Information about Korean K-ETA
The South Korean government introduced the South Korean ETA in May 2021 which is an electronic visa available for 49 visa-exempt countries. It is a multiple-entry type and with it, you can stay in the Republic of Korea for 30, 60, or 90 days.
The program was designed in order to speed up the application process and make entering South Korea easier. The visa is available online and you can obtain it very quickly. It can be used for leisure or business purposes. So it is possible to visit friends/family, spend your holiday, or take part in some business dealings.
There is only one type of South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization that is valid for 2 years. You need a printed copy of the approved K-ETA and a valid passport on arrival.
Remember that you can’t extend your ETA. If you want to stay longer in Korea, you need to apply for a new ETA online. Also, this document is not available on arrival so be careful.
The processing time differs as it depends on the individual case and many factors. The requirements are not numerous as you need to be on the list of eligible countries and have a valid passport.
The application process is very easy and intuitive so you don’t need to worry about it. After the approval, you will get your ETA via email.
The application process for a K-ETA
You can get K-ETA online which is a very convenient option. You just need to have a device with an internet connection and the whole process won’t take a lot of time. Before, prepare a valid passport, an active email, and a photo of the face (you can use a PC or a phone camera to do so).
There are only three simple steps to apply:
- Fill out the application form (check provided information twice before you send them to avoid mistakes).
- Pay the necessary fee. You can use online payment methods that are reliable and fast. After it, you should get a confirmation number in your email.
- Wait for the confirmation and approval. If everything is correct, you will receive your K-ETA via email in PDF form.
Submit your K-ETA application earlier before your trip to the Republic of Korea to receive all documents on time.
Requirements for ETA to the Republic of Korea
To enter Korea you need to have:
- a valid passport (at least 6 months)
- photo of the applicant’s face (you can use a PC or phone camera)
- an active email address
- access to the online payment method.
As you can see, there are not many requirements set by Korean authorities so you won’t have a problem with applying.
Who needs to complete a South Korean ETA
Citizens from certain foreign countries, who would like to visit the Republic of Korea, need a K-ETA. Below we present a list of eligible nationals for 30 days K-ETA:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Cyprus
- Guyana
- Holy See
- Monaco
- New Caledonia
- Palau
- San Marino
- UK-British Dependent Territories (GBD)
- UK-British Overseas (GBO)
- UK-British Protected Person (GBP)
- UK-British Subject (GBS)
Also, there is a K-ETA for 90 days. Citizens from the following countries can apply for it:
- Austria
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Dominica
- Croatia
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom – Great Britain (GBR)
- United States
- Venezuela.
Besides Portugal nationals can get K-ETA for 60 days.
When to complete the K-ETA
It is worth knowing that K-ETA should be completed earlier in order to avoid some inconveniences. Apply no later than 72 hours before your travel to the Republic of Korea.
You can stay there for 30, 60, or 90 days depending on your nationality. K-ETA is valid for 2 years and enables one to visit the country numerous times.
FAQ
What is K-ETA South Korea?
K-ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization document that enables citizens from 49 countries to travel to the Republic of Korea. It can be used for tourism or business purposes and it grants multiple entries to the country.
Do I need a K-ETA to travel to Korea?
You need K-ETA approval if you are from the 49 visa-exempt countries. This document allows its holders to stay in Korea for 30,60, or 90 days.
How long does it take to get K-ETA approval?
The time for getting K-ETA approval differs. It depends on many factors and is individual for each case. The whole process can be done online and after approval, you will get K-ETA via email in PDF form.
How long K-ETA Korea remains valid?
Korean Electronic Travel Authorization is valid for 2 years. It can be treated as a multiple-entry visa because it enables its holder to travel to the country numerous times. Important! Remember that your passport needs to be valid as well. Check if your passport is not expired before the K-ETA application process.
How much does Korean ETA cost?
After the K-ETA application process, you need to pay the necessary fee which is 69 EUR. Besides covering the fee you need to prepare a valid passport, an active email, and a device with an internet connection.