Do I need to provide a medical exam for my South Korean WHV?

For applicants of the South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1), health status is a determining factor. However, there is a clear distinction between a general medical certificate and the specific tuberculosis tests required for certain nationalities. Below is the current regulation processed by the Visa Application Centers (KVAC) and consular sections:

1. General Rule: America, Europe, Anglosphere, and Middle East

Applies to: Chile, Argentina, Spain, Canada, United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, France, among others.

• Requirement: It is mandatory to present an original Medical Certificate, signed and stamped by a registered physician.

• Validity: It must usually be no older than 3 months at the time of application.

• Content: The document must explicitly state that the applicant is in good general health to travel and reside abroad.

• Tuberculosis: A strict tuberculosis test (official chest X-ray) is not required, as these nationalities do not belong to the Korean government's high-risk list.

• Note on Mental Health: The "Mental Illness" clause is frequently a requirement of the mandatory insurance policy, not necessarily a required statement in the standard medical certificate.

2. Reciprocity Exception: Brazil

Applies to: Brazil.

• Status: The guidelines of the new agreement with the [enlace sospechoso eliminado] establish that the presentation of the medical exam is, in principle, mandatory.

• Waiver: However, it may be waived in consideration of the principle of diplomatic reciprocity. The standard certificate, if required, only confirms general health without mandatory tuberculosis tests.

3. East Asia: Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong

Applies to: Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

• Requirement: A general medical certificate of good health issued by a local hospital or clinic is required.

• Criterion: Since these nationalities are not on Korea's high tuberculosis incidence list, a standard medical report confirming physical fitness is sufficient for the process before MOFA.

Administrative Recommendation: Regardless of the country, the certificate must be written in or translated into English or Korean for acceptance in the centralized system in Seoul. It is vital that the doctor's stamp is legible and contains their professional registration number.