Your Guide to Applying for the Korean ETA

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What Is the K-ETA?

K-ETA stands for Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation, and it allows eligible short-term visitors, such as tourists and business travellers, visa-free entry to South Korea with no need to apply for a traditional visa. Introduced in September 2021, the K-ETA is required from visa-free countries and countries on a visa waiver programme, providing a simpler and more time-efficient alternative to a traditional visa.

Purposes of K-ETA include:

  • Tourism
  • Visiting family
  • Engaging in business meetings or events

Who Needs a K-ETA?

Citizens of the following K-ETA eligible countries will need to apply for a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) if they wish to visit South Korea. Please note, due to a tourism revitalisation promotion, there are certain exemptions throughout 2025 which are highlighted below:

Europe
Estonia Estonia
Greece Greece
Latvia Latvia
Russia Russia
Romania Romania
Luxembourg Luxembourg
Lithuania Lithuania
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein
Malta Malta
Bulgaria Bulgaria
Switzerland Switzerland
Slovakia Slovakia
Iceland Iceland
Ireland Ireland
Czech Republic Czech Republic
Portugal Portugal
Hungary Hungary
Monaco Monaco
Montenegro Montenegro
Holy See (The Vatican) Holy See (The Vatican)
Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cyprus Cyprus
San Marino San Marino
Andorra Andorra
Albania Albania
Croatia Croatia
Serbia Serbia
Slovenia Slovenia

Exempted until 31st December 2025:

Austria Austria
Belgium Belgium
Denmark Denmark
Finland Finland
France France
Germany Germany
Italy Italy
Netherlands Netherlands
Norway Norway
Poland Poland
Spain Spain
Sweden Sweden
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Americas
Guatemala Guatemala
Grenada Grenada
Nicaragua Nicaragua
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic
Dominica Dominica
Mexico Mexico
Barbados Barbados
Bahamas Bahamas
Venezuela Venezuela
Brazil Brazil
Saint Lucia Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Kitts-Nevis Saint Kitts-Nevis
Suriname Suriname
Haiti Haiti
Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda
El Salvador El Salvador
Uruguay Uruguay
Jamaica Jamaica
Chile Chile
Costa Rica Costa Rica
Colombia Colombia
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago
Panama Panama
Peru Peru
Guyana Guyana
Argentina Argentina
Honduras Honduras
Paraguay Paraguay
Ecuador Ecuador

Exempted until 31st December 2025:

Canada Canada
US (including Guam) US (including Guam)
Asia
Malaysia Malaysia
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Israel Israel
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan
Qatar Qatar
Thailand Thailand
Turkey Turkey
Bahrain Bahrain
Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
Oman Oman
Kuwait Kuwait

Exempted until 31st December 2025:

Hong Kong Hong Kong
Japan Japan
Macao Macao
Singapore Singapore
Taiwan Taiwan
Oceania
Nauru Nauru
New Caledonia New Caledonia
Marshall Islands Marshall Islands
Micronesia Micronesia
Samoa Samoa
Solomon Islands Solomon Islands
Kiribati Kiribati
Palau Palau
Fiji Fiji
Tonga Tonga
Tuvalu Tuvalu

Exempted until 31st December 2025:

Australia Australia
New Zealand New Zealand
Africa
Lesotho Lesotho
Morocco Morocco
Tunisia Tunisia
the Republic of South Africa the Republic of South Africa
Mauritius Mauritius
Seychelles Seychelles
Eswatini Eswatini
Botswana Botswana

Many travellers will require a South Korean ETA; however, there are some exceptions. The following people do not need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel:

  • Visa holders
  • People aged 17 and under
  • People aged 65 and older
  • Diplomatic passport holders
  • Dual nationality passport holders with a Korean passport
  • Aircraft and ship crew
  • USFK service members on official business
  • UN passport holders

Korea K-ETA Online Application Process:
Step-by-Step

Applying for the K-ETA is straightforward but requires accuracy while filling in the information; make sure you’re prepared with all the relevant information and documentation. If your K-ETA application is declined, you cannot appeal the decision, and you will need to apply for the traditional visa instead. If the rejection is due to missing or wrong information, you can correct the information and reapply. However, it is best to avoid making mistakes, give yourself plenty of time, and a quiet space to complete your online application.

Documents and Information Needed

The process will be easier and faster if you have all your information and documentation to hand before you begin your K-ETA application.
The documents required for South Korea K-ETA application are…

Your passport

Passports must have 6 months’ validity from the intended date of travel.

Your contact and personal details

You’ll need to input standard information such as your email address, date of birth, nationality, etc.

A passport-style photo

In addition, you’ll need a recent passport-style photo in digital format. The photo must be clear, with a plain background. Your face must be fully visible and your expression neutral.

Travel Information

You should also have on hand details of your travel plans. You’ll need to state the purpose of your visit, e.g., visiting family, tourism, or attending a meeting, and it’s beneficial to have the address of where you will be staying for your visit.

Health and criminal background information

During the application process, you will be asked some questions regarding your health and your criminal background. Remember, failure to disclose correct details could result in a K-ETA being overturned on entry to the country, so always declare everything according to the instructions given.

K-ETA Processing Time

You’ll usually receive an approval or refusal within 72 hours; however, in some cases, it can take longer during busy periods, so it’s important to submit your application well in advance of your trip.

K-ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

Once approved, your K-ETA is valid for 3 years, unless there is a change in your details or circumstances, such as a new passport or a change of name.

Multiple trips are permitted during this 3-year period, and the length of each stay is determined by your country of origin. The maximum allowed length of stay will be between 30 days and 3 months, so do check your country’s allowed period before booking travel.

Mistakes to Avoid During Application

Failure to submit your application correctly could result in refusal, so follow these tips to ensure your Korea ETA application goes through smoothly…

  • Check for typos in your personal details, and ensure your name matches that on your passport.
  • Ensure your passport is well within the validity period.
  • Double and triple-check your passport number.
  • Make sure that your K-ETA application photo complies with all requirements for size and content.
  • Don’t omit any information, such as criminal history; honesty is always the best policy.
  • Make sure you’ve filled out every field and not missed anything.
  • Don’t leave it too late to apply. Processing time for applications usually takes up to 72 hours, but in some cases it can take longer. If your South Korea K-ETA application is refused, the C-3 type visa application process can take several months.

FAQ About the K-ETA

The K-ETA system is entirely electronic. You will apply online, and once approved, it will be stored digitally. However, like all travel documents, it can give you peace of mind to have a printed copy with you.

No, a K-ETA application cannot be altered once it has been submitted. If you need to change your information, you will have to submit a new application. You will also have to pay the application fee again.

Yes, your K-ETA is linked to your passport, so a new passport means you need a new K-ETA.

If your K-ETA application is declined, you will need to apply for a traditional visa.

We’re often asked what is K-ETA application waiting time is, and while ordinarily, you’ll have your response within 72 hours, under certain circumstances, it can take longer, so we always recommend applying for your K-ETA well in advance.

While the majority of people with K-ETA approval will successfully enter Korea, the final decision is made by the immigration officers at the time of arrival.

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.

Apply Now