What Should Accompanying Family Members Prepare Before Visiting Korea? (2026 Guide)

Accompanying family members should, in principle, apply for a medical-purpose visa together with the patient, prepare documents proving the family relationship and the ability to cover living expenses during the stay, and confirm accommodation, dietary, and visitation rules in advance.

Key Takeaways

• For short-term treatment within 90 days, an accompanying family member applies for the same C-3-3 medical tourism visa as the patient; if treatment exceeds 90 days, the G-1-10 visa applies (HiKorea visa guidance).
• If the need for a companion is recognized, the family member may stay together with the patient, but documents proving the family relationship (family relation certificate, birth certificate, etc.) and proof of ability to cover living expenses during the stay are required.
• Visa processing times vary widely by country and consulate, so it is safer to book flights only after the visa has been issued.
• Accommodation is typically a residence-type unit within walking distance of the hospital, arranged so families can stay together, and dietary requirements such as halal, vegetarian, or kosher can be accommodated if requested in advance.
• Sterile wards have restrictions on the number of visitors and visiting hours, and an interpreter will explain these rules; in such cases, family members typically wait at accommodations near the hospital.

What visa and documents does an accompanying caregiver need?

• An accompanying caregiver applies for a visa through the same process as the patient. For short-term treatment within 90 days, the C-3-3 medical tourism status applies; for longer treatment exceeding 90 days, the G-1-10 residence status applies (HiKorea visa guidance).
• If caregiving is needed, accompanying stay is possible when the necessity is recognized. Common cases include a parent of a child patient, or the spouse or child of a patient with limited mobility.
• Required documents include papers proving the family relationship (family relation certificate, birth certificate, etc.) and documents showing the ability to cover expenses during the stay (such as bank balance certificates). In addition, an invitation letter issued by the registered host institution, a confirmed hospital appointment, and a written opinion from the medical staff serve as supporting documents.

What is the process from entry to stay?

• Step 1: Remote review (pre-arrival review) and confirmed hospital appointment — once records are complete, a written opinion is issued within 5 business days, and once the hospital appointment is confirmed, invitation documents are prepared.
• Step 2: Visa application — submitted at the Korean diplomatic mission in the country of residence, along with the number of accompanying persons and documents proving the relationship.
• Step 3: Entry — after arriving at Incheon International Airport, the family moves to accommodation; on the evening of arrival, a coordinator explains the schedule for the next three days and emergency procedures, and checks passport, visa, and insurance documents together.
• Step 4: Stay — the family stays at accommodation within walking distance of the hospital, and where visiting is restricted, such as in sterile wards, an interpreter explains the rules.

Can dietary or religious needs also be arranged during the stay?

• Yes. Halal, vegetarian, kosher diets, exclusion of specific meats, and adjusted meal times during Ramadan can all be arranged if requested in advance. Dietary restrictions related to treatment are explained by an interpreter alongside guidance from the nutrition team.
• However, matters that vary by hospital, such as premium room assignment or accommodation type, must be confirmed at the contract stage, and availability cannot be promised in advance even if requested, since space may not be available.

FAQ — What happens if treatment extends beyond 90 days for an accompanying caregiver?

Either a long-term treatment visa (G-1-10) is considered from the outset, or the caregiver enters short-term and then applies for a change of status or extension of stay. If there is a possibility that the stay will be extended, it is safer to prepare from the moment of entry, and approval is at the discretion of the Immigration and Foreign Affairs office.

FAQ — Can a family member who already entered on a tourist visa switch to accompanying status?

If the purpose of treatment is clear, the principle is to apply for medical-purpose status from the outset. If the need arises after entry, a change of status can be applied for, but approval is at the discretion of the Immigration and Foreign Affairs office and is not automatic.

Sources and Notes

• This article was written based on notes on medical visas, treatment journeys, and frequently asked questions (HiKorea, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Medical Korea).
• This content is provided for general medical information purposes only, and diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes may vary depending on individual conditions. Accurate diagnosis and treatment should always be determined through consultation with medical staff.