Do I need to get a K-ETA before coming to Korea?

Citizens of countries that enter Korea visa-free (no visa) usually need a K-ETA. People who enter with a visa do not need a K-ETA. But which countries need a K-ETA, and which are temporarily exempt, can change over time.

When you need it

• You need it if you are a citizen of a country that can enter without a visa, and you come for tourism or a visit.
• Apply before you buy your plane ticket, or at least 72 hours before boarding.
• Apply on the K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or on the mobile app.
• The fee is 10,000 KRW. It is valid for 2 years from the approval date. During this time, you can enter Korea as many times as you want.
• If the automatic review finds no problem, you are usually approved within 30 minutes. The result is sent to the email you wrote on the application.

When you do not need K-ETA

• You do not need it if you enter with a Korean visa.
• You do not need it if you are already registered as a foreigner in Korea (외국인등록).
• Even if you have a K-ETA, you must still fill out the electronic arrival card if you enter with a visa.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• Visa-free entry is only for tourism or visits. If you want to work or do business activities, you must get the right visa before you come.
• K-ETA is a different system from the electronic arrival card. The electronic arrival card is free. You can fill it out at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr starting 3 days before you arrive in Korea. If you have a valid K-ETA, you do not have to submit the arrival card.
• Some countries have been temporarily exempt from K-ETA. First check on the K-ETA website whether your nationality is exempt now.

If you tell me which country's passport you will use, I can give you more specific information. For final confirmation, check the K-ETA website or call the Foreigner Comprehensive Guidance Center (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345.