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Korea ETA (K-ETA) Application Guide 2026

Q: Do I need a K-ETA to visit Korea in 2026?

It depends on your passport and the current policy. K-ETA was suspended for 22 visa-exempt nationalities between April 2023 and December 2025. As of our last review, the post-2025 requirement status may have changed. Always check the official K-ETA website at www.k-eta.go.kr or the Hi Korea immigration portal at www.hikorea.go.kr before you travel.

Q: How much does a K-ETA cost?

As of our last review, the K-ETA application fee was KRW 10,000, which is approximately USD 7.50 at recent exchange rates. Fees can change, so verify the current amount on the official K-ETA application site at www.k-eta.go.kr before you apply.

Q: How long does K-ETA processing take?

Standard K-ETA processing typically takes up to 72 hours. Most approvals arrive sooner, but it is advisable to apply at least three to five business days before your departure to allow time for any delays or requests for additional information.

Q: What is the difference between K-ETA and the Korea e-Arrival Card?

K-ETA is a pre-travel electronic travel authorization that grants eligibility to board a flight to Korea. The Korea e-Arrival Card is a separate declaration form submitted on arrival covering health and customs information. They serve different purposes, and the requirements for each change independently.

Q: Where do I apply for a K-ETA?

The official K-ETA application is made through the Korean government portal at www.k-eta.go.kr. Avoid third-party services that charge additional fees for submitting the same application. The Hi Korea portal at www.hikorea.go.kr also provides immigration information and links to official application channels.

Korea immigration travel guide · Last reviewed: June 2026

Before boarding a flight to Korea, many passport holders need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) — a government-issued pre-clearance that lets you enter visa-free. This guide explains who currently needs one, how to apply through the official portal, what it costs, and how long it takes.

K-ETA policy changes frequently. As of our last review, the requirement status for many nationalities may be different from what this page describes. Always verify your specific requirement at the official K-ETA portal (www.k-eta.go.kr) or Hi Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr) before you travel.

Who needs to apply for a K-ETA?

K-ETA applies to nationals of countries that have a visa-free entry agreement with Korea. Travelers who already hold a valid Korean visa, or nationals of countries that require a full visa, do not apply for K-ETA — they follow their own entry track.

Between April 2023 and December 31 2025, Korea suspended the K-ETA requirement for nationals of 22 countries, allowing those travelers to enter without applying. As of our last review in June 2026, that temporary suspension period has ended. Whether your nationality now requires K-ETA again depends on official policy that may have been updated after December 2025.

Bottom line: Do not assume the suspension still applies. Check www.k-eta.go.kr for the current list of nationalities that require K-ETA before booking or boarding.

How to apply: step by step

Step 1 — Go to the official K-ETA portal

Visit www.k-eta.go.kr directly. Avoid third-party agencies that charge extra processing fees to submit the same application. The official site is free to use except for the government application fee.

Use only the official government portal

Step 2 — Enter personal and travel information

You will provide your full name (as shown on your passport), nationality, date of birth, contact email, and the purpose and dates of your intended visit. Have your travel itinerary ready before you start.

Exact match to your passport details is required

Step 3 — Upload your passport information

You will need to enter your passport number, the issuing country, and the expiry date. Some applicants are asked to upload a scan or photo of the passport data page. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip

Step 4 — Pay the application fee

As of our last review, the K-ETA fee is KRW 10,000 (approximately USD 7.50 at mid-2026 rates). Payment is made by card through the portal. Keep the payment confirmation; you may need it if there is a query about your application.

Fee paid by card on the official portal

Step 5 — Receive and save your approval

After processing, you will receive the K-ETA result by email. Download or screenshot the approval and keep it accessible on your phone. Airlines may ask to see it at check-in, and immigration officers can verify it electronically on arrival.

Save the approval to your phone before flying

K-ETA fees and processing time

Item	Detail	Notes
Application fee	KRW 10,000	Approximately USD 7.50 at mid-2026 rates. Verify current amount on k-eta.go.kr before applying.
Standard processing	Up to 72 hours	Many decisions arrive sooner. Apply at least 3–5 business days before departure.
Validity	Up to 2 years or until passport expiry	A single K-ETA covers multiple entries. Confirm the current validity terms when you apply.
Where to apply	www.k-eta.go.kr	Official Korean government portal. Also see www.hikorea.go.kr for broader immigration information.

Fee and validity information reflects the policy as of our last review. Fees and terms are set by the Korean government and may change. Source: www.k-eta.go.kr / www.hikorea.go.kr.

After you land: entry requirements

K-ETA clearance does not guarantee admission to Korea. On arrival, an immigration officer makes the final determination. Common things to have ready at the immigration desk:

Your passport (physical document)
Your K-ETA approval confirmation (digital or printed)
Evidence of onward or return travel
An address in Korea where you will stay (hotel booking, host contact)
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked

Korea also introduced an e-Arrival Card system. This is a separate health and customs declaration submitted before or on arrival and is independent of K-ETA. Check whether the e-Arrival Card applies to your trip at the time of travel.

Getting connected on arrival

Once you clear immigration at Incheon or Gimpo, getting online quickly matters — for maps, transport apps, and confirming your accommodation. The most convenient option for most international travelers is a travel eSIM installed before departure: it activates automatically when your phone connects to a Korean network, so you are online before you reach the taxi rank.

A travel eSIM works alongside your existing phone line. You keep your home number for calls while using the eSIM for data in Korea. Set the eSIM as your data line and disable roaming on your home line to avoid surprise charges.

Get a Korea travel eSIM before you fly

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a K-ETA to visit Korea in 2026?

It depends on your passport and the current policy. The K-ETA suspension for 22 nationalities ran from April 2023 to December 31 2025. As of our last review, that suspension period has ended. Check the current requirement for your nationality directly at www.k-eta.go.kr before you book or fly.

How much does a K-ETA cost?

As of our last review, the fee is KRW 10,000, approximately USD 7.50. The current fee is set by the Korean government and may change. Verify the exact amount on the official portal at www.k-eta.go.kr before applying.

How long does K-ETA processing take?

Standard processing takes up to 72 hours. Many approvals arrive sooner, but apply at least three to five business days before your flight to allow for any delays or requests for additional documents.

What is the difference between K-ETA and the Korea e-Arrival Card?

K-ETA is a pre-travel authorization that determines whether you are eligible to board a flight to Korea visa-free. The Korea e-Arrival Card is a separate health and customs declaration submitted on or before arrival. They are independent requirements that may apply at the same time.

Where do I apply for a K-ETA?

Apply only through the official Korean government portal at www.k-eta.go.kr. Third-party services charge extra fees to submit the same form. For broader immigration information, also see www.hikorea.go.kr.

This page is general travel information, not legal or immigration advice. K-ETA policy, fees, and eligible nationalities are set by the Korean government and change without notice. Always confirm your requirements at the official K-ETA portal (www.k-eta.go.kr) before traveling.