South Korea ETA (K-ETA) for Singaporean Citizens

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What is the K-ETA?

The K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization that allows visitors from eligible countries to enter South Korea for the purposes of tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. To secure a K-ETA, individuals need to submit details about their trip through an online system and wait for approval before beginning their trip to South Korea.

The K-ETA is designed to facilitate smoother entry into South Korea for visitors while enabling immigration officials to screen travelers in advance. K-ETA holders benefit from faster entry, as they don’t have many requirements, such as filling out an arrival card when they reach any of the country’s entry points.

Since its introduction on September 1st, 2021, the K-ETA has been mandatory for all visa-free travelers. Some countries (including Singapore) were on a temporary exemption from the K-ETA until December 31st, 2024. Later, there was a South Korea ETA exemption extension, which still applies to Singaporean citizens. The extension is valid until December 31st, 2025, but they can still apply for one if they wish to avoid filling out an arrival card.

Do Singaporean Citizens Need a K-ETA to Visit South Korea?

Currently, Singaporean citizens don’t need to obtain a K-ETA to visit South koreaKorea, as they’re on the list of exempted countries. This K-ETA exemption, originally in effect from April 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2024, has since been extended until December 31st, 2025. If a passport holder from a K-ETA-exempt country, such as Singapore, attempts to apply online, they will see a digital pop-up informing them that it’s not necessary to proceed unless they wish to do so.

In addition to citizens from K-ETA eligible countries who are exempt, certain individuals are also not required to apply for a K-ETA when traveling to South Korea. These include:

  • People aged 17 or under and over 65.
  • Anyone who holds an official, diplomatic, or UN passport.
  • Members of the United States Forces Korea (USFK).
  • Staff working on aircraft or ships.
  • Transfer passengers.
  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card holders (ABTC)

K-ETA Requirements for Singaporean Citizens

To apply for a K-ETA, Singaporean citizens must meet the following requirements

Singaporean Passport

Those applying for the K-ETA from Singapore need to hold a valid Singaporean passport. Be sure to have your passport details ready, as you’ll be asked for them when filling out the application. There’s also a feature that allows you to upload a copy of your bio page, but it’s optional.

Trip Details

When you apply for the K-ETA for Singaporean citizens, you’re required to provide details of your trip. This includes where you’ll stay, the accommodation owner’s contact information, and their arrival and departure dates. You also have to specify the purpose of travel, which may be tourism, business, or family-related matters.

Digital Photograph

A digital, color JPG image of a size less than 20MB has to be included with your application. Although there’s no requirement for a white background, it’s recommended to use one, as the application may be rejected if the image isn’t clear.

Email Address

To receive the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) when it’s approved, Singaporean passport holders have to provide their email address.

Payment Method

After entering all the required details, applicants will be asked to pay for their K-ETA using various methods, including Mastercard and Visa.

How to Apply for the South Korea ETA

Singaporean citizens wishing to apply for a K-ETA can follow the steps below to ensure a smooth process.

K-ETA Processing Time for Singaporean Citizens

The average K-ETA processing time for Singaporean citizens is 72 hours. However, it may take longer in some cases, depending on the details submitted and the number of applications that need to be processed.

If you want your K-ETA to be approved faster to enter South Korea, it’s essential to apply early, in case there’s a processing delay.

Validity and Duration of Stay

Singaporeans are exempted from the K-ETA in the meantime. They are allowed to travel to South Korea without needing a visa for short visits of 90 days or less.

If they still wish to apply for a K-ETA or when the exemption ends, the K-ETA validity is three years from the date of issuance. If your passport expires in less than 3 years, the K-ETA approval will be valid until the passport expiration date, granting multiple entries into South Korea and allowing stays of up to 90 days.

Traveling to South Korea with a K-ETA

When traveling from Singapore to South Korea, you’ll need to present your passport to the immigration officer upon arrival. Your K-ETA will be electronically linked to your passport. However, keep a copy of it, either on your phone or in printed form, to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

While planning your trip to South Korea, you will need to include the E-Arrival Card in your plan. This card allows visitors to submit their immigration information digitally, eliminating the need for paper forms. It must be completed online through the official E-Arrival Card website starting 72 hours before the passenger’s arrival date; if you do not arrive in South Korea within 72 hours after completing the E-Arrival card, it will no longer be valid, and you will need to submit a new one. K-ETA holders are exempt from completing the E-Arrival Card, which means Singaporean citizens don’t need one as long as they hold a K-ETA.

Common Reasons for K-ETA Rejection & How to Avoid Them

There are specific reasons why the K-ETA for Singaporeans may get rejected, such as:

  • Providing false or inaccurate information on your application form.
  • Failing to include important details.
  • Using incorrect documentation to apply
  • Uploading unclear digital images to use on the application form.

All of these mistakes are easily preventable as long as you:

  • Make sure all the information in your application is accurate.
  • Don’t withhold any key details required to process your application.
  • Only apply with valid documents.
  • Follow the instructions in the image upload section when submitting your photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Singaporean citizens don’t need to obtain a South Korean visa to enter South Korea; they typically only need a K-ETA. However, all Singaporean passport holders are currently exempt from needing to obtain a K-ETA until December 31st, 2025, for short-term visits to South Korea of up to 90 days.

No, Singaporeans or any other nationality don’t need to apply for a K-ETA when only transiting, as long as they do not leave the airport or pass border control.

Yes, Malaysians still require a K-ETA for traveling to South Korea, which must be obtained prior to arrival.

Singaporeans are currently exempt from needing a K-ETA to travel to South Korea until December 31st, 2025. Once the exemption is lifted, Singaporeans will need to apply for a K-ETA to be able to travel and enter South Korea for short-term visits of up to 90 days.

No, refunds are not provided regardless of the outcome of the application, including if a K-ETA is rejected.

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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