K-ETA Requirements

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The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a digital travel authorization required for travelers from countries that can enter South Korea visa-free. The K-ETA makes the system for entering Korea quick and efficient for both travelers and immigration officials.

While the application process for the K-ETA is simple, there are requirements that must be met before applying. These requirements help Korean immigration officials manage border control and determine potential risks before arrival. If the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirements are not met, travelers will likely not be allowed to board their flight to South Korea. They might also be denied entry after they land at the airport. Having a valid K-ETA or a valid visa is mandatory for most travelers from K-ETA-eligible countries to enter South Korea.

Who Needs a K-ETA? (Eligibility by Nationality)

All citizens from countries that are eligible to enter South Korea visa-free are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization before arriving.

The K-ETA required countries include:

Albania

Andorra

Antigua-Barbuda

Argentina

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Bosnia-Hercegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Chile

Colombia

Commonwealth of Dominica

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Estonia

Eswatini

Fiji

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Haiti

Holy See

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Israel

Jamaica

Kazakhstan

Kiribati

Kuwait

Latvia

Lesotho

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Mexico

Micronesia

Monaco

Montenegro

Morocco

Nauru

New Caledonia

Nicaragua

Oman

Palau

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Portugal

Qatar

Republic of Serbia

Romania

Russia

Samoa

San Marino

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Slovak

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

South Africa

St. Kitts-Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent

Surinam

Thailand

Tonga

Trinidad-Tobago

Tunisia

Turkiye

Tuvalu

United Arab Emirates

Uruguay

Venezuela

United Kingdom

(British Citizen)

United Kingdom

(British Dependent Territories Citizen)

United Kingdom

(British National Overseas)

United Kingdom

(British Overseas Citizen)

United Kingdom

(British Protected Person)

United Kingdom

(British Subject)

There are a few exemptions that we will list below:

There are 23 countries that are exempt from the K-ETA until December 31, 2025. These countries include

Japan

Taiwan

Hong Kong

Singapore

Macao

Canada

the United States

Germany

France

Italy

the Netherlands

Spain

Poland

Sweden

Switzerland

Liechtenstein

Finland

Norway

Belgium

Denmark

Austria

Australia

New Zealand

In addition to the exempted countries, there are a few other exceptions:

UN passport holders
ABTC holders
USFK service members
Aircraft and ship crew members
Transfer passengers
Diplomatic or official passport holders are not required to apply for the K-ETA as of January 2023.
Children 17 and under and adults 65 and older.

General Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for the K-ETA Electronic Travel Authorization, you must first be a national of one of the designated visa-free/ visa waiver countries. It is a requirement to have a valid passport and an approved K-ETA. If you are one of the above exemptions, you would only need a valid passport.

You are not eligible for the ETA if you are a national of a country that is not on the eligible country list, or if you have a criminal record, or if you have previously violated Korean immigration laws.

You must intend to enter South Korea for purposes such as tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. You can not come to South Korea with the ETA if you plan on obtaining employment or staying long-term.

Documents Required for K-ETA Application

While the K-ETA requirements are simple, there are a few documents that need to be submitted and requirements that must be met before applying.

Valid Passport

You must have a valid passport from an eligible country. It is better that the passport is at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended arrival date in South Korea.

Passport-Sized Photo

You must have a recently taken passport-style photo. This must be recent and reflect your current true appearance.

Valid Email Address

You must have a working email address, as this is where the K-ETA updates and your approval will be sent.

Valid Credit or Debit Card

You will be required to pay the K-ETA application fee online, so you must have a valid credit or debit card.

What Information Is Needed for the K-ETA Application?

You will be required to include information when filling out the K-ETA application. This may include:

Personal Information- You must include information such as your full name, your date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport details.
Contact Information- You must provide your contact details, such as a valid email address and phone number.
Travel details- You must provide your travel details, including your expected date of entry into South Korea, the purpose of your visit, where you will stay during your time in the country, and your flight or transportation details.

It is essential to fill out this information completely and accurately to avoid any delays or refusal.

Photo Requirements for K-ETA

Your passport-style photo must meet basic passport photo requirements.

Recent Photograph – The photo must be recent.

Color Photo – The photo must be taken with color. Black and white photos will not be accepted.

Plain Background – You must have a white or light colored solid background.

Full Face with Neutral Expression – Your entire face must be clearly visible. You should keep your face neutral and not smile.

Nothing Covering the Face – Your entire face must be clearly visible. You should not have on sunglasses, a hat, or anything else that covers your face. You may wear religious head coverings as long as your facial features are clearly visible.

File Format – You must upload the photo as a JPEG or JPG.

Clear Resolution – The photo must be in focus. Blurry or pixelated photos will not be accepted.

Steps to Apply for a K-ETA

The process to apply for a South Korean ETA is simple and straightforward.

Step 1

Fill Out Online Application Form

Step 2

Upload Required Documents

Step 3

Pay the ETA Fee

Step 4

Submit your ETA Application and Wait for Approval

Entry Requirements for Travelers with a K-ETA

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) does not guarantee entry in South Korea. The immigration officer at the border will have the final determination. It is essential to comply with immigration officials throughout the entry process. When entering Korea, you must provide your valid passport and your K-ETA Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. You may also be asked for the purpose of your visit, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Always be cooperative and prepared to answer questions or provide proofs for a smooth entry.

FAQs About K-ETA Requirements

Who needs a K-ETA depends on whether you can enter South Korea visa-free. If you are a national from a country that is eligible, for example does not require a visa to enter the country, you need to have a K-ETA to enter the country.

Who needs to apply for K-ETA depends on whether you hold a passport that requires a visa to enter the country or not. If nationals from your country are required to apply for a visa to enter South Korea, you do not need to apply for the K-ETA, but rather a standard visitor visa instead. If you aren’t required to hold a traditional visa, you must apply for the K-ETA and be approved before traveling unless you have a reason to be exempted from the K-ETA.

If you have a layover in South Korea and you do not plan on passing through immigration, you do not need a K-ETA. If you plan on passing through immigration (for example, to leave the airport, or stay overnight, or transfer to a domestic flight), you must have a K-ETA.

Start Your K-ETA Application

Now that you’ve read our K-ETA application guide, it’s time to take the next step towards your trip to South Korea…

Apply for your Korea Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.

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