Tourist Visa to South Korea from Italy: Complete Application Guide

South Korea is a country where ultra-modern skyscrapers stand alongside ancient palaces, and traditional culture harmoniously fits into the rhythm of мегаполises. Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island annually attract travelers who value high service standards, safety, and the unique atmosphere of East Asia.

If you are located within the EU and planning a trip to this remarkable country, applying for a tourist visa to South Korea from Italy will be the optimal solution. Our agency provides comprehensive support to Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Georgians, and other foreign nationals legally residing in Italy. We handle document preparation, compliance checks with consular requirements, and organization of submission to ensure the visa process is as calm and predictable as possible.

What Is the Tourist Visa to South Korea Intended For?

The C-3 (Short-Term Visit) tourist visa to South Korea is issued for short-term stays of up to 90 days. It is suitable for:

• tourism and sightseeing trips;

• visiting relatives and friends;

• short-term private visits;

• participation in cultural events without receiving income;

• familiarization trips related to future studies (without enrollment).

Important: any paid activity and long-term study are prohibited under a tourist visa. Violation of visa regulations entails deportation and entry ban.

Who Can Apply for a Tourist Visa to South Korea in Italy?

A tourist visa to South Korea through Italy may be issued to an applicant who:

1. legally resides in Italy;

2. has confirmed residence status;

3. can document financial solvency and purpose of travel.

Grounds for legal stay in the Italian Republic:

• permesso di soggiorno (residence permit — lavoro, studio, famiglia, protezione internazionale, etc.);

• national visa type D;

• long-term Schengen visa with right of residence;

• carta di soggiorno for family members of EU citizens.

The validity of the residence permit must cover the entire visa processing period. In practice, the Korean Consulate in Rome requires the permesso di soggiorno to be valid for at least 1 month after the planned return date.

Special attention is paid to the applicant’s migration history: previous Schengen violations or overstays may negatively affect the decision.

Stages of Applying for a Tourist Visa to South Korea through Italy

A tourist visa to South Korea in Italy is processed according to the following algorithm:

1. Preliminary document review and assessment of approval chances.

2. Completion of the visa application form in English.

3. Formation of the document package.

4. Appointment booking at the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Rome.

5. Personal submission of documents (biometrics may be requested additionally).

6. Waiting for review.

7. Collection of passport with visa.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Tourist Visa to South Korea in Italy?

To apply for a tourist visa to South Korea in Italy, you will need the following categories of documents:

Mandatory:

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months).

2. Copy of previous visas (if available).

3. Completed application form.

4. 1 photo 3.5×4.5 cm.

5. Round-trip flight reservation.

6. Accommodation booking (hotel or invitation).

7. Financial documents (bank statement 3500–4500 euros).

8. Detailed travel itinerary.

Depending on residence status:

1. Copy of permesso di soggiorno + ricevuta if under renewal.

2. Employment contract (contratto di lavoro) and last 2–3 buste paga or employment certificate indicating position and salary.

3. For students — iscrizione universitaria and proof of tuition payment.

4. For entrepreneurs — company registration and tax declarations.

Additional, strengthening the case:

1. Proof of property ownership.

2. Marital status certificates.

3. Motivation letter.

4. Medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.

Cost, Validity, and Processing of the Tourist Visa to South Korea

The consular fee for a tourist visa to South Korea is:

• approximately 40–60 USD — single entry;

• up to 90 USD — multiple entry.

Payment is made in euros at the consulate’s exchange rate.

Processing time averages from 7 to 15 working days; however, during high season (April–July and September–November), it may increase up to 3–4 weeks.

Visa validity is determined individually and may range from 30 to 90 days of stay.

Embassy Addresses for Tourist Visa to South Korea in Italy

You may apply for a tourist visa to South Korea in Italy at:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rome (Ambasciata della Repubblica di Corea)

• Address: Via Piemonte, 54, 00187 Roma RM, Italy;

• Phone: +39 06 802 461 or +39 06 420 4021;

• Email: [email protected].

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Milan (Consolato Generale)

• Address: Piazza Cavour, 3 (4th floor), 20121 Milano MI, Italy;

• Phone: +39 02 2906 2641;

• Email: [email protected].

Main Reasons for Refusal

According to consular statistics, the most common reasons for refusal include:

1. insufficient financial evidence;

2. inconsistency between travel purpose and documents;

3. forged or improperly оформленные documents;

4. previous immigration violations;

5. lack of strong ties to Italy (employment, study, family).

Even a formal mistake in the application form may lead to refusal without detailed explanation.

Why Should You Contact Us?

Visa Agency is an international visa agency with experience supporting applicants throughout the EU. We:

1. conduct preliminary document audits;

2. build submission strategy;

3. assist in properly confirming financial solvency;

4. support consular appointment booking;

5. reduce refusal risks.

We work individually with each case, including complex situations. Thanks to practical experience, we understand consular requirements and current нюансы of applying for a tourist visa to South Korea in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is personal presence required?

In most cases, personal submission at the consulate is required. However, document preparation and appointment booking can be fully delegated to the agency.

Can you apply if the permesso di soggiorno is under renewal?

Yes, with a ricevuta. However, the decision is made individually and depends on the waiting period for the new document.

Can processing be expedited?

There is no official urgent procedure; however, proper preparation helps avoid additional requests and delays.

Does the tourist visa allow extension in Korea?

As a rule, extension of tourist status is not предусмотрено and is possible only in exceptional circumstances.