Understanding the appropriate visa for your visit to another country is crucial and perhaps the most significant aspect to research. Visas play a pivotal role in determining your entry into the country and the duration of your stay in Korea. U.S. Citizen Information If you are a U.S. citizen, you can take advantage of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This program allows U.S. citizens to visit the Republic of Korea without a visa for a duration of up to 90 days, provided the purpose of the trip is for tourism, business meetings, conference attendance, or visiting family or relatives. An extension of stay is not permitted, and this visa is commonly referred to as the Tourism Visa. No additional application is required for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. Citizen Information For non-U.S. citizens, the process varies depending on your nationality, with different standards ranging from 30 days to up to 6 months. Information regarding visa exemptions for non-U.S. citizens can be found at (https://www.visa.go.kr). Visa process regardless of Nationality A visa is needed when staying for a duration longer than 90 days. When applying for a student Visa (D-2) you must submit an application form at your local Korean embassy. In the U.S. the cost of the Visa is approximately ($45) and must be paid in cash or check. The student visa application (D-2) involves the submission of various documents, including the Certificate of Admission (CoA) issued by your program. Additionally, proof of final academic credentials and a financial statement (e.g., bank account, scholarship details, etc.) to demonstrate the student’s budget for expenses during their stay in Korea are required. It is important to note that the issuance of these documents may take a considerable amount of time, and there might be additional requirements throughout the process. To ensure a smooth application process, it is strongly advised that students reach out to the Korean embassy or consulate in their country of residence well in advance. This will allow them to obtain information on the necessary documents for the student visa (D-2) application and prepare the required materials ahead of time.