Expert assistance and essential information for your Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) application
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online travel authorization required for citizens of visa-exempt countries. It allows visa-free entry into South Korea for short-term visits — usually for tourism, business meetings, or family visits.
The K-ETA, launched in September 2021, enables South Korean authorities to pre-screen travelers before their arrival, enhancing border security and streamlining the entry process.
Applying for a K-ETA is a quick and straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. Once approved, eligible travelers can enter South Korea without any further steps, making the process faster and more convenient.
The application requires only a few basic details, such as passport information, travel plans, and personal data, and can typically be completed within minutes. After submitting the form, applicants usually receive their K-ETA approval within a short period — often in less than 72 hours.
Having a valid K-ETA before departure ensures that entry into South Korea is smooth and hassle-free.
Apply for your Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. Simply complete the online form to get started.
We are a trusted travel and tourism company committed to helping travelers by providing clear, up-to-date information and professional assistance with online visa and electronic travel authorization (ETA) applications. Please note that we are not affiliated with any government or official authority.
With our support, travelers can apply for their Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) with confidence and peace of mind. Our team carefully reviews every detail to help ensure that applications are complete and accurate, allowing travelers to focus on planning an enjoyable and worry-free trip.
The maximum validity period of a Korean ETA is three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your passport is renewed or you discover that you provided incorrect information in your application, you must submit a new application.
A valid Korea ETA enables multiple visa-free entries to the country within the period of validity. You can travel using the K-ETA for:
If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you are required to apply for the K-ETA to travel to South Korea. For most travelers, the permitted duration of stay is limited to 30 or 90 days. If you intend to remain in South Korea for longer than the period allowed by the K-ETA, you are required to apply for the appropriate South Korean visa instead.
Here’s how long you can stay in South Korea with the ETA:
Albania
Andorra
Bahrain
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brunei
Cyprus
Eswatini
Fiji
Guyana
Honduras
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Antigua-Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
Hong Kong
Macao
Belgium
Greece
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Suriname
Switzerland
Canada
Kazakhstan
Lesotho
Portugal
Russia
While most travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for a K-ETA, there are a few exceptions. You do not need a K-ETA if you are:
Travelers 17 years old or younger.
Travelers 65 years old or older.
Diplomatic or official passport holders from South Korea.
UN passport holders, ABTC holders, USFK service members, aircraft and ship crew members, and transfer passengers.
Exemptions can change, so make sure to check the eligibility of your nationality before applying and again before you travel!
You can apply for a K-ETA by following
these simple steps.
The entire application process can be completed online. As a professional travel and tourism company, we can guide you through every step, from start to finish.
The Korean ETA application requires personal details such as your name, date of birth, and passport information. Once you’ve submitted your information, it cannot be modified — you will need to submit a new application if you make a mistake or if any of your details change. Find the full list of South Korean visa requirements below.
To submit your application, you must pay the applicable fee. Make sure to use a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
Once you have paid the fee, your application will be processed. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours; however, many applicants receive a decision much sooner. For this reason, we recommend submitting your K-ETA application well in advance of your travel date.
Find the complete list of K-ETA requirements below
You must have a valid passport (not expired) from one of the countries listed above.
You can use a credit card or debit card to pay for the Korea ETA.
Use a valid email address for your application, as your K-ETA approval (or rejection) will be communicated via email.
Take a photo of your face to use for the application. Make sure it is clear, in focus, and shows your face uncovered (e.g. no glasses, hats, or scarves).
On average, most K-ETA applications are processed within 72 hours. During peak travel periods, processing may take a little longer, so be sure to apply well in advance of your planned trip.
Here are some practical tips to remember and follow:
K-ETA travelers are exempt from filling out an e-arrival card.
The K-ETA does not guarantee admission to South Korea – the Korea Immigration Service will determine if you can enter the country at border control.
The length of time you can stay in Korea depends on your nationality.
With the K-ETA, you can travel to Korea multiple times during its validity period without needing to reapply.
Let’s clear up the ETA visa meaning confusion! An ETA is not a visa; it is a visa waiver scheme. Think of the ETA as a digital permission slip that’s electronically linked to your passport for short-term tourism or business travel. A visa, on the other hand, is for medium and long-term stays, travel purposes not permitted on an ETA, or being a national of a country that is not eligible for the ETA. in this case they will need to complete Korea visa application at the embassy office.
The ETA meaning in travel terms refers to visa-free travel to a country. ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization and it’s a great scheme that enables faster, smoother travel for tourists and border control. The K-ETA is an electronic visa waiver scheme for the Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea.
Yes, citizens of Singapore must get the Korean ETA for travel to South Korea or a visa if they intend to stay beyond the permitted 90 days.
Yes, US citizens must submit a Korea ETA application. If approved, US citizens can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days at a time, with multiple entries allowed while the K-ETA is valid.
