Itinerary
Korea Visa & K-ETA Guide 2026: Who Needs What Before Flight
Korea entry rules changed twice in 2024–2025. A 2026 snapshot of K-ETA, e-Arrival Card, and visa waivers for the 22 most-asked countries.
Korea's entry rules changed twice in 2024–2025 and the 2026 status is a moving target — K-ETA, e-Arrival Card, and visa-waiver lists all updated. This guide is a 2026 snapshot for the most-asked countries (US, Canada, UK, Australia, EU, Japan, Singapore) and what every first-time visitor needs to file before flight.
K-ETA — required, exempt, or expired?
Korea waived K-ETA for 22 visa-exempt countries through end of 2025 and the policy is under review for 2026. As of April 2026, check k-eta.go.kr the week before your flight — the rule may extend, change to opt-in, or revert to required. K-ETA, when required, costs ₩10,000 and takes up to 72 hours to approve. Apply at least 5 days before departure to leave room for review. Family members each need their own approval; children use the parent's email but separate forms.
e-Arrival Card — replace your paper form
Since February 2024, Korea uses an e-Arrival Card instead of paper. File at e-arrivalcard.go.kr from any device up to 3 days before flight; one submission can cover an entire family. Travelers who skip this step complete the card at immigration but lose 10–15 minutes versus pre-filers. Save the QR code as a screenshot — Wi-Fi at airport baggage claim is unreliable. The form takes about 4 minutes if you have your accommodation address ready.
Visa-waiver vs short-term visa
Visa-waiver countries (US, Canada, UK, Australia, EU, Japan, Singapore) get 30, 60, or 90 days depending on agreement — check the official Korean Immigration site for your specific country quota. Travelers from non-waiver countries (mainland China except Jeju, India, Vietnam, Philippines, etc.) need a C-3-9 short-term tourist visa, processed at Korean embassies in 5–7 business days, ₩40,000–80,000 fee. The Jeju visa-free policy allows most countries direct entry to Jeju for 30 days — but you must arrive at Jeju International Airport directly.
Pre-flight checklist
- File K-ETA (if required) and e-Arrival Card the same day to keep both deadlines aligned.
- Carry a printed boarding pass + passport + screenshot of approvals as backup.
- Korea immigration tracks repeat visits — answer truthfully about prior trips.
- Pets need a separate import permit (RNATT) 6 months ahead.
- For 90+ day stays apply for a D or F class visa before arrival; tourist extensions are rarely granted.
Do I need K-ETA in 2026 from the US?
Through end-2025 K-ETA was waived for US passport holders. The 2026 policy was under review at time of writing — check k-eta.go.kr for current status before flight.
Is the e-Arrival Card mandatory?
Yes, since February 2024 it replaces the paper form. Skipping it doesn't deny entry but adds 10–15 minutes at immigration as you fill the form there.
Can I extend my tourist stay?
Tourist extensions beyond your visa-waiver days are rarely granted — apply at the Immigration Office in Seoul 7+ days before expiry with proof of need (medical, family, etc.).
What documents does K-ETA require?
A valid passport (6+ months remaining), digital photo (under 100KB, white background), Korea accommodation address, return flight info, ₩10,000 paid via international card.