K-ETA Korea

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic travel permit launched on September 1, 2021, and required by the government for citizens of visa-free countries entering South Korea. The system replaced the previous paper-based arrival card and enables the Korea Immigration Service to screen travelers before departure. The K-ETA application costs approximately USD 7–8, takes up to 72 hours to process, and remains valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires), with multiple entries allowed. The K-ETA system serves 3 primary purposes:
  • Security screening — Korea Immigration Service reviews applicant data against watchlists.
  • Streamlined arrival process — It replaces the paper arrival card at Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, and other Korean ports of entry.
  • Travel data management — The Ministry of Justice collects traveler information digitally for immigration control.
K-ETA is comparable to other electronic travel authorization systems worldwide: the ESTA (United States), eTA (Canada), and ETA (Australia and the United Kingdom).
NOTE: The Korean government periodically updates K-ETA requirements. Check the official K-ETA website at www.k-eta.go.kr for the most current status.

K-ETA Eligible Countries: Full List of Nationalities

K-ETA applies to citizens of over 100 countries that hold visa-exemption agreements with South Korea, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all EU/Schengen member states. Only nationals of these visa-free countries need a K-ETA — citizens of countries requiring a Korean visa must apply through a Korean Embassy or Consulate instead.

Visa-Free Countries That Require K-ETA

The following regions and countries are covered by K-ETA requirements: Americas:
  • Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
Europe:
  • Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Serbia, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom*
Asia-Pacific:
  • Australia, Brunei, China (Hong Kong), China (Macau), Fiji, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu
Middle East & Africa:
  • Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia
*Includes UK citizens, British dependent territories citizens, British national overseas citizens, British protected person and subjects. K-ETA is NOT required for:
  • Korean citizens
  • Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card showing the “KOR” designation (except for nationals of the United States and Canada)
  • Foreign residents holding a valid Alien Registration Card
  • Holders of United Nations travel documents
  • Transit passengers who remain inside the international transit zone and do not pass through Korean immigration (except nationals of Egypt, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen)
  • (Effective 09 January 2023) Diplomatic and official passport holders from countries that normally require K-ETA
  • (Effective 03 July 2023) Citizens of K-ETA-eligible countries who are 17 years old or younger, or 65 years old and older
  • (Extended until 31 December 2026) Nationals of countries temporarily exempted from K-ETA requirements, including Singapore.
Travelers should always confirm their eligibility before departure, as exemption rules may vary depending on nationality and trip purpose.

K-ETA Temporary Exemption Program

Since April 2023, the Korean government has implemented a temporary K-ETA exemption for nationals of many eligible countries. During the program period, travelers from exempted countries can enter South Korea without getting K-ETA. The exemption does not apply to all K-ETA-eligible nationalities, and the Korean government may reinstate full K-ETA requirements at any time.
NOTE: Visitors should verify their exemption status on the official K-ETA portal before departure.

How to Apply for K-ETA: Step-by-Step Process

K-ETA applications are submitted exclusively through the official website at www.k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA mobile app, following a 7-step online process that takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Terms and Conditions Agreement

Visit www.k-eta.go.kr and select either “Member” or “Non-member” option. Both options have identical fees, processing times, and permit validity. Members gain additional features: viewing all application details at once and checking results without email verification.

Step 2: Email Verification (Non-members) or Sign Up (Members)

Non-members verify their email address, which K-ETA uses to send application status updates and approval notifications. Members create an account with login credentials for future access.

Step 3: Enter Passport Information

Scan or manually enter passport details:
  • Passport number — must match exactly
  • Date of birth and gender
  • Issuing country and nationality
  • Passport expiration date — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned entry date
  • Full name — exactly as printed in the passport’s machine-readable zone (MRZ)
TIP: Use the passport scanner feature in the K-ETA mobile app to auto-fill fields and avoid manual entry errors.

Step 4: Enter Application Information

Provide travel and personal details:
  • Purpose of visit — tourism, business, visiting family, conference/event, or transit
  • Address in Korea — hotel name and address, or host’s address for family visits
  • Flight information — airline and flight number (optional but recommended)
  • Occupation and employer information
  • Contact phone number and email

Step 5: Upload Photo and Review Information

Upload a recent face photo meeting these requirements:
  • White background — no patterns, shadows, or other people
  • Face clearly visible — no sunglasses, hats, or face coverings (hijab is permitted as noted in K-ETA FAQ)
  • File format: JPEG or PNG, minimum 100 KB
  • Proportions: Similar to passport photo dimensions
Review all entered information carefully. Errors in passport number or personal details may result in K-ETA denial or boarding issues.

Step 6: Make Payment

Pay the K-ETA application fee of 10,000 KRW (approximately USD 7–8). Accepted payment methods include international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay) and other electronic payment options. If a 3DS error occurs during payment, try a different card or browser.

Step 7: Application Complete

After payment, K-ETA enters the assessment queue. Visitors receive a confirmation email with their submission number. Processing generally takes up to 72 hours, though many K-ETA applicants obtain approval earlier.

K-ETA Application Requirements and Documents

K-ETA requires a passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, a digital face photo, an active email address, and a credit card for the KRW 10,000 application fee — no additional supporting documents are needed for standard tourism. Unlike regular visa applications, K-ETA does not require invitation letters, bank statements, or in-person appointments.

Photo Requirements for K-ETA

The K-ETA photo must meet specific standards to avoid rejection:
  • Background: Solid white with no patterns or shadows.
  • Face: Front-facing, eyes open, mouth closed, neutral expression.
  • Head coverings: Religious headwear (hijab, turban) is allowed, but the face must be fully visible from forehead to chin.
  • Glasses: Prescription glasses are acceptable if eyes are clearly visible without glare.
  • Recency: Photo should be taken within the last 6 months.
  • File size: Minimum 100 KB, recommended under 5 MB.
Common K-ETA photo upload errors occur when the file is too small, the background is not white, or the face is partially obscured. If the photo upload fails, resize the image or retake the photo against a plain white wall.

Special Cases: Children and Infants

Travelers 17 years old or younger and 65 years old or older are exempt from K-ETA requirements according to South Korean immigration policy. This exemption is based on the age on the date of entry into Korea, not the date of application. However, eligible individuals must still meet all other general entry requirements set by the Korean immigration authorities.

K-ETA Cost, Fee, and Payment Information

K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 per applicant (approximately USD 7–8), paid online during the process via international credit card, with no additional government fees or charges for standard processing. The fee is non-refundable, even if the K-ETA application is denied or the traveler cancels their trip.

K-ETA Fee Breakdown

Item

Cost

Application fee

KRW 10,000 (~USD 7–8)

Expedited processing

Not available (standard only)

Amendment/correction

Free (for minor changes)

Reapplication after denial

KRW 10,000 (new application required)

Children/infants

KRW 10,000 each
The K-ETA fee covers the entire 3-year validity period — there are no renewal fees if the authorization remains active. However, if a traveler gets a new passport, the existing K-ETA becomes invalid, and a new application (with a new fee) is required.

Payment Methods and Troubleshooting

K-ETA accepts the following payment methods:
  • Visa (credit and debit)
  • Mastercard (credit and debit)
  • JCB (Japan Credit Bureau)
  • UnionPay (China UnionPay)
Common payment errors:
  • 3DS authentication failure — Enable 3D Secure (Verified by Visa / Mastercard SecureCode) with your bank, or try a different card
  • Transaction declined — Ensure international online transactions are enabled on your card
  • Currency conversion — Your bank may apply foreign exchange fees on top of the KRW 10,000 amount
NOTE: The official K-ETA website charges KRW 10,000. Complete the process only through www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA mobile app.

K-ETA Validity, Duration of Stay, and Renewal

K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the approval date, permits unlimited entries into South Korea, and allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit — though the exact permitted stay depends on the bilateral visa-exemption agreement between South Korea and the traveler’s country. K-ETA validity is also tied to the passport used during the application.

When K-ETA Expires or Becomes Invalid

K-ETA becomes invalid before its expiration date in these situations:
  • Passport renewal or replacement — A new passport requires a new K-ETA application, even if the old K-ETA hasn’t expired.
  • Change of nationality — Requires a new K-ETA under the new passport.
  • Lost passport with new passport issued — Previous K-ETA is void.
  • K-ETA revocation — Korean immigration authorities can revoke the K-ETA if circumstances change.

K-ETA Renewal Process

K-ETA cannot be “renewed” — travelers must submit a new application once the existing authorization expires. The new procedure follows the same process and costs KRW 10,000. Apply for a new K-ETA before the current one expires to avoid disruptions.

K-ETA Status Check and Confirmation

K-ETA results are accessible through the official website at www.k-eta.go.kr under “Check Application Results” using the passport number and date of birth, or via the confirmation email sent to the applicant’s registered email address.

How to Check K-ETA Status

In order to check the K-ETA status, visitors to Korea need to:
  1. Visit www.k-eta.go.kr.
  2. Click “Application Results” → “Check Application Results”.
  3. Enter your passport number and date of birth.
  4. View result: Approved, Denied, or Under Review.
K-ETA members can log in and view all application details at once without additional email verification.

K-ETA Confirmation and QR Code

Upon approval, K-ETA issues a confirmation notification via email. The confirmation contains:
  • K-ETA authorization number
  • Validity period (start and end dates)
  • QR code — can be saved on a smartphone for quick scanning at the airport
Printing is not required. Airlines and immigration officers verify K-ETA electronically using the passport number. However, saving the confirmation email or QR code on a smartphone serves as a useful backup.

Common K-ETA Problems

The most frequent K-ETA issues include photo upload errors, passport number mismatches, 3DS payment failures, and application denials — most of which can be resolved by carefully re-entering information and resubmitting the K-ETA application through the official website. The K-ETA Center provides help through the “Ask Us” form on the K-ETA portal. K-ETA applications may be denied for several reasons:
  • Incorrect passport information — Name, number, or date of birth does not match the passport MRZ
  • Invalid or expired passport — Passport must have at least 6 months’ validity
  • Photo non-compliance — Background not white, face obscured, or file too small
  • Security concerns — Travel history or background check flags
  • Previous immigration violations — Overstay or deportation history in South Korea
What to do if K-ETA is denied:
  1. Review the denial notification for specific reasons.
  2. Correct the identified issues (e.g., retake photo, verify passport details).
  3. Submit a new K-ETA form with the correct information (new fee of KRW 10,000 applies).
  4. If denied for security reasons, contact the nearest Korean embassy or consulate for visa options.
There is no formal appeal process for K-ETA denials. Travelers must reapply or apply for a traditional Korean visa.

K-ETA Correction

After K-ETA approval, travelers can update certain information through the K-ETA website:
  • Flight details (airline, flight number)
  • Accommodation address in South Korea
  • Contact information
Changes that require a new K-ETA application (cannot be amended):
  • Passport number (due to renewal or replacement)
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
To update travel information, visit www.k-eta.go.kr → “Application Results” → “Update Travel Information.”

K-ETA for Transit Passengers at Incheon Airport

Transit passengers connecting through Incheon International Airport (ICN) need K-ETA only if they plan to pass through Korean immigration and leave the international transit area — travelers remaining airside during a layover or stopover do not require K-ETA. This distinction is critical for travelers with connecting flights through Seoul.

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program

South Korea offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program at Incheon Airport that allows certain nationalities to transit for up to 24 hours without a visa or K-ETA, provided they:
  • Hold a confirmed onward ticket
  • Remain within the designated transit area
  • Do not pass through immigration
Travelers planning to enter South Korea during a stopover — even for a few hours of sightseeing — must obtain K-ETA or a visa before departure. Airlines may deny boarding if K-ETA is not obtained for passengers requiring it.

Korea Entry Requirements Beyond K-ETA

Entering South Korea requires a passport with at least 6 months’ validity and an approved K-ETA (for visa-free nationals) or a visa. Travelers should also carry proof of return/onward travel and accommodation details. Immigration officers at Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, and other entry ports may request these documents.

K-ETA Official Website and Mobile App

The only authorized platforms for K-ETA applications are the official government website at www.k-eta.go.kr and the official K-ETA mobile app available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play), managed by the Korean Ministry of Justice’s Korea Immigration Service. All other websites offering K-ETA services are unauthorized third parties.

Official K-ETA Website Features

The K-ETA portal at www.k-eta.go.kr provides:
  • New applications — Individual or group (up to 10 travelers).
  • Continue saved application — Resume an incomplete process.
  • Check the results — Using passport number and date of birth.
  • Update travel information — Modify flight and accommodation details.
  • Application guide — Step-by-step instructions with video tutorials.
  • FAQ section — Answers to common questions.
  • “Ask Us” contact form — Email-based support.
The website is available in 12 languages: Korean, English, Chinese (Traditional), Spanish, French, Japanese, Malay, Thai, Russian, German, Kazakh, and Turkish.

K-ETA Mobile App

The K-ETA mobile app offers the same functionality as the website, with the added benefit of passport scanning using the smartphone camera. The app reads the MRZ (Machine-Readable Zone) on the passport to auto-fill personal details, reducing manual entry errors.

K-ETA Contact Information

Below are the contact information details regarding K-ETA inquiries:
  • K-ETA Center phone: 02-2666-0463
  • Support method: Email-based inquiries through the “Ask Us” form
The K-ETA Center does not provide telephone or face-to-face consultations as standard practice. Submit inquiries through the online form for the fastest response.

FAQs About K-ETA

What does K-ETA stand for?

K-ETA stands for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. It is an electronic pre-travel screening system managed by South Korea’s Ministry of Justice through the Korea Immigration Service. K-ETA was launched on September 1, 2021, for citizens of visa-free countries.

How much does K-ETA cost?

K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 per applicant, equivalent to approximately USD 7–8. The fee is the same for adults, children, and infants. Payment is made online via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or UnionPay). The fee is non-refundable.

How long does K-ETA processing take?

K-ETA processing generally takes up to 72 hours from submission. Many applications receive approval within 24 hours or less. The Korean government recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure to allow sufficient processing time.

How long is K-ETA valid?

K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval. During this period, travelers can make multiple entries into South Korea, with each stay usually limited to a maximum of 30, 60, or 90 days (depending on bilateral agreements, eg, Chinese citizens may visit Korea with K-ETA for 6 months).

Do US citizens need K-ETA?

US citizens are included in the K-ETA-eligible country list. However, during the K-ETA temporary exemption period, US citizens may enter South Korea without K-ETA.

Do I need K-ETA for a transit or layover at Incheon Airport?

K-ETA is not required if you remain in the international transit area at Incheon Airport. If you plan to leave the airport and pass through Korean immigration during your layover — for sightseeing, hotel stay, or transferring between airports — you must obtain K-ETA before departure.

Do I need K-ETA for Jeju Island?

Yes, K-ETA requirements apply to all entry points into South Korea, including Jeju International Airport. However, Jeju Island has a separate visa-free entry program for certain nationalities that allows stays of up to 30 days without a visa or K-ETA. Check specific eligibility for the Jeju visa-free program.

What happens if my K-ETA is denied?

If K-ETA is denied, review the denial reason in your application results. Common causes include incorrect passport information, non-compliant photos, or security concerns. You can submit a new application after correcting the issues. There is no formal appeal process for K-ETA denials.

Can I apply for K-ETA with a new passport?

If you have renewed your passport since your last K-ETA approval, the existing K-ETA is no longer valid. K-ETA is linked to the passport number used during application. You must submit a new K-ETA form with your new passport details and pay the KRW 10,000 fee again.

Is K-ETA free?

K-ETA is not free — it costs KRW 10,000 (~USD 7–8). During the temporary K-ETA exemption period, eligible travelers do not need to apply (or pay) for K-ETA at all, which effectively makes entry free of the K-ETA requirement.

Can I apply K-ETA for my whole family at once?

It’s possible to add other people for the application (Non-member: up to 9, Member: up to 1,000). Each person can check the K-ETA status.

Where do I find my K-ETA number?

Your K-ETA authorization number is included in the confirmation email sent after approval. You can also find it by visiting www.k-eta.go.kr → “Check Application Results” → entering your passport number and date of birth. The K-ETA number and QR code are displayed in the results.

How do I cancel K-ETA?

K-ETA does not have a formal cancellation process. If you no longer need K-ETA, simply do not travel. The KRW 10,000 fee is non-refundable. K-ETA expires automatically after 3 years if not used.