Korean Medical Visa — C-3-3 / G-1-10 Guide
Korea offers dedicated medical visas for international patients. Most short cosmetic procedures and health checkups don't require one (tourist visa is sufficient), but longer or inpatient treatment does.
Visa Comparison
| Type | Duration | Use Case | Companion? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa / K-ETA | ≤90 days | Cosmetic, checkup, outpatient dental | — |
| C-3-3 Medical | ≤90 days | Short-term treatment, multiple entry | Yes (C-3-3 Comp.) |
| G-1-10 Medical | Up to 1 yr | Long-term treatment, cancer therapy, transplant | Yes (G-1-10 Comp.) |
Application Steps
- Select a registered Korean hospital. Verify registration on the KHIDI medical tourism portal.
- Send your medical records to the hospital\'s International Health Service. Receive a treatment plan with cost estimate.
- Request appointment confirmation. Hospital issues an official document stating your treatment plan, schedule, and estimated duration.
- Prepare supporting documents. Passport, visa application, bank statement or sponsor letter, travel itinerary.
- Apply at Korean consulate in your country. Or use Korea Visa Portal online. Processing: 2–10 days typical.
- Travel and check in. Hospital International Health Service handles local logistics — airport pickup, accommodation, interpreter.
- If extension needed. Apply at Korean Immigration Office with updated medical documentation.
Useful Resources
KHIDI Medical Tourism: Official Korean government medical tourism portal with registered hospital search.
Korea Immigration Service: hikorea.go.kr (multilingual visa information).
Korea Consumer Agency: kca.go.kr for medical dispute resolution assistance.
Hospital International Health Services: Direct contact recommended for personalized visa support. See our English-speaking clinics guide.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special visa for medical treatment in Korea?
It depends on length and nature of treatment. Short cosmetic procedures, health checkups, and outpatient care can be done on a standard tourist visa (up to 90 days, visa-free for most countries). The C-3-3 or G-1-10 medical visa is required only if you need 90+ days, hospitalization, or treatment your country's standard visa doesn't cover.
What is the C-3-3 visa?
The C-3-3 is a short-term medical visa for stays up to 90 days. Designed for outpatient treatment, minor procedures, health checkups, and post-op recovery. Can be issued same-day at some consulates. Multiple-entry option available for follow-up visits.
What is the G-1-10 visa?
The G-1-10 is a long-term medical visa valid up to 1 year (extendable). For patients requiring ongoing treatment (cancer therapy, organ transplant, prolonged rehabilitation). Can include a companion/caregiver.
Which documents do I need?
Core: (1) valid passport, (2) visa application form, (3) appointment confirmation from a government-registered medical institution, (4) treatment plan with estimated costs and duration, (5) proof of financial capacity (bank statement, sponsor letter). Some consulates may request medical records from your home country.
Which hospitals are "government-registered"?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare maintains a list of 4,000+ medical institutions authorized to issue medical visa appointment confirmations. All Big Five Seoul hospitals, major dental chains, and reputable plastic surgery clinics are registered. Verify at the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) medical tourism portal before booking.
Can I bring a companion?
Yes, for both C-3-3 and G-1-10. The companion applies for a separate C-3-3 Companion or G-1-10 Companion visa. Up to 3 family members allowed for serious treatment cases. Common for elderly patients.
How long does the application take?
Varies by consulate: 2–10 business days typical. Some consulates offer expedited processing. Korean e-visa (K-ETA) is not valid for medical purposes if your intended stay or procedures exceed typical tourism scope — apply for the proper visa.
What happens if my treatment needs to be extended?
Both C-3-3 and G-1-10 can be extended at the Immigration Office in Korea. Bring updated medical documentation from your Korean doctor, ID, and pay the extension fee. Reputable hospitals' International Health Services handle extension paperwork for you.