Do I need a medical visa for plastic surgery in Korea as a tourist?
Summary
- Korea has a medical tourism visa for treatment trips. The short-term type is C-3-3 (up to 90 days) and the long-term type is G-1-10 (within 1 year), according to Medical Korea, the government's medical tourism information site.
- Medical Korea lists cosmetic and plastic surgery as examples of treatment that fits the short-term C-3-3 type. Whether you need a visa at all, or can enter visa-free, depends on your nationality.
- Check your own nationality's entry rules before you book, and ask VIEW Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul at consultation which documents it can provide for your visa application.
Korea has a dedicated medical tourism visa: C-3-3 for treatment trips of up to 90 days, and G-1-10 for longer treatment within one year.
Which visa fits your trip
These categories come from Medical Korea, the medical tourism information site of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute and the Korea Tourism Organization.
| Visa | Stay | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| C-3-3 (short-term medical tourism) | Up to 90 days | Treatment and travel of 90 days or less. Cosmetic and plastic surgery are given as examples |
| G-1-10 (long-term treatment) | Within 1 year | Treatment or recovery needing 91 days or longer |
| Visa-free entry | Varies by nationality | Depends on your country. Some travellers need a K-ETA |
Documents usually asked for
Medical Korea lists these for a direct application at a Korean embassy or consulate:
- Visa application form and a copy of your passport
- A diagnosis document
- A document from the Korean medical institution confirming your treatment appointment
- Proof that you can cover the cost of treatment and your stay
- Proof of family relationship, if family members come with you
The embassy or consulate may ask for other documents.
What to ask the clinic
- Ask at consultation which documents VIEW Plastic Surgery can provide for your visa application, such as an appointment confirmation, and how long they take to issue.
Before you book
- Check your nationality’s entry rules on the Korea Visa Portal or with the Korean embassy in your country.
- If you need a medical visa, ask the clinic for the appointment confirmation document at your online consultation.
- Plan your stay length first. For recommended stays by procedure, see how long to stay in Seoul before flying home.
Online consultation: https://www.viewplasticsurgery.com/consultation/
Frequently asked questions
What is the C-3-3 visa?
It is Korea's short-term medical tourism visa, for treatment and travel of 90 days or less. Medical Korea gives cosmetic and plastic surgery as examples of treatment that fits this type.
When is the G-1-10 visa used?
For long-term treatment or recovery, with a stay of up to one year. Medical Korea describes it for cases needing treatment of 91 days or longer.
What documents are usually needed?
Medical Korea lists a visa application, a copy of your passport, a diagnosis document, a document from the Korean medical institution confirming your treatment appointment, and proof that you can cover the cost of treatment and your stay. The consulate may ask for more.
Can a family member come with me on a medical visa?
Medical Korea says the patient's immediate family, including a spouse helping with care, can be covered. Check the details with the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply.
Can I come visa-free instead?
It depends on your nationality. Visa-free periods differ by country, and some travellers need a K-ETA before boarding. Check the Korea Visa Portal or the Korean embassy in your country.
Sources
- Regulation / research Medical Korea (Korea Health Industry Development Institute & Korea Tourism Organization) · Medical visa (checked 2026-10-29)
- Regulation / research Korea Visa Portal (checked 2026-10-29)
- Regulation / research K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) (checked 2026-10-29)
- Clinic VIEW Plastic Surgery · International patient concierge services (checked 2026-10-29)
- Clinic VIEW Plastic Surgery · History (checked 2026-10-29)