This page is a translation. The Korean page is the reference text; if they differ, the Korean version prevails. Korean reference
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)2026
An authorization that nationals of visa-free countries get before boarding.
How it works
Check on k-eta.go.kr whether your country is visa-free and whether it is temporarily exempt.
Type the government address (k-eta.go.kr) yourself. Private sites at the top of search results may charge more.
Enter passport data, photo and Korean address accurately, then wait for the result.
If not approved, you need to apply for a visa.
At a glance
- Nationals of visa-free countries must get a K-ETA before boarding a plane or ship. The fee is KRW 10,000 and review usually takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least 3 days before departure. Confirmed by official source
- A K-ETA can be used multiple times for 3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner (2 years for applications made before 3 Jul 2023). A new passport needs a new K-ETA. Confirmed by official source
- Nationals of some countries/regions are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026. Sources list different numbers of countries, so check k-eta.go.kr. Confirmed by official source
- Visitors without a K-ETA are told to submit the e-Arrival Card; a valid K-ETA exempts you. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Document checklist
- Passport
- One photo (check the office's size rules)
Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).
Where to apply
Common mistakes
- Paying several times the fee on a private website
- Using an old K-ETA after getting a new passport
FAQ
Does K-ETA guarantee entry?
No. K-ETA is a pre-boarding authorization; entry is decided at immigration inspection.
Facts and sources on this page
Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.
Nationals of visa-free countries must get a K-ETA before boarding a plane or ship. The fee is KRW 10,000 and review usually takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least 3 days before departure.
Confirmed by official source (k-eta.go.kr 신청 안내 페이지 원문 대조 2026-10-17 · 시행규칙 제72조(사전여행허가서 1만원)) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: ANA 「한국 방문에 필요한 전자여행허가제도(K-ETA) 신청 안내」, naruinfo 「한국 여행 K-ETA 완벽 가이드(2026)」 (2026-05)
Verify at: K-ETA 전자여행허가A K-ETA can be used multiple times for 3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner (2 years for applications made before 3 Jul 2023). A new passport needs a new K-ETA.
Confirmed by official source (k-eta.go.kr 신청 안내 페이지 원문 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: ANA 「한국 방문에 필요한 전자여행허가제도(K-ETA) 신청 안내」, naruinfo 「한국 여행 K-ETA 완벽 가이드(2026)」 (2026-05)
Verify at: K-ETA 전자여행허가Nationals of some countries/regions are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026. Sources list different numbers of countries, so check k-eta.go.kr.
Confirmed by official source (외교부 공지 제목(면제 기간)) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: Passport Index 「South Korea Extends K-ETA Exemption Until End of 2026」 (2026-01-12), naruinfo 「한국 여행 K-ETA 완벽 가이드(2026)」 (2026-05)
Verify at: K-ETA 전자여행허가, 외교부(주캐나다대사관) 공지 "Extension of Temporary Exemption from K-ETA (until December 31, 2026)"Visitors without a K-ETA are told to submit the e-Arrival Card; a valid K-ETA exempts you.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: naruinfo 「한국 여행 K-ETA 완벽 가이드(2026)」 (2026-05), Passport Index 「South Korea Extends K-ETA Exemption Until End of 2026」 (2026-01-12)
Verify at: 전자입국신고서 e-Arrival Card