The journey at a glance
Visas and entry
- Many nationalities may enter Korea without a visa, or with an electronic travel authorisation (K-ETA), for short stays. Check the current rule for your passport on Korea’s official immigration portal before you book.
- Korea issues a medical tourism visa (C-3-3) for treatment stays of up to 90 days, and a medical treatment visa (G-1-10) for longer treatment.
- A visa application usually needs documents from the hospital, such as a treatment plan or a confirmation of your appointment.
What to bring
Travel papers
- Your passport, and the written quotation or treatment plan
- A list of your medicines, allergies and previous procedures
- Recent test results or imaging, if you have them
- Your travel insurance details. Check whether it covers complications of planned treatment.
Your first day, and a little Korean
How long to stay
Ask the clinic for its follow-up schedule before you book your flights. As a general guide:
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Health check-ups
One or two days, with time for any further tests.
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Single-session skin treatment
A few days, with time to spare for redness or swelling.
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Surgery
Long enough for every follow-up the surgeon requires, and until the surgeon clears you to fly.
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Implants and dental work in stages
Often two separate journeys.
The bars show proportion only, not days.
Recovery
- Stay close to your clinic after surgery.
- Follow the clinic’s instructions on alcohol, saunas, exercise and sun.
- Ask for your medical records, and a summary in English, to take home.
Free official help
These lines answer in many languages, free of charge.
Sources
- Hi Korea — visa and immigration portal
- Korea Tourism Organization — 1330 Travel Hotline
- Medical Korea (KHIDI) — registered foreign-patient institutions and support
Last reviewed on 25 October 2026. See our editorial policy.