegal overstayer. You can get a fine and be ordered to leave Korea. The longer you overstay, the bigger the fine. It may also be hard to come back t…
Read more ›Can I leave Korea after entering on a C-3 and come back in right away?
Yes. There is no rule that blocks you from coming back right after you leave. But with a C-3, immigration reviews your purpose and length of stay again each time you enter. You can enter only if the officer allows it. R…
Read more ›General guidance prepared by Kevi from Ministry of Justice manuals, laws and official guides. Not legal advice. Please confirm with HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center (1345).