K-ETA

South Korea K-ETA General Information

K-ETA (Korea electronic travel authorization) is an online visa implemented by the government of the Republic of Korea in May 2021.

At first, the Republic of Korea ETA application was launched for a test period, but since September of that year, it has become a mandatory authorization.

It allows foreigners from visa waiver countries to travel to South Korea for tourism numerous times within the validity period of two years.

The permitted period of stay depends on the citizenship and can vary from 30 to 90 days.

The application process is not time-consuming or complicated, as it can be done in several simple steps. An applicant needs to fill out the application with some travel, personal, and passport information, cover the visa fee using any online payment method and wait for the approved electronic travel authorization to be delivered to the email address.

The processing takes no more than 72 hours.

Before arrival in the Republic of Korea, foreigners must prepare a K-ETA paper copy and a passport that doesn’t expire within 6 months.

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Types of South Korea ETA

South Korea ETA is available in one type – a multiple-entry visa that allows staying for 30, 60, or 90 days – depending on the applicant’s citizenship.

It stays valid for 2 years and allows numerous visits for such purposes as:

  • holidays, leisure, recreation;
  • visiting relatives and friends;
  • attending business meetings, conferences, and negotiating.

How to Apply for ETA to South Korea

The Korean ETA application process is extremely effortless and quick. Take any device of yours – a phone, tablet, laptop, or PC – and start submitting!

Follow our K-ETA application guide to be closer to your K-ETA step by step:

  1. Fill out the form by entering some of your personal, travel, and passport information, including your name and surname, email address, citizenship, the dates of arrival and departure, etc. Make sure you double-check the information to avoid blank spaces and errors, as they can make you wait longer for the K-ETA approval.
  2. Attach the necessary supporting documents.
  3. Pay the application fee – use the online payment method you prefer (Paypal, debit or credit card, etc.) – all available ones are secured.
  4. Check your email address. An approved Korean electronic travel authorization (as a PDF document) will be sent to the email address you mentioned in the application form earlier.

As the Government of the Republic of Korea introduced K-ETAs to speed up the processing, now it can take up to just 72 hours. Still, it’s recommended to apply at least 3 business days in advance to have a K-ETA with you on time, even in case of some delays.

Children are included in their parent’s or legal guardian’s online form. It’s a parent or a legal guardian who is submitting the form on the children’s behalf and takes responsibility for the information provided.

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South Korea ETA Requirements

For applying, you must be a citizen of one of the visa waiver countries and meet some basic requirements:
  • have a working device (a phone, laptop, PC, or tablet) with a stable internet connection;
  • be able to make a payment online;
  • have an active email address that you can access;
  • have a passport that stays effective for a minimum of 6 months from the planned date of arrival to the Republic of Korea;
  • have a photo of your face (you can take it by your phone or PC camera).

On arrival, you should present:

  • a valid passport;
  • a paper copy of the Republic of Korea electronic travel authorization.
Most travelers do not have to submit a K-ETA for transit if their transit period is no more than 34 hours and the passenger doesn’t leave the airport. However, that doesn’t apply to the citizens of the following countries:
  • Egypt
  • Mongolia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen
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K-ETA Validity

The Republic of Korea ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. You should keep in mind that your passport must stay valid as well. These two documents are connected, so if there are any changes to the data, or the passport is lost or expired, the K-ETA becomes invalid as well.

The K-ETA cannot be extended. You can’t stay in the country after the expiration date. If you want to prolong your visit, you must submit a new K-ETA application outside of South Korea.