K-ETA Complete Guide: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization

K-ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic pre-screening authorisation that allows Korean immigration to review travellers before they board an aircraft or ship. Nationals of visa-exempt countries still enter without a visa stamp — K-ETA simply gives immigration advance notice of your travel and allows pre-screening. Think of it like the US ESTA or Australia's ETA. If approved, K-ETA is linked to your passport electronically and is valid for multiple trips to Korea over 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).

K-ETA is required for most (but not all) nationals of visa-exempt countries. The requirement list changes — some nationalities were temporarily exempted from K-ETA during and after the COVID-19 period, and Korea periodically updates the list. As of the latest update, nationals from countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most EU states are subject to K-ETA requirements. Holders of valid Korean visas (any type), diplomats, and transit passengers not leaving the airport are generally exempt from K-ETA. Always verify the current requirement for your nationality on the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) before booking travel.

An approved K-ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that validity period, you can enter Korea multiple times as long as each stay does not exceed the permitted duration for your country's visa exemption (typically 90 days per entry). If you get a new passport before your K-ETA expires, your K-ETA becomes void — you must apply for a new one tied to the new passport.

K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry into Korea — the immigration officer at the port of entry still has discretion to refuse admission. K-ETA is a pre-screening, not a guarantee. Similarly, K-ETA cannot be used to work in Korea or engage in any activities beyond what your B-1 visa-exemption status permits. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than your exemption allows, you need the appropriate long-term visa, not K-ETA.