Korea operates the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) for nationals of visa-waiver/visa-free countries. To boost tourism, 22 countries/regions are temporarily exempt from K-ETA through 2025-12-31, meaning they can enter visa-free using just a valid passport. Travelers may still apply for K-ETA voluntarily to enjoy the arrival card exemption lane.
Not a visa—K-ETA only satisfies part of the requirement for visa-free entry. It’s valid for 3 years (2 years if issued before 2023-07-03), allows multiple entries, costs KRW 10,000 (online payment fee extra; non-refundable), and review typically takes up to 72 hours (no expedited option). K-ETA holders are exempt from submitting the arrival card.
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Validity | 3 years (or until passport expiry); 2 years if approved before 2023-07-03. |
| Fee | KRW 10,000 + payment fee; non-refundable. |
| Processing | Typically ≤72 hours; apply early, no fast-track. |
| Per-entry stay | Depends on nationality; K-ETA validity ≠ stay length. |
Effective window: Began 2023-04-01; extended to 2025-12-31.
Countries/regions (A–Z): Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States (incl. Guam).
Heads-up: A PRC mission notice lists Switzerland & Liechtenstein as temporarily exempt through 2025-12-31 as well; confirm on the K-ETA application screen for your passport (a pop-up shows if exempt).
1 If your passport is from the 22 countries above, you do not need K-ETA through 2025-12-31 (you may still apply voluntarily).
2 If not, check whether your nationality is K-ETA-eligible. If yes, note that travelers ≤17 or ≥65 are exempt from K-ETA (since 2023-07-03).
3 Transit without immigration usually does not require K-ETA; and certain groups (registered residents, APEC card holders, crew) are exempt.
From 2025-02-24, Korea introduced the e-Arrival card; you can submit it within 3 days before arrival, free of charge. Paper and electronic entry declarations will be accepted in parallel until December 2025. Use the official portal’s navigator to check whether you must submit it based on your status (visa/K-ETA/registration).
Clarity note: Some media say “K-ETA holders are exempt from the e-Arrival card.” Always follow Ministry/Embassy notices for the final rule while paper+electronic are in parallel through 2025.
| Traveler | What you need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport from any of the 22 countries (≤90 days tourism) | No K-ETA; passport only | Optional K-ETA for arrival-card-free lane. |
| Other visa-free passport | K-ETA required | Fee KRW 10,000; apply ≥72h before. |
| Age ≤17 or ≥65 | K-ETA exempt (if otherwise K-ETA-eligible) | Policy effective since 2023-07-03. |
| Transit (no immigration) | Generally no K-ETA | Check embassy for exceptions. |
| Work/Study/Long-stay | Embassy visa required | Confirm type & docs via Visa Portal. |
No. For short-term visa-free visits you need either K-ETA or a visa—not both.
Yes—K-ETA holders skip the arrival card and often use a faster lane on arrival.
Official notices currently say through 2025-12-31. There are reports of an extension to 2026, but treat that as informational until formally promulgated.
Match your nationality and trip purpose to the current official rules, then apply early if K-ETA is required. For e-Arrival, submit online within 3 days when applicable, keeping a screenshot/email of the confirmation.