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Transit Through South Korea: What Nepalese Travellers Should Know
Nepali citizens transiting through South Korea for less than 24 hours and remaining within the airport generally do not need a visa. However, if they plan to exit the airport or stay overnight, a C-3-9 short-term transit visa is required. The process includes an online appointment, verified documents, and a 21-day processing period. Applying early and avoiding false information is essential for a successful visa outcome.
Sandeep Chaudhary
2 min read
For Nepali travelers heading to other international destinations with a layover in South Korea, understanding the transit visa policy is crucial. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kathmandu has clear guidelines on when a Transit Visa is required for Nepalese citizens. If you are transiting through Incheon International Airport or any other Korean airport without leaving the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa — provided your connecting flight is within 24 hours and you have a confirmed onward ticket.
However, if your transit duration exceeds 24 hours, or you plan to exit the airport, visit Seoul city, or stay overnight in Korea, you must apply for a Short-Term Transit Visa (C-3-9) before departure. The application process requires an online appointment through https://koreanembassynepal.org, available every Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. (Nepal Time).
Applicants must submit original and notarized documents, including a valid passport, round-trip or onward flight booking, hotel reservation (if staying overnight), visa of the next destination, bank statement for the last six months, and a travel cover letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of transit. The Embassy processes applications Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and passports can be collected between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The standard processing time is around 21 working days, so travelers are advised to apply early. All Nepali documents must be translated into English and notarized, while Korean documents (if any) must be original and issued within the last three months. The visa fee for single entry (up to 90 days) is NPR 5,400, payable in cash at the embassy counter.
Applicants are warned not to submit fake flight tickets or incorrect travel details, as doing so can result in visa rejection and a three-year ban on reapplication. Even if all documents are complete, the Embassy of Korea reserves full rights to approve or deny the application without explanation.
For smooth assistance in preparing your documents, booking valid tickets, and managing embassy appointments, contact:
📍 Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd., Koteshwor, Kathmandu
📞 9802348957 — Trusted travel partner for South Korea transit and visa assistance.
Written by
Sandeep Chaudhary