Tracking Your South Korean Visa Application: Inquiry Procedures Explained
South Korea is an attractive travel destination for tourists from all around the world. Whether it’s exploring the country’s rich history and culture or enjoying its vibrant nightlife, South Korea offers something for everyone. However, before you can embark on your journey to South Korea, you must obtain the necessary visa. If you’re in the process of applying for a South Korean visa, it’s important to know how to track your application and inquire about its status.
In this article, we will explain the different inquiry procedures available, how to use them, and answer frequently asked questions to help you successfully track your South Korean visa application.
How to Inquire About Your South Korean Visa Application
Once you have submitted your visa application, there are a few ways you can track it. It’s important to keep in mind that visa processing time may vary based on the type of visa, applicant’s nationality, and other factors. Typically, it takes 5 to 10 working days for visa processing. However, some applications may take longer.
1. Online Inquiry
The most convenient way to check your application status is through South Korea’s visa portal. To use this method, you will need your application number and passport number. Once you have this information, follow these steps:
1. Go to the South Korean visa portal: Visa.go.kr
2. Click on the “Application Inquiry” button.
3. Enter your application number and passport number.
4. Answer the CAPTCHA and click on the “Inquiry” button.
The application status, along with the expected date of processing, will be displayed on the screen. Note that this method is only applicable for applications submitted through the Korean embassy website.
2. Embassy Inquiry
You can also check your application status by contacting the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may reach out to the Embassy through email, phone call, or in-person visit. Note that in case of email, the embassy may take anywhere between 2-5 working days to respond to your inquiry. Below are the contact details of the South Korean embassy and consulates in some major countries:
– For the USA: Embassy of South Korea in Washington D.C. (visa@mofa.go.kr)
– For the UK: Embassy of South Korea in London (visaenquiry@koreanembassy.org.uk)
– For India: Embassy of South Korea in Delhi (visa-inquiry-india@mofa.go.kr)
3. Visa Application Center Inquiry
If your application was submitted via a visa center, you can inquire about your application status by visiting the center in person or contacting them through email or phone call. Visa application centers will provide you with an application reference number, which is required to track your application.
FAQs About Tracking Your South Korean Visa Application
1. Can I track my visa application immediately after submitting it?
It is advisable to wait at least two (2) working days after submitting your application before checking its status.
2. What should I do if the results show “pending” for a long time?
If your application status is pending for longer than the expected processing time, you can contact the Korean Embassy or Consulate or the Visa Application Center for more information.
3. What happens if my visa application is denied?
If your application is denied, you can try reapplying, but it is best to consult a visa consultant or legal professional to understand the reason for denial and how to improve your visa application.
4. Can I travel to South Korea without a visa?
Travelers who are citizens of countries that have visa-waiver agreements with South Korea may be able to enter without a visa. However, it is best to check the specific requirements for your country on the South Korean Embassy website.
Conclusion
Applying for a South Korean visa and tracking it can be a tedious process. However, with proper knowledge of the different inquiry methods available, tracking your application status becomes easier and more convenient. Before embarking on your South Korean journey, be sure to know your visa requirements and apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute disappointments.