South Korea Visa for Bangladesh Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to South Korea as a Bangladeshi citizen? You will need a C-3-9 Tourist Visa since Bangladesh is not among the visa-exempt countries and K-ETA is not available. This guide covers everything: required documents including 6 months bank statements and employment proof, the USD $40 visa fee (approximately BDT 5,000), and the 10-15 working day processing time. With approximately 55% of Bangladeshi applications approved, thorough preparation with strong financial documentation and ties to home country is essential.

Visa Application process

Bangladeshi citizens must apply for a South Korea tourist visa directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka or through the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC).1 K-ETA and eVisa options are not available for Bangladeshi passport holders. Step 1: Complete the Electronic Visa Application Form (e-Form) Starting May 2025, all applicants must fill out the electronic visa application form (e-Form) on the Korea Visa Portal before visiting the Embassy.3 Go to visa.go.kr, select English, and complete all fields accurately. Print the completed form with barcode. Step 2: Gather Required Documents Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), printed e-Form with barcode, financial documents, and travel bookings.1 Ensure your bank statements cover the last 6 months. Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary Write a clear cover letter explaining your travel purpose, planned destinations, and reasons for returning to Bangladesh. Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary showing specific attractions you plan to visit in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or other destinations.5 Step 4: Submit Your Application at the Embassy Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka with all documents and required fees.1 All applicants must submit applications in person. The Embassy accepts applications Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM (excluding Bangladesh and Korean public holidays).1 Step 5: Track and Collect Processing takes approximately 10 to 15 working days.1 Track your application status through the Korea Visa Portal. Passport delivery is available from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Embassy.

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Complete the Electronic Visa Application Form (e-Form)
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary
Step 4: Submit Your Application at the Embassy
Step 5: Track and Collect
1. Review Your Application
2. Wait Before Reapplying
3. Strengthen Your Documents
4. Build Travel History
5. Address Previous Issues
6. Seek Professional Guidance

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Fee (USD)	Single Entry (up to 90 days): $40	Single Entry (over 90 days): $60	Multiple Entry: $60	Exchange Rate: As of July 1, 2025, the Embassy applies an exchange rate of 1 USD = 125 BDT for visa fee payments.4	Important Notes:

What you need to prove

Korean consulates evaluate applications based on several key factors.12 Your application should demonstrate:

Required documents

Valid Passport
Passport Copies
Passport Photograph
Electronic Visa Application Form (e-Form)
Cover Letter
Travel Itinerary
Flight Reservation
Accommodation Confirmation
Employment Certificate
Bank Statements

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea • At least two blank pages for visa stamp and entry/exit stamps; • Must not be damaged or have torn pages; • Include all old passports showing previous travel history] (Tip: Previous visas to developed countries like US, UK, Japan, or Schengen strengthen your applicationIf your passport expires soon, renew it before applying)

Passport Copies

Clear photocopies of your passport pages • Copy of bio-data page with your photo and personal details; • Copies of all pages with previous visa stamps; • Copy of any previous Korean visas if applicable] (Tip: Ensure copies are clear and legibleColor copies preferred but black and white accepted)

Passport Photograph

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Korean visa specifications • Size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm; • White background only; • Taken within the last 6 months; • Full face, front view with neutral expression; • No glasses, hats, or head coverings unless religious] (Tip: Get photos taken at a professional studio familiar with Korean visa requirementsPhoto specifications are strictly enforced by the Embassy)

Electronic Visa Application Form (e-Form)

Complete the official Korea visa application form (e-Form) via the Korea Visa Portal • Fill out the e-Form online at visa.go.kr since May 2025; • Print the completed form with barcode; • Fill all fields accurately in English; • Sign the form exactly as your passport signature] (Tip: Complete the e-Form at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10204Double-check all information matches your supporting documents)

Cover Letter

A personal letter explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and ties to Bangladesh • Addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka; • Include your name, passport number, and contact details; • Explain purpose of visit and places you plan to visit; • Mention your ties to Bangladesh and intention to return] (Tip: Keep it professional, clear, and concise (one page)Highlight strong ties to Bangladesh: stable job, family, propertyBe specific about why you want to visit South Korea)

Travel Itinerary

A detailed day-by-day schedule of your planned activities in South Korea • Specific dates and locations for each day; • Names of tourist attractions, cities, and areas you plan to visit; • Transportation plans between cities; • Must align with accommodation bookings and flight dates] (Tip: Include popular destinations like Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, or GyeongjuBe specific: mention palaces, temples, markets you plan to visitKorean consulates value thorough planning)

Flight Reservation

Round-trip flight itinerary showing entry and exit from South Korea • Must show departure from Bangladesh and return to Bangladesh; • Dates must match your visa application and itinerary; • Flight confirmation with booking reference number] (Tip: Book refundable tickets until visa is approvedEnsure flight dates match your cover letter and itinerary exactly)

Accommodation Confirmation

Confirmed hotel reservations covering your entire stay in South Korea • Hotel booking confirmations with your name, dates, and hotel contact information; • Bookings should cover all nights of your stay; • If staying with friends or family, provide invitation letter and their ID proof] (Tip: Book refundable hotels from Booking.com, Agoda, or similar platformsKorean guesthouses (hanok stays) are also acceptable)

Employment Certificate

Documentation proving your employment status and leave approval • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include designation, salary, date of joining, and tenure; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Provide HR contact details and company registration] (Tip: If self-employed, provide trade license, business registration, and income proofStudents should provide a bonafide certificate from their institutionRetired applicants should provide pension documents)

Bank Statements

Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your South Korea trip • Last 6 months of bank statements; • Must clearly show account holder name and account number; • Show regular salary credits or consistent business income; • Recommended balance of BDT 3 to 5 lakhs or higher] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to the application dateInclude fixed deposit certificates if availableEnsure bank statements are stamped and attested by the bank)

Optional documents

Income Tax Documents | Travel Insurance | Previous Visa Copies

Income Tax Documents

Tax identification and income tax returns if available • TIN certificate; • Last 2 years of income tax returns if filed; • Income should be consistent with bank statements] (Tip: Tax documents demonstrate financial stability and ties to BangladeshNot mandatory but significantly strengthens your application)

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay in South Korea • Coverage for the entire duration of stay; • Minimum coverage of USD 50,000 recommended; • Should cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation] (Tip: While not mandatory, travel insurance strengthens your applicationSouth Korea has excellent but expensive healthcare for foreign visitors)

Previous Visa Copies

Copies of previous visas to developed countries • Copies of US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia, or previous Korea visas; • Include entry/exit stamps showing compliance with previous visa terms] (Tip: Good travel history significantly improves approval chancesPrevious Korea visits with proper compliance are especially valuable)

Comparison

Visa Type	Fee (USD)	Fee (BDT)
Single Entry (up to 90 days)	$40	৳5,000
Single Entry (over 90 days)	$60	৳7,500
Multiple Entry	$60	৳7,500

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Insufficient Financial Documentation
30%	Weak Ties to Home Country
15%	Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
12%	Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary
8%	Previous Visa Issues or Poor Travel History

35% - Insufficient Financial Documentation

How to avoid: Maintain a consistent balance of BDT 3-5 lakhs for 6 months before applying. Avoid sudden large deposits. Ensure bank credits match your employment letter. Include fixed deposits if available.

30% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Include employment letter showing 1+ years tenure, property documents if owned, or proof of family dependents. Emphasize strong reasons to return in your cover letter.

15% - Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

How to avoid: Create a checklist of all required documents. Double-check every field on the application form. Ensure dates, names, and figures are consistent across all documents.

12% - Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary

How to avoid: Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific attractions, cities, and transportation. Korean consulates value thorough planning.

8% - Previous Visa Issues or Poor Travel History

How to avoid: Be honest about previous refusals. Build travel history with visits to visa-friendly countries first. Demonstrate compliance with immigration rules in the past.

Frequently asked questions

Do Bangladeshi citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?

Yes, Bangladeshi citizens require a C-3-9 Tourist Visa to visit South Korea. Bangladesh is not among the visa-exempt countries, and K-ETA is not available for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must obtain a visa before travel.

How long does South Korea visa processing take from Bangladesh?

Standard processing takes 10 to 15 working days from submission at the Embassy. Processing may extend during peak seasons or if additional documents or an interview are required. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date.

What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Bangladeshis in 2026?

The visa fee is USD $40 (approximately BDT 5,000) for a single-entry visa up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visa costs USD $60 (approximately BDT 7,500). The exchange rate as of July 2026 is 1 USD = 125 BDT.

How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?

The C-3-9 Tourist Visa allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You cannot work or engage in paid activities during your stay. Extensions are generally not permitted for tourist visas.

What bank balance is required for South Korea tourist visa from Bangladesh?

While there is no official minimum, a balance of BDT 3 to 5 lakhs or more is recommended. The balance should be consistent over 6 months with regular income credits. Large recent deposits may raise questions.

Where can I apply for South Korea visa in Bangladesh?

You can apply directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka. There is also a Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) operated by VFS Global. All applicants must submit applications in person.

Is there a South Korea eVisa or K-ETA for Bangladeshi citizens?

No, Bangladeshi citizens cannot apply for K-ETA or eVisa. You must apply for a physical visa sticker through the Embassy in Dhaka. The e-Form system is only for filling out the application form online before visiting the Embassy.

Can I get a visa on arrival in South Korea as a Bangladeshi?

No, Bangladesh is not eligible for visa on arrival in South Korea. You must obtain your visa before traveling. Arriving without a valid visa will result in denied entry.

What happens if my South Korea visa is rejected?

South Korea does not typically provide detailed reasons for visa refusals. You can reapply with improved documentation. Wait at least 2 months before reapplying, and address potential weaknesses such as financial proof, ties to Bangladesh, or travel itinerary.

Do I need travel insurance for South Korea tourist visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the South Korea tourist visa, but it is highly recommended. South Korea has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical treatment can be expensive for foreign visitors without insurance.

What is the approval rate for South Korea visa from Bangladesh?

The approval rate for Bangladeshi applicants is estimated at approximately 55%. This is lower than some other nationalities due to stricter scrutiny. Strong financial documentation and clear ties to Bangladesh are essential for approval.

Can I apply for a multiple-entry South Korea visa?

Multiple-entry visas are available but have stricter requirements. You generally need to have visited Korea previously without violations or have significant travel history to developed countries. The fee is USD $60 (approximately BDT 7,500).

Apply for South Korea tourist visa online

Sources

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bangladesh

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en/brd/m_23302/list.do

Korea Visa Portal

https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10103

Korea Visa Portal e-Form Application

https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=1020408&LANG_TYPE=EN

Embassy Exchange Rate Notice

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en/brd/m_23302/view.do?seq=12

Korea Tourism Organization

https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

At a glance