Planning a trip to Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island or other popular destinations in South Korea? For Nepali citizens, a Korea tourist visa is required before travelling to South Korea for tourism.
The tourist category for short-term visits is C-3-9, generally covering stays of up to 90 days. The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Kathmandu currently requires applicants to submit documents such as a visa application form, photograph, passport, cover letter, round-trip flight booking, hotel booking, detailed itinerary, employment and financial documents.
One important point for applicants is that there is no officially published fixed minimum bank balance for a Korean tourist visa from Nepal in the current tourist-document notice. Instead, your financial documents should demonstrate that you can realistically afford your trip, and your overall application should be consistent and credible.
This guide explains the South Korea tourist visa from Nepal, including eligibility, required documents, bank balance, visa fees, processing time, application steps and common mistakes to avoid.
2026 Update: This guide reflects the Korea Visa Application Center and Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal information available in 2026. Visa requirements, fees and procedures can change, so applicants should verify the latest notice before submitting their documents.
Korea Tourist Visa from Nepal at a Glance
| Requirement | Current information |
|---|---|
| Visa category | C-3-9 Tourist |
| Purpose | Tourism/short-term visit |
| Maximum stay category | Up to 90 days |
| Application location | Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC), Kathmandu |
| Single-entry visa fee | US$40 / NPR 6,200 |
| KVAC service fee | NPR 2,000 per application |
| Processing time | 15 working days for short-term visas |
| Bank statement | Last 6 months |
| Bank balance certificate | Required |
| Flight booking | Round-trip booking required |
| Hotel booking | Required |
| Appointment | Not required for submission, according to current KVAC FAQ |
The visa fee conversion was updated from July 1, 2026, using US$1 = NPR 155. KVAC also charges a separate NPR 2,000 service fee, payable in cash.
Who Can Apply for a Korea Tourist Visa from Nepal?
The C-3-9 tourist visa is intended for applicants whose purpose is tourism. The current KVAC notice specifically identifies applicants travelling to Korea for tourism as eligible for this category.
This may include Nepali applicants who want to:
- Visit Seoul and other Korean cities
- Experience Korean culture and food
- Visit attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower
- Take a holiday with family or friends
- Travel independently for tourism
A tourist visa should not be used for employment, study, or other activities that require a different visa category.
Korea Tourist Visa Requirements for Nepali Citizens
Getting your documents right is one of the most important parts of the application. According to the current KVAC tourist visa notice, Nepali applicants should prepare the following documents.
1. Completed Visa Application Form
Complete the Korean visa application form carefully and truthfully.
Your personal information should match your passport and supporting documents. The applicant must also provide an original signature on page 5 that matches the signature in the passport.
2. Recent Passport-Size Photograph
A recent photograph measuring 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, taken within the previous six months, is required.
3. Original Passport and Photocopy
Submit your original passport together with a copy.
Make sure your passport and supporting documents are in good condition and that your personal information is consistent across the application.
4. Visa Cover Letter
Your cover letter should explain:
- Why you want to visit South Korea
- Your proposed travel period
- Your planned destinations
- Who will pay for the trip
The cover letter should agree with your itinerary and financial documents instead of introducing conflicting information.
5. Round-Trip Flight Booking
The current tourist visa requirement includes a round-trip flight booking, with the departure date scheduled at least 21 days or more after the application date.
It is important to distinguish between a booking and assuming that a confirmed ticket guarantees visa approval. Visa issuance is still subject to assessment.
6. Hotel Booking
Applicants must provide a hotel booking voucher for the trip.
Your accommodation information should make sense alongside your travel dates and itinerary.
7. Detailed Travel Itinerary
Prepare a clear day-by-day or trip-by-trip schedule showing where you plan to go in Korea.
For example:
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
Day 3: Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower
Day 4: Travel to Busan
Day 5: Busan sightseeing
Day 6: Return to Seoul
Day 7: Departure for Nepal
The itinerary does not need to be unnecessarily complicated. It should simply demonstrate a realistic tourism plan.
8. Employment Certificate
Employees should submit a job certificate issued by their Nepali employer showing their position in the company. The current KVAC tourist checklist requires the original and a copy.
A strong employment profile can help demonstrate your economic and professional ties to Nepal.
9. Business Registration and PAN Documents
The current tourist visa checklist requires:
- Business registration copy with an original notarized translation
- PAN registration copy with an original notarized translation
These documents are particularly relevant where the applicant’s employment or financial profile involves a business.
10. Bank Balance Certificate
A bank balance certificate is required for a Korea tourist visa application from Nepal.
11. Six Months of Personal Bank Statements
Applicants must provide their original personal bank statements for the previous six months, and the statement should have been issued within one month of the visa application date.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a Korea Tourist Visa from Nepal?
This is one of the most common questions Nepali travellers ask.
There is no fixed minimum bank balance publicly stated in the current C-3-9 tourist document notice. The official checklist requires a bank balance certificate and six months of personal bank statements rather than specifying a single minimum amount.
Instead of trying to keep an arbitrary amount of money in your account immediately before applying, focus on showing genuine and sufficient financial capacity for the proposed trip.
Your financial documents should reasonably support:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Food and local transportation
- Sightseeing and other travel costs
- The length of your intended stay
A consistent six-month banking history is generally much more useful than a sudden large deposit that cannot be explained.
Important: Do not borrow money temporarily or create artificial transactions simply to make your bank balance look stronger. False or misleading documentation can result in visa refusal. The Embassy also reserves the right to request additional documents or an interview when necessary.
Korea Tourist Visa Fee from Nepal in 2026
For a single-entry visa of up to 90 days, the current visa fee is:
US$40 = NPR 6,200
The Embassy updated the exchange rate to US$1 = NPR 155 from July 1, 2026.
There is also a separate KVAC service fee of NPR 2,000 per application. KVAC states that the applicable fees are paid in cash.
Therefore, for a standard single-entry tourist application, applicants should budget for at least:
Visa fee: NPR 6,200
KVAC service fee: NPR 2,000
Total: NPR 8,200
This does not include optional services, document translation/notarization, photography, travel insurance, transportation or other preparation costs.
Korea Tourist Visa Processing Time from Nepal
The current KVAC FAQ states that short-term visas, including C-3-9, are processed in 15 working days. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are not counted as working days.
Because processing can take time and additional documents may be requested, it is wise to apply well before your intended travel date.
Do not plan your entire trip around the earliest possible processing date.
How to Apply for a Korea Tourist Visa from Nepal
The application process can be broken down into the following steps.
Step 1: Decide Your Travel Dates
Choose your approximate travel dates before preparing your bookings and itinerary.
Your documents should tell a consistent story from beginning to end.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Collect your:
- Passport
- Photograph
- Visa application form
- Cover letter
- Round-trip flight booking
- Hotel booking
- Detailed itinerary
- Employment documents
- Business/PAN documents where applicable
- Bank balance certificate
- Six months of personal bank statements
Step 3: Translate and Notarize Nepali Documents
The current KVAC instructions state that documents written in Nepali must be translated into English and notarized by an authorized notary public. Documents are considered valid for three months from their date of issue.
Do not leave translations until the last minute.
Step 4: Check Every Document for Consistency
Before submission, compare:
- Name spelling
- Passport number
- Travel dates
- Hotel dates
- Flight dates
- Employment details
- Bank information
- Cover letter
- Travel itinerary
Even small inconsistencies can create questions about your application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application at KVAC Kathmandu
The Korea Visa Application Center is located at:
First Floor, Onesky Building
2935 Yela Sadak, Harihar Bhawan
Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal
Current individual visa application hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on working days, while visa collection is listed as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The current KVAC FAQ says an appointment is not required to submit a visa application during office hours. KVAC also provides an advance-reservation option, which can help reduce waiting time.
Step 6: Pay the Required Fees
Pay the applicable visa fee and KVAC service fee.
For a normal single-entry tourist visa up to 90 days in 2026, the current official figures are NPR 6,200 for the visa plus NPR 2,000 KVAC service fee.
Step 7: Wait for the Decision
Track your application and remain available in case the authorities request additional information or documents.
The Embassy states that it can request additional documents or call an applicant for an interview if necessary.
Common Reasons a Korea Tourist Visa Application May Be Refused
There is no guaranteed approval formula, but applicants should avoid common weaknesses such as:
Inconsistent Financial Information
Large unexplained deposits shortly before the application can raise questions about the source of funds.
Weak Travel Plan
An itinerary that does not match the hotel and flight bookings may make the purpose of travel less convincing.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents can lead to delays or refusal.
Unclear Employment or Business Situation
Applicants should be able to demonstrate their current professional or financial circumstances clearly.
False or Altered Documents
Never submit fake bank statements, certificates, employment letters or other documents. The Embassy explicitly warns that fraud or misrepresentation can result in refusal.
What Happens After You Get Your Korean Visa?
Receiving a visa does not automatically guarantee admission to South Korea. The Embassy states that a visa holder may still be subject to inspection by Korean immigration officials upon arrival.
Before travelling, keep your important documents accessible, including:
- Passport
- Visa information
- Return flight booking
- Hotel confirmation
- Travel itinerary
- Relevant financial evidence
Korea e-Arrival Card
South Korea uses an electronic arrival declaration system for eligible foreign travellers. The e-Arrival Card can be submitted online from three days before arrival, and the service itself is free.
Travellers should use the official Korean government website rather than third-party websites that charge unnecessary fees.
Korea Travel Planning for Nepali Travellers
Getting a visa is only one part of planning a South Korea trip.
You should also plan:
- International flights from Nepal
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Local transportation
- Korean currency and payment methods
- SIM card or eSIM
- Attractions and daily itinerary
For broader international travel preparation, see our guide on things to know before traveling abroad from Nepal.
You can also explore our international tour packages and international tourist visa service for further travel planning.
Korea Tourist Visa from Nepal: Final Checklist
Before visiting KVAC, go through this checklist:
☐ Visa application form completed
☐ Recent 3.5 × 4.5 cm photograph
☐ Original passport and photocopy
☐ Cover letter
☐ Round-trip flight booking
☐ Hotel booking voucher
☐ Detailed travel itinerary
☐ Employment certificate
☐ Business registration documents, where applicable
☐ PAN registration, where applicable
☐ Bank balance certificate
☐ Six months of personal bank statements
☐ Nepali documents translated and notarized where required
☐ Original signature matches passport
☐ Visa fee and KVAC service fee prepared
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a Korea tourist visa required for Nepali citizens?
Yes. Nepali passport holders travelling to South Korea for tourism generally need to obtain the appropriate Korean visa before travel. The tourist category listed by KVAC Nepal is C-3-9, for short-term tourism visits of up to 90 days.
2. How much bank balance is required for a Korea tourist visa from Nepal?
The current official C-3-9 document notice does not state a fixed minimum bank balance. Applicants must provide a bank balance certificate and their original personal bank statements for the previous six months. Your finances should reasonably support your planned trip.
3. How much does a Korea tourist visa cost in Nepal?
As of July 1, 2026, the single-entry visa fee for a stay of up to 90 days is US$40, equivalent to NPR 6,200 at the current official exchange rate. KVAC also charges a separate NPR 2,000 service fee.
4. How long does a Korea tourist visa take from Nepal?
The current processing period for short-term visas, including C-3-9, is 15 working days according to the KVAC FAQ. Weekends and public holidays are not counted as working days.
5. Do I need a confirmed flight ticket before applying for a Korean tourist visa?
The current tourist visa checklist requires a round-trip flight booking, and the departure date should be at least 21 days after the application date.
6. Do I need an appointment to apply for a Korea tourist visa in Nepal?
According to the current KVAC FAQ, an appointment is not required for submitting a visa application during the application centre’s working hours. KVAC also offers an advance-reservation system for applicants who want to make their visit more convenient.
7. Can I apply for a Korea tourist visa without a job?
The current tourist checklist requires a job certificate from a Nepali business entity. If your circumstances differ—for example, you are self-employed, a business owner, retired or otherwise employed—you should prepare documentation that accurately explains your status and financial situation rather than submitting documents that do not apply to you.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Korea tourist visa from Nepal becomes much easier when your documents are complete, consistent and supported by a realistic travel plan.
The most important areas to focus on are your six-month banking history, financial capacity, employment or business evidence, travel itinerary, accommodation, flight booking and overall credibility of the application.
For 2026, the current official information lists the C-3-9 tourist visa fee at NPR 6,200 for single entry up to 90 days, plus the KVAC service fee, while standard short-term visa processing is listed at 15 working days.
Because visa requirements can change, always review the latest information from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal and Korea Visa Application Center in Kathmandu before submitting your application.
For help with broader travel planning, you can also explore JPR Travel’s international tourist visa services and international tours.