South Korea
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for South Korea
You · American passport
Up to 90 days per visit
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
k-eta.go.kr · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
As long as you can stay, up to 365 days
A foreign-plated vehicle can stay as long as its driver is allowed to. When your days run out, so do its.
gov.kr · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 45 days out
South Korea needs an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, an RNAT of 0.5+ and an endorsed health certificate. See the steps
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch South Korea.
We'll email you if South Korea's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into South Korea.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
ISO microchip
ISO-compliant microchip (can be implanted after arrival but the pet may be quarantined).
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination given before arrival (not required under 90 days old).
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies antibody test
RNAT result of 0.5 IU/mL or higher (not required for pets under 90 days old).
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Health certificate endorsed within 30 days
Health certificate issued by an accredited vet and government-endorsed within 30 days of export.
- At the border
Arrival inspection by QIA
Pets without microchip and/or RNAT will likely be quarantined at the owner's expense.
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in South Korea
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 90 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Up to 180 days per visit | k-eta.go.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in South Korea
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Temporary import | As long as the driver can stay, up to 365 days | gov.kr · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a South Korea leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
