Korea Entry Requirements
K-ETA — Korea Electronic Travel Authorization
K-ETA is Korea’s pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors. Learn who needs it now, how to apply step-by-step, and what changed with the 2023 suspension.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026
K-ETA currently suspended for 22 countries — through 31 Dec 2026
Since April 2023 (Korea’s “Visit Korea Year”), nationals of the following countries do not need K-ETA and can enter visa-free without applying. The exemption was extended through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA will be required again unless further extended.
What is K-ETA?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization / 전자여행허가) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries. It was launched on 1 September 2021 and is managed by the Korea Immigration Service (법무부 출입국·외국인정책본부).
K-ETA is not a visa — it is an electronic check that allows immigration authorities to screen travellers before they board a plane. An approved K-ETA does not guarantee entry; border officers retain final authority.
Who needs K-ETA?
You do NOT need K-ETA if you are:
- • A national of one of the 22 suspended countries listed above (until 31 Dec 2026)
- • Aged 17 or under
- • An airline or ship crew member arriving for operational purposes
- • An airside transit passenger (not clearing immigration)
- • An APEC Business Travel Card holder
- • Travelling on a full visa (not visa-exempt entry)
You DO need K-ETA if you are:
- • A national of a visa-exempt country not on the suspension list
- • 18 or older
- • Planning a short-term stay for tourism, business meetings, or family visits
How to apply for K-ETA — step by step
Use the official portal only. Third-party “K-ETA services” charge $30–$70 for the same result. The official site at k-eta.go.kr costs ₩10,000 (~$8). There is no benefit to using paid intermediaries.
- 1
Go to the official K-ETA portal
Visit k-eta.go.kr (or download the official K-ETA mobile app). Avoid third-party paid services — the official site costs ₩10,000. Third-party sites charge much more for the same result.
- 2
Enter your email address
Your approval or rejection notice will be sent here. Use an email you check regularly before travel.
- 3
Fill in passport details
Enter your passport number, surname, given name, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiry date exactly as they appear in your passport — even a single character error can cause rejection.
- 4
Provide travel information
Enter your intended entry date, purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.), accommodation address in Korea, and flight details if known.
- 5
Upload your passport photo
Digital photo, JPG format, max 20 MB. White background, full face visible, neutral expression, eyes open, taken within the last 6 months. No hats, sunglasses, or coloured backgrounds.
- 6
Answer eligibility questions
Answer health, security, and immigration history questions truthfully. False answers can result in permanent immigration bans.
- 7
Pay ₩10,000
Fee is non-refundable whether your application is approved or denied. Pay by credit/debit card through the secure portal.
- 8
Submit and wait for approval
Most applications are decided within 24 hours. Allow at least 72 hours before departure. If approved, save or print the approval page — you may be asked to show it at check-in.
K-ETA photo requirements
Required
- JPG format, max 20 MB
- White or off-white background
- Full face visible, front-facing
- Neutral expression, eyes open
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Face ≥ 75% of the photo
Not Allowed
- Hats or head coverings (except religious)
- Sunglasses or tinted lenses
- Coloured or patterned backgrounds
- Heavy filters or photo editing
- Mouth open or unusual expression
- Blurry, dark, or overexposed photos
K-ETA vs. Korean visa — key differences
| K-ETA | Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, transit, short-term business | Work, study, long-term stay |
| Max stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Depends on visa type |
| Application | Online only, 10 minutes | Embassy visit, often an interview |
| Processing | 24–72 hours | Weeks to months |
| Fee | ₩10,000 (~$8) | Varies; typically higher |
| Work allowed | No | Yes (depends on visa type) |
| Who can apply | Nationals of visa-exempt countries only | Any nationality |
Common K-ETA rejection reasons
Passport data entry errors
A single wrong character in your name, passport number, or date of birth is enough to trigger rejection. Triple-check every field against your actual passport.
Photo quality issues
The system uses automated photo verification. Poor lighting, non-white background, face not centred, or a mismatch between your photo and your passport photo are the most common reasons.
Immigration history concerns
Previous overstays in Korea or other countries, prior visa rejections, or a history of immigration violations can result in denial.
Risk-scoring factors
The system scores applicants based on nationality, age, employment status, intended stay length, and travel history. High-risk scores can trigger denial without a specific stated reason.
False declarations
Answering security or health questions untruthfully. If discovered, this can result in a permanent entry ban.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need K-ETA if I’m from the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia?
No — nationals of these countries are currently exempt from K-ETA through 31 December 2026, as part of Korea’s Visit Korea Year initiative. You can enter visa-free without applying. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA will be required again unless the exemption is extended further.
Which countries currently need K-ETA?
Nationals of approximately 90 visa-exempt countries still need K-ETA. This includes many European, Middle Eastern, Pacific, and other nationalities not covered by the 2023 suspension. Check the full list at k-eta.go.kr.
How long is K-ETA valid?
3 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows unlimited multiple entries during that period. (Applications before July 2023 were valid for only 2 years.)
Can I work in Korea with K-ETA?
No. K-ETA is for short-term visits only: tourism, transit, business meetings, family visits. Paid work of any kind requires a work visa (E-2, E-7, E-9, etc.). Violating this is an immigration offence.
Does an approved K-ETA guarantee entry into Korea?
No. An approved K-ETA is an authorisation to board a plane to Korea, not a guarantee of entry. Immigration officers at the port of entry retain final authority and can deny entry.
Do children need K-ETA?
Travellers aged 17 and under are exempt from K-ETA. They must still complete the e-Arrival Card at the port of entry. Parents can optionally apply for a K-ETA on behalf of a minor to simplify repeat travel.
Do transit passengers need K-ETA?
Airside transit passengers who do not clear immigration (staying in the international departure zone) do not need K-ETA. If you want to leave the airport or explore Korea during your layover, you do need K-ETA (unless your country is currently exempt).
My K-ETA was denied — what do I do?
You can reapply with corrected information. Common reasons for denial include photo quality issues, passport data entry errors, immigration history concerns, or risk-scoring factors. If re-application is also denied, consult a Korean embassy or a registered 행정사.
Is there a fee if my K-ETA is rejected?
Yes — the ₩10,000 fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
Related guides
Disclaimer: K-ETA policies change frequently. The suspension list and validity rules above reflect the situation as of early 2025. Always verify current requirements with the official k-eta.go.kr portal or the nearest Korean embassy before travel. k-eta.go.kr
Need a full Korean visa instead?
Browse all 34 Korean visa types with eligibility requirements and application guides.
Still unsure about your entry requirements?
Ask K-VISA AI — instant answers on K-ETA, visa-free entry, and Korean immigration rules.