United Arab EmiratesSouth Korea: eTA

United Arab EmiratesSouth Korea

Do United Arab Emirates passport holders need a visa for South Korea?

eTA

United Arab Emirates passport holders need an approved electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to South Korea, but no embassy visa.

An electronic travel authorisation must be approved online before departure. No embassy visit.

Source: k-eta.go.kr (checked July 17, 2026).

RequirementeTA

Maximum stay3 months

ScopeTourism, ordinary passport

Action before travelYes, arrange in advance

Data as of2026-10-19

Distance6,902 km, straight line (~8h 37m nonstop)

Visa-free access to South Korea154 of 242 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? South Korea passport holders visiting United Arab Emirates: Visa-free.

Other visa-free destinations for United Arab Emirates passport holders

See all United Arab Emirates destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do United Arab Emirates passport holders need a visa for South Korea?

United Arab Emirates passport holders need an approved electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to South Korea, but no embassy visa.

How long can United Arab Emirates citizens stay in South Korea without a visa?

Up to 3 months, for tourism, ordinary passport.

How far is South Korea from United Arab Emirates?

About 6,902 km in a straight line, roughly ~8h 37m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in South Korea?

South Korean won (KRW).

What is the emergency number in South Korea?

112 / 113 / 119.

What time zone is South Korea in?

Seoul (UTC+9).

What is the nearest airport to Seoul?

Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), about 15 km away.

How many countries can enter South Korea without a visa?

154 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter South Korea visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), also known simply as the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, situated at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federal semi-constitutional monarchy made up of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi serving as its national capital. The UAE borders Oman to the east and northeast, and Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest. It shares maritime borders with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran in the Persian Gulf, and with Oman in the Gulf of Oman. In 2024, the UAE had an estimated population of over 11 million. Dubai is the country's largest city. Islam is the state religion. Arabic is the official language while English remains the most spoken language and the language of business.

CapitalAbu Dhabi

RegionWestern Asia

Population11.5M

Area83,600 km²

CurrencyUnited Arab Emirates dirham (1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED)

LanguagesArabic

Calling code+971

Drives on theright

TimezoneDubai (UTC+4)

Nearest airportZayed International Airport (AUH), 28 km

Emergency number112 / 997 / 998 / 999

UNESCO sites3

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$50,274 (2024)

Tourist arrivals8.1M (2020)

Climate in Abu Dhabi

Warmest July, coolest January, driest May, sunniest May. Best time to visit: November, December.

Monthly climate normals for Abu Dhabi, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	22.8°C	16.8°C	69mm	297h
February	24.2°C	17.5°C	3mm	298h
March	27.7°C	19.8°C	7mm	317h
April	34°C	24.4°C	3mm	303h
May	36.6°C	27.5°C	0mm	374h
June	37.8°C	30.4°C	0mm	370h
July	40.9°C	32.3°C	0mm	351h
August	38.9°C	32.6°C	0mm	336h
September	39.2°C	28.9°C	0mm	337h
October	34.1°C	26.4°C	0mm	337h
November	30°C	23.1°C	0mm	300h
December	25.4°C	19.7°C	0mm	308h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

The United Arab Emirates or simply the Emirates is a country rich in history and culture at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Boasting attractions ranging from the glittering and cosmopolitan cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to the vast and unforgiving desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter, it makes an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
Jabal Al Fayah
Wadi Wurayah

Full source list on About.

About South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It extends over the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and includes the adjacent islands. It borders North Korea to its north along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east.. It has a population of about 52 million, of which half live in the Seoul metropolitan area, the world's ninth most populous metropolitan area; its other major cities are Busan, Daegu, and Incheon.

CapitalSeoul

RegionEastern Asia

Population51.7M

Area100,210 km²

CurrencySouth Korean won (1 USD ≈ 1332.10 KRW)

LanguagesKorean

Calling code+82

Drives on theright

TimezoneSeoul (UTC+9)

Nearest airportSeoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), 15 km

Emergency number112 / 113 / 119

UNESCO sites18

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$36,227 (2025)

Tourist arrivals2.5M (2020)

Climate in Seoul

Warmest August, coolest December, driest December, sunniest April.

Monthly climate normals for Seoul, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	4.9°C	-4°C	64mm	218h
February	6°C	-3.4°C	60mm	224h
March	11.3°C	-0.2°C	18mm	304h
April	15.6°C	4.1°C	24mm	319h
May	22°C	12°C	114mm	261h
June	27.4°C	18.1°C	140mm	275h
July	26.3°C	19.5°C	330mm	214h
August	28.4°C	23.1°C	548mm	218h
September	23.5°C	16.1°C	216mm	252h
October	17.9°C	7.6°C	12mm	279h
November	11.2°C	1.6°C	66mm	219h
December	2.5°C	-6°C	3mm	244h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia. Known as the "Land of the Morning Calm", Korea has served as a cultural bridge between its neighbors, China and Japan, for a long time. In the 2nd half of the 20th century, South Korea emerged from the shadows of its turbulent past and achieved impressive economic growth, making it one of the world's most affluent countries today. South Korean pop culture, especially K-pop, is incredibly popular worldwide, driving higher levels of tourism to this nation. Despite their modernity and love for high technology, Koreans also take great pride in their history and traditions, and there many well-preserved historical sites that can give history buffs a glimpse into the ancient past.

Upcoming public holidays

December 25, 2026크리스마스

January 1, 2027새해

February 6, 2027설날

Full source list on About.