About South Korea K-ETA
The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online entry permit to South Korea for foreign citizens. It was first introduced in the testing phase in 2018 and has been permanently available for all eligible travelers since September 2021.
The main goal of the K-ETA is to speed up the visa registration process and facilitate travel to the Republic of Korea. What is more, it is a valuable tool for the South Korean government to monitor incoming visitors and control the number of arriving tourists.
With the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization document, you are allowed multiple visits to Korea during the permit’s 2-year validity period. Depending on your country of residence, each stay may last 30, 60, or 90 days.
The K-ETA permit is available for citizens of over 100 different destinations whose citizens are generally allowed to travel to South Korea visa-free – the electronic travel document is all they need to cross the Korean borders.
Korean ETA works similarly to the regular Tourist Visa and grants travelers a visit to Korea for purposes including leisure and business. With the permit, you are allowed to go on sightseeing trips, meet with family and friends, participate in business events, and take part in professional conferences. Although, performing paid work is strictly prohibited.
How to apply for the South Korean ETA
The application process for the K-ETA is intuitive and convenient. The entire procedure is conducted online so that you may complete the form from the comfort of your home.
Before you start with the registration, you should check if your selected electronic device (a phone, a tablet, or a laptop) is working properly. It is advised that you also check the stability of the Internet connection.
The K-ETA application process consists of the following steps:
- Fill in the application form
- Pay for the processing fee
- Wait for the approval notice
It is highly recommended to carefully check whether all the data provided in the application form is correct. If there are any spelling mistakes or errors in the questionnaire, your visa inquiry may be denied. In this case, you will be obliged to apply for the permit once again.
Once your K-ETA application has been authorized by the local authorities, it will be sent to your e-mail address in PDF form. Remember to print it out before the travel – the moment you enter Korea, the immigration officers will ask for a paper copy of your K-ETA.
Requirements for ETA to South Korea
To be eligible to enter South Korea, you must first obtain the K-ETA travel permit. Although the online visa application process consists of a few easy steps, there are some crucial requirements that must be met.
To apply for the K-ETA, you should prepare the following:
- valid passport
- passport-size photo
- personal e-mail address
- online payment method
To finalize the purchase, you may use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. All these online payment methods are accepted.
It is important that while entering South Korea, you have a valid passport. It must be the same document you used during the K-ETA application. What is more, your passport should remain valid for the duration of your stay in the Republic of Korea. If it expires, your K-ETA will also be considered invalid.
Who must complete a South Korean ETA
The K-ETA travel permit is a mandatory document available for nationals of over 100 destinations who wish to enter South Korea. These foreign visitors may arrive in South Korea visa-free, providing they have the electronic travel authorization document.
List of countries eligible to apply for the K-ETA:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bosna and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Paraguay
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Once they obtain the permit, they are allowed to stay in the country for purposes including tourism and business. It means they can visit their friends and family, attend a sightseeing tour, take part in a business conference, or participate in professional training.
When to apply for the K-ETA for South Korea
The processing time for the Korean ETA may take around a few days, therefore, it is advised to apply for the electronic entry permit in advance of your trip.
The waiting time may vary depending on the number of currently issued inquiries (usually increased during the summer holiday season) and the internal processing of the documents conducted by South Korean officials.
Once your K-ETA is approved, you will receive an approval notice to your e-mail address. The travel document will be in PDF form, therefore, you should print it out before your journey.
FAQ
What is K-ETA South Korea?
The Korean ETA is an electronic travel authorization document allowing eligible foreign citizens to visit the Republic of Korea. It was officially introduced by the South Korean government in 2021 and, since then, has been a great tool in facilitating the visa application process. It stays valid for 2 years from the issue date and allows multiple entries to the country.
Do I have to hold a valid K-ETA to enter South Korea?
Yes, you have to hold a valid Korean ETA if you wish to enter Korea. On your arrival in the country, you will be asked by the immigration officers to present either your K-ETA permit or a valid visa to South Korea. It is also necessary to have your passport.
How long does it take to receive the K-ETA approval?
The average processing time for the K-ETA is around a few days. However, you must remember that the waiting time may be prolonged due to internal visa processing conducted by the South Korean side or the increased number of application forms to be processed. When your K-ETA is authorized, it will be sent to your e-mail address.
How long K-ETA Korea remains valid?
The K-ETA travel permit stays valid for 2 years from the issuing date. What is more, during its validity period, it allows multiple visits to South Korea. Depending on your country of residence, each stay may last for 30, 60, or 90 days. You should remember that if your passport expires during your stay abroad, your Korean ETA will also be invalid.
How much does South Korean ETA cost?
In order to complete the K-ETA application process, you are obliged to pay a mandatory processing fee. The cost of the permit is 69 EUR. You can make the payment via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.