Korea entry checklist: K-ETA, e-Arrival Card and what may change in 2027
Do you need a K-ETA or an e-Arrival Card? Who is exempt, when to apply, how to avoid fake sites, and what to check if you travel from January 2027.
Most visitors to Korea need to complete one online form before they fly: either a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) or an e-Arrival Card. Which one depends on your nationality and on the date you travel. This guide explains both.
Important for 2027 trips: Many countries have been exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. As of our last check, no extension beyond that date had been announced. If you arrive on or after 1 January 2027, check k-eta.go.kr before you book. We will update this page as soon as an announcement is made.
Which form do I need?
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You need a visa for Korea | Apply for the visa. K-ETA does not apply to you. Complete the e-Arrival Card. |
| Your country is visa-free and on the temporary K-ETA exemption list | Until 31 Dec 2026: no K-ETA needed. Complete the e-Arrival Card. |
| Your country is visa-free but not on the exemption list | Apply for a K-ETA before you fly. |
| You choose to apply for a K-ETA anyway | Allowed. A valid K-ETA can also exempt you from the e-Arrival Card. Check the current rule on the official site. |
The exemption list changes from time to time. Check your country on the official K-ETA site rather than relying on lists on other websites.
The e-Arrival Card
The paper arrival card has been replaced by an online form.
- Go to the official site: e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
- Choose English and enter your passport details, flight number, address in Korea (your hotel) and contact details.
- Submit it within the three days before you arrive (Korea time). If you submit too early, you will need to submit it again.
- Save the confirmation. You do not usually need to print it.
It is free on the official site.
K-ETA
- Go to the official site: k-eta.go.kr or use the official K-ETA app.
- Fill in your passport details, travel plans and a photo.
- Pay the fee by card.
- Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Approval is often faster, but it is not guaranteed.
- A K-ETA is valid for multiple trips during its validity period. Check the expiry date on your approval.
Avoid fake sites
Search results often show agency sites that look official and charge extra fees. The official sites end in .go.kr:
- K-ETA: k-eta.go.kr
- e-Arrival Card: e-arrivalcard.go.kr
The e-Arrival Card is free. If a site asks you to pay for it, you are not on the official site.
Other things to check before you fly
- Passport validity: make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay. Some airlines ask for more remaining validity, so check with your airline.
- Return or onward ticket: immigration officers may ask about your plans.
- Address in Korea: have your hotel name and address ready, in English and Korean.
- Customs: declare cash and goods above the allowance on arrival.
At the airport in Korea
At immigration, foreign visitors have their fingerprints and photo taken at the counter. Follow the signs for “Foreigners.” After baggage claim, go to customs, then arrivals. Next step: Incheon Airport to central Seoul.
Official sources
Prices, timetables and rules in Korea change often. We check this guide regularly, but please confirm details with the official sources linked above before you travel.