Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago

Tourist Visa(C-3-9)

For those who are to enter Korea for tourism purpose

For those who are not eligible for transit visa/K-ETA

How to Apply

- In-person application: Reservation required → Make a reservation

- Eligible for mail-in application:
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota,
Illinois (excluding Chicago suburbs and downtown)
- Not eligible for mail-in application:
Chicago suburbs and downtown → In-person application only

How to Receive Your Documents

- Eligible for mail return: Same as the mail-in application areas above → Must provide a prepaid, trackable return envelope

- Not eligible for mail return: Chicago suburbs and downtown → Pick-up in person only

Required documents

1. Visa Application Form (Must be completed electronically or in black ink, signed in item 12)

*completed in pencil or missing signature will not be accepted.

2. One passport-sized photo (The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.)

*Size: 2 X 2(inch) OR 35 X 45(mm)

*Digital file or printed image on the paper is not accepted.

3. Actual passport and a copy of passport bio page(First page)

*The passport must be valid for at least six months.

*The Consulate will retain the passport until the visa has been issued.

4. For non-U.S. Citizens: Additional documents

• ●Visa Holders

F visa holders - F visa and I-20 copy (Those who are currently on OPT must submit original EAD card and a copy)

J visa holders - J visa and DS-2019 copy

H visa holders - H visa and I-797 copy

Other visa holders - Visa sticker and relevant documents copy

• ●Permanent Resident Card Holders

In-Person Submission - Bring your original Green Card and both front and back copies.

Mail-in Submission - Submit a notarized copy of both the front and back of valid Green Card.

• ●Expired Visa and Green Card Holders

** For those whose U.S. stamp visa has been expired, you must submit a visa appointment confirmation at the U.S. Embassy

** For those whose U.S. Permanent Resident Card has been expired, you must submit an original I-797 and expired permanent resident card(In person: Bring physical green card and copy, or notarized copy by mail) to prove that your permanent resident card has been extended.

If you have I-797, you can apply for Korea Visa by submitting the original I-797 along with a copy of your expired stamp visa, however, single-entry is the only option.

It might differ by cases so we highly recommend you to contact us if you currently do not have a valid U.S. Stamp Visa.

5. Proof of residency document(It must show the applicant's name and residential address within the Consulate's jurisdiction.)

Acceptable Documents(One of the Following)

A copy of a valid driver's license / Most recent utility bill / Most recent bank statement / Current lease agreement

6. Visa applicaton fee → Check Here

U.S. Nationals: $45 for all visa types / All other nationals: Check the link above

The standard visa fees do not apply to countries listed under "Countries with Adjusted Visa Fees" or "Countries with Exempted Visa Fees."

Cash OR Money Order only, Personal Check is not accepted

For Money Order - Pay to "Consulate General of Korea in Chicago"

Visa fees are determined by the applicant's nationality

7. Prepaid return envelop (If Applicable) - USPS(Priority or Express)/UPS/FEDEX

*If a prepaid return envelope is not included, we will assume that you have chosen to pick up your passport in person.

*A prepaid shipping label alone will not be accepted.

*Applicants must provide a prepaid return envelope with the recipient's address already indicated. 

*The Consulate does not prepare or address return envelopes.

Disclaimer – Outgoing Mail

The Korean Consulate General dispatches outgoing mail as follows:

USPS: Mail is placed in the building's outgoing mailbox for collection by a USPS carrier.

FedEx/UPS: Packages are placed in the building's designated pickup area for collection by FedEx or UPS personnel.

Please note that the Consulate General does not personally deliver mail or packages to USPS, FedEx, or UPS offices.

Once your mail or package has been placed in the designated outgoing mail collection area, it is considered dispatched by the Consulate General. 

From that point forward, the Consulate General assumes no responsibility or liability for any delay, loss, damage, misdelivery, or other issues that may occur.

If you have any concerns regarding the security or delivery of your documents, we strongly recommend that you pick them up in person.

8. Confirmed Roundtrip Flight Ticket - No exception

Tentative flight ticket is not accepted

9. Confirmed Hotel Reservation - No exception

- In case of staying in someone else’s place, please submit an invitation letter and invitor’s ID copy

- Invitation letter must include invitor’s personal information, period of stay, address in Korea, and invitor’s signature at the very bottom

10. Bank statements for the most recent 3 months

- This is to see if an applicant has enough funds to travel Korea (minimum +$1500)

- If someone else is going to pay for your travel cost, please submit a document that proves the relationship.

- Applicants must submit their checkings account bank statements

- Applicants might need to submit additional documents such as paystubs, savings account bank statements as a supporting documents to prove financial capability

* If you want to apply for multiple-entry visa, there are specific criteria depending on applicant’s nationality so please check with the Consulate if you are eligible to apply for multiple-entry or not.

* If needed, additional documents may be requested during the review process

* Submitted documents will not be returned except for original passport and permanent resident card(In person: Bring physical green card and copy, or notarized copy by mail) 

Please email us at chicagovisa@mofa.go.kr for the further questions.