Travel Documentation and Entry Requirements for Personnel and Family Members Assigned to Korea
Personnel assigned to U.S. military components operating in Korea, as well as their dependents and affiliated civilians, must ensure they meet the appropriate documentation and immigration requirements prior to traveling to the Republic of Korea (ROK). Entry procedures vary depending on status, citizenship, and purpose of travel.
Entry Requirements by Status
Active Duty Military Personnel
Active duty personnel enter Korea using their Common Access Card (CAC) and official travel orders. A passport is not required for entry under this status.
Accompanying Family Members
Dependents listed on official Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders may enter Korea using a regular tourist passport. Family members are encouraged to apply for a Special Issuance Passport in advance, when applicable.
Department of Defense Civilian Employees
DoD civilians may also enter the ROK using a tourist passport; however, those on official travel are generally required to apply for a Special Issuance Passport prior to departure in accordance with Department of Defense policies.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizen family members must enter Korea with a valid passport from their country of citizenship. All travel documents must be originals or certified copies.
SOFA Stamp and A-3 Visa Requirements
All dependents, DoD civilians, and newborn children accompanying personnel assigned to U.S. military components in Korea must obtain both an A-3 Visa and a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Stamp within 30 days of arrival.
The A-3 Visa allows for multiple entries into Korea for those under official U.S. military orders.
The SOFA Stamp identifies the holder as someone protected under the U.S.-ROK SOFA and is required for legal status while residing in Korea under U.S. government sponsorship.
Note: Not all family members will require an A-3 Visa and SOFA Stamp. For example, Korean nationals or family members working outside U.S. installations may require alternate visas issued by the Korean Immigration Office.
Important: If a family member intends to seek employment off-post, it is strongly recommended to consult with installation legal services before pursuing job opportunities to ensure compliance with Korean immigration laws and visa requirements.
Tourist Passports
Tourist passports are required for leisure travel outside the Republic of Korea. Personnel and family members should apply for a tourist passport prior to departing the United States to avoid processing delays.
In Korea, tourist passports are issued only through the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and may take up to 8 weeks or more to process.
Tourist passports can be requested through any U.S. Post Office in the U.S. or by visiting www.travel.state.gov.
Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a digital travel clearance required by the Republic of Korea for nationals from visa-waiver countries. This includes visitors, dependents not on official PCS orders, and some civilians.
From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, U.S. citizens are temporarily exempt from K-ETA. However, individuals may still choose to apply for a K-ETA to streamline entry and avoid filling out arrival cards.
Those not exempt must apply for K-ETA prior to boarding their flight to Korea at www.k-eta.go.kr.