Visa & K-ETA

Group covers: US, Canada, UK, EU/Schengen, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, HK, Taiwan, and more

You don't need a K-ETA through Dec 31, 2026. Just bring a passport valid 6+ months and an onward ticket.

Group covers: Most visa-waiver countries not in the exempt list (e.g. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Mexico, parts of South America)

Apply online at least 72 hours before departure. Fee ₩10,000, valid 3 years across multiple visits.

Group covers: China, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Indonesia, most of Africa and Central Asia

Apply for a tourist visa (C-3-9) at your nearest Korean embassy or consulate. Allow 7-14 working days.

Go to k-eta.go.kr.
Pick your nationality.
The site tells you if you're exempt, need K-ETA, or need a full visa.

You'll need a passport valid 6+ months, a passport-style photo, your flight number, and your Korean accommodation address.
Pay ₩10,000 by card.
Apply individually.
Group applications were discontinued.

90% of applications return within 12 hours, but plan for up to 72h.
Save the PDF and screenshot the QR.
You may be asked at boarding.

Korea now accepts a digital arrival card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
Submit within 3 days of arrival to skip the paper line at immigration.

Only the official site is real.
Many .com look-alikes charge $40-60 for a free service.
Bookmark the .go.kr domain.

K-ETA is a pre-screen, not a visa.
You can still be refused entry on arrival if your purpose changes.

One K-ETA covers multiple visits within its 3-year validity.
No need to re-apply each trip.