How to apply for a K-ETA, step by step

Who needs to apply

The K-ETA applies to nationals of the countries and territories whose citizens can visit Korea without a visa — 112 of them in total. If your passport is on that list, you need an approved K-ETA before boarding a flight or ship to Korea, whether you travel for tourism, to visit family, for an event or for business meetings.

Some travellers do not need one: nationals of 22 countries and territories that are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026, travellers aged 17 or under or 65 or over, holders of a valid Korean visa or residence card, and transit passengers who stay airside. Our guide to K-ETA exemptions covers every case, and who needs a K-ETA lists the exempt countries.

What to prepare before you start

• Your passport, valid for your whole trip, and a scan or clear photo of its photo page.
• A recent facial photo (requirements below).
• An email address you check regularly — the result is sent there.
• Your travel details: purpose of the visit, planned dates, the address where you will stay in Korea and a contact number there (hotel, guesthouse, company or host).
• Your occupation, and honest answers to questions about infectious diseases and criminal records.

Families and groups can be included in one session, but every traveller who needs a K-ETA gets their own authorization.

Photo requirements

The official rules are simpler than many websites suggest:

• A colour photo in JPG format, no larger than 20 MB.
• Your full face, from the front, filling roughly three quarters of the image.
• Eyes open and looking at the camera.
• No hat, scarf or sunglasses. A religious head covering is accepted if your face is clearly visible from forehead to chin.

Good to know: it does not have to be the photo printed in your passport. A recent, sharp, well-lit picture against a plain background is the safest choice.

The application, step by step

1. Choose how to apply. You can apply yourself on the official K-ETA website or app, or use an assisted service such as K-ETA Korea Gate, which guides you through each question and checks your application before it is submitted.
2. Enter your passport details exactly as printed: surname, given names, nationality, date of birth, passport number and expiry date.
3. Upload your photo and your passport photo page.
4. Add your travel information: purpose, dates, address and phone number in Korea.
5. Answer the declarations on health and criminal records truthfully.
6. Review every field. Most refusals and delays come from typing errors.
7. Pay and submit. You receive a confirmation by email.

When to apply and how long it takes

Assessment normally takes up to 72 hours, but some applications take longer and there is no official express service. Apply at least 72 hours before departure — ideally as soon as your trip is booked.

Approval must be in place before you board: airlines check K-ETA status at check-in, and a traveller who needs a K-ETA but has none can be refused boarding.

Receiving and checking your result

The decision is sent by email and can also be checked online with your passport details. Keep the confirmation with your travel documents. Once approved, your K-ETA is valid for three years — or until your passport expires, if sooner — and covers multiple trips.

A practical bonus: travellers with an approved K-ETA do not need to fill in the arrival card. Read K-ETA, visa or e-Arrival Card for the details.

When you need a new K-ETA

Your K-ETA is tied to the passport and personal details you declared. You must apply again if any of these change:

• a new passport (renewed, replaced after loss, or reissued after a name change);
• your name, sex, date of birth or nationality;
• your answers on infectious diseases or criminal records.

A change of travel dates, address or flight can be updated without a new application, and a change of job does not require one.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Swapping surname and given names, or leaving out a middle name.
• Confusing the letter O and the number 0 in the passport number.
• Entering the issue date instead of the expiry date.
• Uploading a blurred, dark or cropped photo.
• Applying with one passport and travelling with another (common for dual nationals).
• Leaving it to the last day.

Our team checks every application for exactly these errors before submission — you can start your K-ETA application here and finish in about ten minutes.