Introduction: The Key for Foreigners Visiting Korea – K-ETA
South Korea has implemented the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system to manage the entry of foreign nationals from countries that can enter without a visa. This system was introduced to enhance security and streamline the entry process by anticipating the travel motives of visa-exempt visitors. Officially rolled out in 2021, K-ETA has garnered considerable interest from many foreign travelers wishing to visit Korea, especially as international travel has picked up again post-COVID-19.
Overview and Legal Basis of K-ETA
K-ETA is a system that mandates foreign nationals from visa-free countries to receive pre-approval before entering South Korea. Similar to the U.S. ESTA and Canada’s eTA programs, K-ETA aims to strengthen security and management of foreign entrants by collecting and assessing information from visa-exempt travelers beforehand.
Eligibility for K-ETA
As of 2025, K-ETA applies to citizens of a total of 112 countries. Out of these, 67 countries qualify under the visa waiver program (B-1), while 45 are categorized under transit for tourism (B-2). Notable examples include the United States, Canada, Japan, and France. K-ETA is applicable to foreigners entering for short stays for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, short business trips, or attending conferences. However, the following individuals are exempt from the application process:
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- UN passport holders
- Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
- Airline or maritime crew members
- Foreigners under 17 or over 65
Application Process and Requirements for K-ETA
Foreign travelers can apply for K-ETA through the official K-ETA website or the dedicated mobile app, with a recommendation to complete the process at least 72 hours prior to boarding a flight or vessel. Applications can be submitted either as guests (using email verification) or by creating an account, while group applications are limited to travel agencies and medical institutions.
Essential Information Required During Application
- Valid passport details
- Personal email address
- Credit or debit card (for a payment of 10,000 KRW)
- Passport-sized photo file
Quick Summary of the Application Steps
- Access the website or app
- Sign up or verify your email
- Input passport and travel information
- Complete payment and submit the application
- Receive the outcome via email within 72 hours
Approval Results and Validity Period
Typically, applicants will receive an email notification of their application result within 72 hours. Approved K-ETAs are valid for up to three years. During this period, travelers can re-enter South Korea using the same passport without needing to reapply. Importantly, K-ETA-approved travelers are exempt from the standard entry declaration process, making their entry smoother. However, if there are any changes in passport, criminal record, or infectious disease information, or if incorrect information was entered, reapplication is mandatory.
Important Considerations Regarding K-ETA
The K-ETA is not just a simple online application—it’s a pre-entry evaluation system. If an application is denied, entry will be prohibited without providing specific reasons, and applicants will need to apply for a formal visa. Additionally, if there are any changes in travel plans or contact details, travelers must update their information on the K-ETA website to avoid unnecessary delays at immigration.
For those planning to travel to Korea, K-ETA is a crucial step. Ignoring this requirement, even for short stays, could lead to boarding denials or entry refusals. Therefore, understanding eligibility, application criteria, validity period, and the importance of keeping information current is vital.
The South Korean government is continuously working to improve the K-ETA system and is expected to enhance the precision of assessments for special-purpose visitors such as medical tourists and those attending conferences or exhibitions.
Reference and Contact Information
Official K-ETA website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr
This information is accurate as of the time of writing, and government policies may change over time. This is purely informational and does not constitute legal advice or interpretation.
For further inquiries, feel free to reach out via the 1:1 consultation board.