K-ETA: The Ultimate Guide

It sounds like you’ve decided to visit South Korea—what a fantastic decision! If you’re planning to visit South Korea and want to experience its neon-lit streets, unending K-BBQ, and fave K-dramas’ filming places, one crucial thing you need to do is pass immigration without any problems. Think of this K-ETA as your VIP pass and guestbook entry, ensuring the South Korean government knows who you are, why you’re visiting, and whether or not you should be let in.

But what exactly is K-ETA? And why do travelers who skip these steps sometimes stare helplessly at an immigration officer while clutching their passports in confusion? So, buckle up (or, more accurately, bookmark this page) because by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do before your flight—and you’ll be one step closer to slurping up a bowl of hot, spicy kimchi jjigae in the heart of Seoul.

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What is K-ETA?

K-ETA, or Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, is a mandatory online travel authorization visa-free travelers must obtain before entering South Korea. Think of it as South Korea’s version of a digital pre-check, ensuring you’re approved for Entry before boarding your flight.

It’s not a visa (don’t worry, you’re not signing up for an intense bureaucratic process). Instead, it’s a quick and straightforward way for the Korean government to screen travelers in advance, ensuring smooth Entry and security at the borders. If your country is on South Korea’s visa-free list, you’ll need K-ETA to visit for tourism, business, or short-term stays—otherwise, you won’t be allowed to board your flight.

When Was K-ETA Introduced and Why?

On May 3, 2021, K-ETA was formally launched to improve security, decrease border control paperwork, and streamline operations. In the past, passengers who could enter the country without a visa had to fill out an arrival card. Nevertheless, the Korean government implemented this digital authorization system to streamline processes, increase security, and deal with the influx of millions of tourists entering the country each.

Who Needs K-ETA?

You NEED Korea Electronic Travel Authorization if:

• Your country is in the complete list of 106 countries/territories that are eligible for K-ETA (below) 
• You’re traveling for tourism, business, family visits, or attending events.
• Your Stay is short-term (typically up to 90 days, depending on nationality).

You DON’T NEED Korea Electronic Travel Authorization if:

• You’re from one of the 65 temporarily exempt countries (check the official website for updates). 
• You’re under 17 or over 65 (you’re automatically exempt—nice perk, right?).
• You’re applying for a long-term visa (like work, study, or residency).

If you’re from a visa-free country and planning to visit South Korea, then yes—you 100% need it. It’s a fast, inexpensive process that helps avoid airport surprises. Plus, once approved, it’s valid for 3 years, so if you fall in love with Korea (which you probably will), you can return without reapplying!

Read more: K-ETA Application Guide.

Differences Between K-ETA, e-Korean Visa, and e-Arrival Card

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you might wonder about the differences between the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), e-Korean Visa, and e-Arrival Card. Each serves a different purpose and applies to specific travelers. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:

Which One Do You Need?

If you’re from a visa-free country, you must apply for a K-ETA (unless temporarily exempt).

If your nationality requires a visa, you need an e-Korean Visa.

If you’re traveling for a short-term visit, you should complete the e-Arrival Card online before arriving in Korea.

How to Apply for K-ETA

Step 1: Visit the Official K-ETA Website

Head over to www.k-eta.go.kr or download the mobile app (available for iOS and Android). This is the only official site, so beware of scam websites charging extra fees!

Link to download: Google Play | iOS Store

Step 2: Enter Your Email Address

You’ll need a valid email address because this is where you’ll receive your approval (or rejection, but let’s stay positive!). Make sure to double-check your email to avoid delays.

Step 3: Enter Passport Information

Time to pull out your passport! You’ll need to provide:

• Your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
• Passport number
• Country of citizenship
• Date of birth

Advice from an expert: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you want to arrive in Korea. Unless you want to risk having to renew it before you can apply!

Step 4: Fill Out Travel and Personal Details

Next, you’ll need to provide:

• Your intended arrival and departure dates
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
• Your accommodation details (hotel, Airbnb, friend’s house—wherever you’re staying)
• A recent passport-style photo (upload a clear, high-quality image)

Step 5: Pay the Fee

The application fee is KRW 10,000 (around $7–$10), but there might be a small processing charge depending on your payment method. You can pay via:

• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, etc.)
• Debit card

Note: The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. So, double-check your details before submitting!

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Your application will be assessed after submission. Processing usually takes 24–72 hours, but it might take longer during peak travel seasons. To be safe, apply at least 3 days before your departure!

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with your confirmation. Printing it is unnecessary—your approval is linked to your passport electronically.

Step 7: Check Your Status & Travel!

Before heading to the airport, you can check your K-ETA status on the official website using your passport number and email. If approved, you’re all set to explore Korea! 

Tips for a Smooth K-ETA Application

• Apply at least a week before departure—just in case of delays.
• Check your passport’s validity (at least 6 months remaining).
• Use a high-quality passport photo—no selfies, please!
• Beware of fake websites charging extra fees.
• K-ETA is valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries, so if you fall in love with Korea (which you will), you won’t have to apply again soon!

How Long is K-ETA Valid?

A K-ETA is typically valid for two years from the date of approval. That means you can visit Korea multiple times within that period without reapplying—make sure your passport remains valid. However, suppose your passport expires before the K-ETA does. In that case, you must apply for a new one with your updated passport details.

Now, what happens if your K-ETA expires before your trip? Simple: you won’t be allowed to board your flight or enter Korea. To avoid last-minute panic, check your K-ETA validity before your trip. If it’s expired, reapply online before booking your flight!

A list of 106 countries/territories eligible for K-ETA

2 Countries Allowed a 60-day Stay

Only two countries fall under this category. Lesotho citizens can stay for 60 days, while Russian passport holders can stay for 60 days, not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.

10 Countries Allowed a 3-Month Stay

A total of 10 countries and territories can stay in South Korea for three months under the K-ETA program. These include Belgium, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Surinam, and Switzerland.

27 countries Allowed a 30-day Stay

Travelers from 27 countries and territories can stay in South Korea for up to 30 days under the K-ETA program. These include Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Eswatini, Fiji, Guyana, Holy See (Vatican), Honduras, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tunisia, and Tuvalu.

Additionally, Kazakhstan travelers can stay 30 days in a row, but their total Stay must not exceed 60 days within 180 days. The UK-British Dependent Territories Citizens (GBD), UK-British Overseas Citizens (GBO), UK-British Protected Persons (GBP), and UK-British Subjects (GBS) are also eligible for a 30-day stay.

67 Countries Allowed a 90-day Stay

Most 67 countries and territories can stay up to 90 days with a K-ETA. These include Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China P.R. (Hong Kong), China P.R. (Macao), Colombia, Commonwealth of Dominica, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Morocco, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal (90 days in a row, not exceeding 90 days within 180 days), Qatar, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Türkiye (Turkey), UAE (United Arab Emirates), UK – British Citizen (GBR), United States of America, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Check the complete list of countries/territories and periods of stay.

List of 22 temporarily exempt countries from the K-ETA

For now, travelers from 22 specific countries can skip the process altogether.

This exemption applies to citizens of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States (including Guam).

Individuals from these nations can continue visiting South Korea until December 31, 2025, using only a valid passport and without needing to apply for K-ETA.

Read the full announcement: 

• Information about K-ETA [Updated].
• Notice on Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption.

FAQs About K-ETA

Is K-ETA the same as a visa?

Not at all; K-ETA is not a visa. For brief visits (tourist, business meetings, etc.), citizens of visa-free nations can enter South Korea with this electronic travel authorization.

Do all travelers need an Arrival Card?

Not necessarily! Travelers with an approved K-ETA must not fill out an Arrival Card upon Entry. However, if you’re from a country temporarily exempt from K-ETA (until December 31, 2025), you may still need to complete an Arrival Card.

Can I get K-ETA on arrival?

No, K-ETA must be approved before you travel. Airlines and immigration officials will check for a valid one before allowing you to board your flight or ship to Korea. Applying at least 72 hours before departure is best to avoid last-minute issues.

How long is a K-ETA valid for?

A K-ETA is usually valid for 2 years from the approval date, allowing multiple entries during this period. However, if your passport expires before your K-ETA, you must reapply with your new passport details.

What happens if my K-ETA expires before my trip?

If your current K-ETA expires before you depart, you must apply for a new one before boarding your aircraft. If you want to be sure your K-ETA is valid before you go to the airport, check it twice!

How much does K-ETA cost?

The application price for the K-ETA is 10,000 KRW, which is around $8. You can pay online using any credit or debit card. Always submit your application through the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) and avoid any third-party sites that may charge you additional costs.

What should I do if my K-ETA application is rejected?

If your K-ETA is denied, don’t panic! You may have entered incorrect information (passport number, name, etc.), or your reason for travel may require a different type of visa. Double-check your application details and reapply. If unsure, contact the Korean Immigration Contact Center at +82-2-1345 for assistance.

How long does it take to get K-ETA approval?

K-ETA processing typically takes 24–72 hours. Still, applying at least a week before your trip is best to avoid delays. In rare cases, additional screening may extend processing time, so don’t leave it to the last minute!

Can I edit my K-ETA application after submission?

Nope! Once you submit your K-ETA application, you cannot edit or change any details. If you realize you made a mistake, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.

Do I need a K-ETA if I have a visa?

No! You do not need a K-ETA if you have a valid Korean visa. K-ETA is only for travelers who do not require a visa for short-term stays.

Can I use K-ETA for work or study in Korea?

No! K-ETA is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term stays only. If you plan to work, study, or live in Korea, you must apply for the appropriate long-term visa through the Korean embassy.

Are there any age exemptions for K-ETA?

Of course! Travelers 65 or younger or 17 years old or younger are not required to have a K-ETA. Nevertheless, having a valid passport is a general entrance criterion for entering Korea.

What should I do if my K-ETA is delayed?

Check all your inboxes, including spam, for any changes regarding your K-ETA if it takes longer than anticipated. Suppose it’s been more than 72 hours, and you haven’t received a response. In that case, you can contact the Korean Immigration Contact Center (+82-2-1345) for assistance.

What if my K-ETA application is rejected? 

It could be due to:

• Incorrect passport details
• Blurry or invalid passport photo
• Issues with past visits to Korea (e.g., overstaying a visa)

How to fix it: Carefully review your application details and try again. If the issue persists, contact the Korean Immigration Service or apply for a regular visa at the nearest Korean embassy.

What if my K-ETA result is delayed? 

Typically, K-ETA approvals take 24–72 hours, but if yours is stuck in limbo, it might be due to:

• A high volume of applications
• Additional security checks

How to fix it: Apply at least a week before travel, check your email spam folder, and if it’s been more than 72 hours, contact K-ETA customer support via the official website.

Got more questions? Visit www.k-eta.go.kr for the latest updates!

Final Tips for Travelers

Let’s review a few essential K-ETA travel tips to make your Entry into South Korea as smooth as possible.

1. Apply for K-ETA early to avoid last-minute issues.

Procrastinators, beware! K-ETA approval usually takes 24-72 hours, but delays can happen. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid any heart-stopping moments at the airport check-in counter. No K-ETA, no boarding pass—it’s that simple.

2. Double-check your Arrival Card information before submitting it.

If you’re required to submit an Arrival Card, don’t rush through it like it’s a pop quiz. Any errors—especially on your passport number or personal details—can lead to unnecessary delays at immigration. Take your time, get it right, and breeze through customs like a seasoned traveler.

3. Keep a copy of your K-ETA approval (print or digital).

While immigration officials can look up your K-ETA, keeping a copy handy is always good practice—either as a screenshot, email confirmation, or printed document. You never know when technology might betray you (yes, even your phone battery can pick the worst possible moment to die).

4. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip.

Your K-ETA is linked to your passport, so if it expires soon, you should renew it before applying for a K-ETA. If your passport expires before your K-ETA’s two-year validity period, you must reapply for a new one with your updated passport details.

5. Know the rules for multiple entries.

K-ETA is a multiple-entry authorization that allows frequent visits to Korea within its two-year validity period. Each stay is typically limited to 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality.

6. Be aware of exemptions.

Not everyone needs K-ETA. You can skip the application if you’re under 17, over 65, or from a temporarily exempt country (until December 31, 2025). However, always check the latest K-ETA requirements before traveling because rules can change faster than a K-drama plot twist.

Final thought

And there you have everything you need to know about K-ETA, the golden ticket to a hassle-free adventure in South Korea! Whether you’re visiting for a K-pop pilgrimage, a foodie adventure, or to soak up the breathtaking landscapes, getting your K-ETA approved in advance ensures you skip any last-minute airport chaos.

Remember, the Arrival Card (if required) is just as important—double-check your details to avoid unnecessary delays at immigration. Also, stay updated with official Korean immigration sources because travel rules can change faster than a K-drama plot twist!

Don’t wait until the last minute—check if you need a K-ETA today and apply well in advance. Your future self (the one sipping on bubble tea in Myeongdong) will thank you!