K-ETA questions, answered

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online pre-travel authorization introduced in September 2021. Nationals of visa-free countries must hold an approved K-ETA before boarding a flight or ship to the Republic of Korea.

No. A K-ETA is a travel authorization for visa-free travellers. It allows you to board, but the immigration officer at the border makes the final decision on entry. Travellers who need a visa must apply for one at a Korean embassy or consulate.

Three years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires if that comes first.

Yes. A K-ETA allows multiple entries during its validity. Each stay is limited by the visa-free period for your nationality.

Most visa-free nationalities can stay up to 90 days per visit. A few nationalities are allowed shorter stays, and Canadian citizens can stay up to six months.

No. A K-ETA is linked to the passport used to apply. If your passport is reissued, you need to apply for a new K-ETA before your next trip.

At least 72 hours before departure. Most decisions are issued within 72 hours, but some applications take longer, so we recommend applying as soon as your trip is booked.

A valid passport, an email address, the address where you will stay in Korea with a phone number for it, a recent passport-style photo and a scan or photo of your passport’s photo page.

The decision on your application is sent to you by email. Keep it with your travel documents.

The decision belongs to the Korean authorities. If a K-ETA is refused, you can apply for a visa at a Korean embassy or consulate instead.

Until 31 December 2026, travellers from 22 countries and territories can enter Korea without a K-ETA: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

You don’t have to. But an approved K-ETA exempts you from filling in the e-Arrival Card, and it stays valid for its full term — including after the exemption ends.

No. Since 3 July 2023, travellers aged 17 or under, or 65 or over on the date of entry, are exempt from the K-ETA. They fill in the arrival card instead, and can still apply for a K-ETA voluntarily. See who is exempt from the K-ETA.

The temporary exemption is scheduled to end on 31 December 2026. Unless it is extended again, travellers from the 22 exempt countries will need a K-ETA from 1 January 2027. A K-ETA approved before then remains valid for its full term.

Through the live chat on this website or with our contact form. Our team answers 7 days a week.

Your data is sent over an encrypted connection and used to prepare and submit your K-ETA application. Our privacy policy explains how it is handled.