In short (updated October 2026): K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is the online pre-travel authorisation that visa-free visitors must hold before boarding a flight or ship to South Korea. It costs KRW 10,000, is usually decided within 72 hours and is valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires) for multiple trips. Nationals of 22 countries and regions – including the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore and Australia – are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026, and travellers aged 17 or under or 65 or over do not need one.
| K-ETA at a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Official fee | KRW 10,000 (about USD 7–8), non-refundable |
| Processing | Usually within 72 hours – apply at least 72 hours before boarding |
| Validity | 3 years from approval, multiple entries (ends earlier if the passport expires) |
| Stay per visit | Set by the visa-free rules for your nationality (typically 30–90 days) |
| Temporary exemption | 22 countries and regions until 31 December 2026 |
| Arrival card | Not needed with an approved K-ETA; otherwise use the free e-Arrival Card |
| Official website | k-eta.go.kr and the official K-ETA app |
Who needs a K-ETA in 2026?
K-ETA applies to nationals of the 112 countries and regions that can enter South Korea without a visa (67 under visa-waiver agreements and 45 with visa-free entry for tourism or transit). They must hold an approved K-ETA before boarding – unless they are covered by one of the exemptions below. Nationals of countries that need a Korean visa cannot use K-ETA and apply for a visa at a Korean embassy or consulate instead.
22 countries and regions exempt until 31 December 2026
| Region | Temporarily exempt from K-ETA |
|---|---|
| Asia | Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore |
| Americas | United States (including Guam), Canada |
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
The exemption has applied since 1 April 2023 and was extended twice – to 31 December 2025 and then to 31 December 2026. As of October 2026 no further extension had been announced: unless Korea extends it again, travellers from these countries will need a K-ETA for trips from 1 January 2027. While exempt, they submit an arrival card (the free online e-Arrival Card) instead, or apply for a K-ETA voluntarily.
Who else does not need a K-ETA
- Travellers aged 17 or under and 65 or over (since 3 July 2023)
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- APEC Business Travel Card holders
- Foreign residents with a valid Korean residence card
- Aircraft and ship crew, and transit passengers who do not pass through Korean immigration
Examples of nationalities that must apply for a K-ETA now: Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Switzerland, Portugal and Greece. Check your nationality on k-eta.go.kr before you travel.
What Is K-ETA? Definition & Background
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is South Korea’s mandatory pre-travel permit for visa-free foreign nationals, launched September 1, 2021.
K-ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic authorization that allows visa-free nationals to board flights and ships bound for South Korea.
The system was designed to pre-screen travelers before arrival, reduce immigration processing time at Incheon International Airport, and align South Korea with similar systems used by other countries.
How K-ETA Compares to Similar Systems
| Feature | K-ETA (South Korea) | ESTA (United States) | ETIAS (European Union) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | September 1, 2021 | 2009 | Planned 2026+ |
| Cost | 10,000 KRW (~$7–8) | $40 USD | €20 EUR |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Processing | Up to 72 hours | Mostly instant | Up to 30 days |
| Entries | Multiple (unlimited) | Multiple | Multiple |
| Max stay | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Who applies | Visa-free nationals | Visa Waiver Program nationals | Visa-free nationals |
K-ETA applies to arrivals by air, sea, and land. It does not grant the right to work or study in South Korea — it covers tourism, business visits, and transit only.
K-ETA Cost & Validity: Exact Numbers
K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (~$7–8 USD), is generally valid for 3 years from the approval date, allows unlimited entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Fee Breakdown
| Currency | Amount |
|---|---|
| Korean Won (KRW) | 10,000 KRW |
| US Dollar (USD) | ~$7–8 |
| Euro (EUR) | ~€6–7 |
| British Pound (GBP) | ~£5–6 |
The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome — approved, denied, or withdrawn. Payment is accepted by credit card and debit card only. Cash is not accepted.
Validity Rules
- K-ETA is generally valid for 3 years from the date of approval — not from the date of first use.
- A K-ETA approved on May 8, 2026, expires on May 8, 2029.
- During the 3-year validity period, you can enter South Korea unlimited times.
- Each visit allows a maximum stay of 90 days.
- K-ETA does not automatically renew. You must apply for a new one when it expires.
K-ETA Application: Step-by-Step Process
Obtain the permit at k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA mobile app. The process takes 10–15 minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Documents and Information Required Before You Start
- Valid passport (must cover your entire stay in South Korea)
- Face photo: white background, face clearly visible, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months
- Accommodation address in South Korea (hotel name and address)
- Onward or return flight details
- Credit or debit card for payment
Application Process
Step 1 — Access the official portal
Go to k-eta.go.kr or download the “K-ETA” app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). The app publisher must be “Korea Immigration Service.” Do not use any other website or app.
Step 2 — Create an account
Register with your email address and create a password. You will use this account to track your status.
Step 3 — Start a new application
Select “Apply for K-ETA.” Choose your nationality from the dropdown list. Confirm your country is on the eligible list.
Step 4 — Enter personal information
Fill in your full name exactly as it appears on your passport. Enter your date of birth, passport number, passport expiry date, and nationality. Any mismatch with your passport causes denial.
Step 5 — Upload your photo
Upload a recent passport-style photo. The system automatically checks photo quality. Requirements: white background, face centered, no glasses, no hat, taken within 6 months.
Step 6 — Enter travel details
Provide your accommodation address in South Korea (full address, not just city). Select your purpose of visit: tourism, business, transit, or other. Enter your planned arrival date.
Step 7 — Pay 10,000 KRW
Pay by credit or debit card. The fee is 10,000 KRW (~$7–8 USD). The payment is processed immediately. The fee is non-refundable.
Step 8 — Wait for the decision
You receive the decision by email. Processing takes up to 72 hours. Log in to your account at k-eta.go.kr to check status at any time.
Step 9 — Save your approval
Save the approval email or take a screenshot. Some airlines verify K-ETA at check-in. Korean immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
When to Apply
| Timing | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 72 hours before departure |
| Recommended | 1–2 weeks before departure |
| Maximum advance | No limit — K-ETA is valid 3 years |
| At the airport | Not possible — K-ETA cannot be obtained on arrival |
K-ETA Processing Time: What to Expect
K-ETA processing takes up to 72 hours. Most applications receive a decision within 24 hours. There is no expedited processing option.
Standard Timeline
- Submission to decision: Up to 72 hours (3 calendar days)
- Typical approval time: Within 24 hours for straightforward applications
- Processing schedule: 24/7, including weekends and Korean public holidays
- Notification method: Email to the address used during registration
How to Check Your K-ETA Status
- Go to k-eta.go.kr.
- Log in with your registered email and password.
- Click “My Applications”.
- View status: Pending / Approved / Denied.
If Your K-ETA Is Still Pending After 72 Hours
- Check your spam/junk folder for the decision email.
- Log in to k-eta.go.kr to verify the status directly.
- Contact the K-ETA helpline through the official website contact form.
Why K-ETA Applications Are Denied
| Reason | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Criminal record | Consult a Korean immigration attorney |
| Previous immigration violations in South Korea | Contact the Korean Embassy |
| Incorrect or mismatched passport information | Reapply with corrected data |
| Passport expiring before the end of the planned stay | Renew passport first, then reapply |
| Inconsistent travel history | Provide supporting documentation |
| Photo does not meet the requirements | Reapply with a compliant photo |
A K-ETA denial does not permanently bar you from South Korea. You can reapply with corrected information or apply for a Korean visa through a Korean embassy or consulate.
K-ETA and the Korea e-Arrival Card
The e-Arrival Card is a free online arrival declaration that replaces filling in the paper arrival card on the plane. It is submitted at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days (72 hours, Korean time) before arrival, and no printout is needed. Travellers holding an approved K-ETA, a valid Korean residence card or an e-Group visa do not submit an arrival card at all.
| K-ETA | e-Arrival Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pre-travel authorisation to board and enter | Arrival declaration for immigration |
| Fee | KRW 10,000 | Free |
| When | At least 72 hours before boarding | Within 3 days before arrival |
| Valid for | 3 years, multiple entries | One arrival |
| Who uses it | Visa-free nationals who are not exempt | Visitors without a K-ETA – e.g. nationals of the 22 exempt countries, travellers under 18 or aged 65+, visa holders |
| Official site | k-eta.go.kr | e-arrivalcard.go.kr |
Travellers from exempt countries may still apply for a K-ETA voluntarily (same KRW 10,000 fee) and then skip the arrival card on every trip for 3 years. Paper arrival cards may still be available at immigration, but submitting online before the flight is faster.
Special Cases: Transit, Dual Citizens, Green Card Holders
K-ETA eligibility is based on passport nationality — not residency, green card status, or country of birth.
Transit Through South Korea
| Transit type | K-ETA required? |
|---|---|
| Airside transit (stay in international zone, no immigration) | Generally not required |
| Landside transit (exit airport, pass through immigration) | K-ETA rules apply |
| Cruise ship transit (port stop, no overnight stay) | Check with cruise line |
If you are transiting through Incheon International Airport without passing through Korean immigration, K-ETA is generally not required.
If you exit the international zone — for example, to visit Seoul during a long layover — K-ETA rules apply. Confirm your specific situation with your airline and k-eta.go.kr.
Dual Citizens
Apply using the passport of the country that has a visa-free agreement with South Korea.
If both passports qualify, use the one with the longer remaining validity.
If one passport is Korean, enter South Korea on the Korean passport — Korean nationals do not need K-ETA.
US Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
A US green card does not grant K-ETA eligibility. K-ETA eligibility is determined by passport nationality, not residency status.
A Filipino national holding a US green card must apply for a Korean visa — not K-ETA — unless the Philippines is added to the K-ETA eligible list.
Korean Americans and Korean Diaspora
Korean nationals (including dual citizens holding a Korean passport) do not need K-ETA.
They enter South Korea using their Korean passport. If a Korean American holds only a US passport (not a Korean passport), they are treated as a US national and follow US citizen rules — currently exempt until December 31, 2026.
Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
K-ETA covers tourism and business visits. Remote workers visiting South Korea on K-ETA (or during the exemption period) may stay up to 90 days per visit. Working for a Korean employer requires a separate work visa.
Medical Tourism
South Korea is a top medical tourism destination. Visitors traveling for medical treatment enter on K-ETA (or during the exemption, without it).
Medical treatment does not require a separate visa for stays under 90 days. Longer medical stays require a medical visa — contact the Korean Embassy.
K-ETA FAQ
Do I need a K-ETA to visit South Korea in 2026?
Only if your nationality is visa-free for Korea and not covered by an exemption. Nationals of the 22 exempt countries and regions (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Australia) and travellers aged 17 or under or 65 or over can enter without a K-ETA until 31 December 2026; they submit the free e-Arrival Card instead.
Which countries are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026?
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).
Will the K-ETA exemption be extended into 2027?
As of October 2026 the Korean government had not announced a further extension. Unless it does, nationals of these 22 countries and regions will need an approved K-ETA for trips from 1 January 2027. Check k-eta.go.kr before booking.
How much does K-ETA cost and how long is it valid?
KRW 10,000 (about USD 7–8; a card processing fee may apply). It is valid for 3 years from approval for multiple entries, but becomes invalid if your passport expires or is replaced.
How long does K-ETA approval take?
Results are usually available within 72 hours, sometimes longer. Apply at least 72 hours before boarding – there is no express service and K-ETA cannot be obtained on arrival.
Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I have a K-ETA?
No. K-ETA holders are exempt from the arrival card. Travellers without a K-ETA submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival.
Do children and seniors need a K-ETA?
No. Since 3 July 2023 travellers aged 17 or under and 65 or over are exempt from K-ETA, although they still submit an arrival card.
Official sources: k-eta.go.kr, immigration.go.kr (Korea Immigration Service), e-arrivalcard.go.kr and Korean embassy notices on mofa.go.kr – checked October 2026.