Seoul skyline at golden hour
South Korea

Korea ETA
Application

Get your authorization to travel to South Korea with professional K-ETA application support.

3 Years

Validity Period

Multiple

Entries Allowed

About K-ETA

What is the K-ETA?

The K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization issued by Korean authorities to eligible foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries who plan to visit South Korea for short-term stays. It must be applied for and obtained online before travel.

An approved K-ETA allows eligible travelers to visit South Korea for purposes such as tourism, short-term business meetings, conferences, or family visits, within the visa-free stay period permitted by their nationality.

It does not permit employment, paid work, long-term academic study, or stays beyond the allowed visa-free duration.

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Key Features

K-ETA at a Glance

3 Year Validity

Use your K-ETA for multiple trips over 3 years.

Multiple Entries

Enter and exit South Korea as many times as needed.

30–180 Day Stays

Stay duration depends on your nationality.

Fully Online

Complete application process done digitally.

Eligibility

Who Needs a K-ETA?

The K-ETA is available to nationals of visa-exempt countries. If your country is included in the eligible list, you may apply online prior to departure.

K-ETA is required for:

  • Nationals of visa-exempt countries visiting for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or family visits.
  • Short-term stays within the visa-free period permitted by your nationality.
  • Travelers aged 18–64 from eligible countries.

K-ETA is NOT required for:

  • Travelers aged 65 years or older.
  • Children aged 17 years or younger.
  • Holders of UN passports, active-duty USFK members, aircraft/ship crew, or holders of valid Korean visas or residence cards.
  • Individuals holding dual nationality with a valid Korean passport.
Eligibility

Eligible Countries

Nationals of the following visa-exempt countries can apply for a K-ETA.

🇦🇱 Albania
🇦🇩 Andorra
🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
🇦🇷 Argentina
🇦🇺 Australia
🇦🇹 Austria
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇧🇭 Bahrain
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇧🇿 Belize
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇧🇳 Brunei
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
🇨🇦 Canada
🇨🇱 Chile
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇨🇾 Cyprus
🇨🇿 Czechia
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇫🇮 Finland
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇬🇷 Greece
🇬🇩 Grenada
🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇬🇾 Guyana
🇭🇰 Hong Kong SAR
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇯🇲 Jamaica
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇼 Kuwait
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein
🇱🇹 Lithuania
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇲🇴 Macao SAR
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇲🇹 Malta
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇲🇨 Monaco
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇳🇴 Norway
🇵🇦 Panama
🇵🇱 Poland
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇷🇴 Romania
🇸🇲 San Marino
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇪🇸 Spain
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇹🇼 Taiwan
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
🇻🇪 Venezuela
Requirements

What You'll Need

Gather these items before starting your K-ETA application.

Valid Passport

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date.

Passport Photo

Recent passport-style photo with white background and neutral expression.

Email Address

Valid email to receive your K-ETA approval and updates.

Payment Method

Credit or debit card for the application fee.

Important Information

Key Points Before Applying

Review the following to help ensure a smooth application process.

Accommodation Details

You will need to provide the full address and postal code of where you plan to stay in South Korea.

Confirmed Flight Booking

You should have a confirmed flight reservation before applying. Travel dates should align with permitted stay periods.

Apply in Advance

Processing times may vary. Apply several days before departure to allow sufficient time for review.

Check Your Eligibility

Make sure your nationality and purpose of travel qualify under the K-ETA system.

Criminal History Declaration

You will be required to declare whether you have any criminal record. Accurate disclosure is essential.

Health Declaration

Applicants must declare whether they are currently affected by certain communicable diseases.

Application Steps

How to Apply

Our guided application service supports travelers who prefer professional assistance throughout the process.

01

Submit Your Information

Complete our secure online form and upload the required documents.

02

Professional Review

Our team reviews your details for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with requirements.

03

Proper Submission

We handle the submission of your application to the relevant authorities.

04

Confirmation

Once approved, your K-ETA approval will be sent directly to your email.

Application & Outcomes

Application Submission

Most applications are processed within approximately 72 hours. Here's what to know once approved.

How We Support You

While the K-ETA process is designed to be simple, small mistakes in your application can lead to delays or even refusal. Our guided support service helps ensure your submission is accurate and complete, so you can focus on planning your trip to South Korea.

We assist with:

  • Reviewing your details before submission to minimize errors
  • Verifying passport information and photo quality for proper formatting
  • Providing guidance on eligibility and accommodation details
  • Identifying potential issues before submission
  • Offering updates and support if additional review is required
  • Advising you on next steps if your application is not approved

Our priority is clarity, accuracy, and reducing the risk of unexpected issues.

Possible Outcomes

Approved

You are authorized to travel to South Korea using the passport linked to your K-ETA, within its validity period.

Delayed

Your application may require additional review, which could extend processing time beyond the standard 72 hours.

Refused

If you are not eligible, you may need to apply for a Korean visa instead. Providing accurate information reduces this risk.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the K-ETA.

What is the K-ETA and who needs it?
The K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization for eligible foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries visiting South Korea for short-term stays. It must be obtained online before travel.
How long is the K-ETA valid?
The K-ETA is generally valid for up to 3 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you may enter South Korea multiple times.
How long does K-ETA processing take?
Most applications are processed within approximately 72 hours. In some cases, additional review may be required, which could extend the processing time.
Do I need a K-ETA if I'm over 65 or under 18?
No. Travelers aged 65 years or older and children aged 17 years or younger are exempt from the K-ETA requirement.
What happens if I get a new passport?
Your K-ETA is linked to the passport used during application. If you renew or replace your passport, the existing authorization will no longer be valid and a new application must be submitted.
Does an approved K-ETA guarantee entry?
No. An approved K-ETA allows you to travel to South Korea, but final entry is determined by immigration officers upon arrival.
Why are applications sometimes delayed?
Common reasons include incorrect or inconsistent information that doesn't match your passport, poor quality photos, incomplete travel or accommodation details, previous immigration violations, security or eligibility concerns, and high application volumes during peak travel periods. Providing accurate and complete information significantly reduces the likelihood of delays.
When do I need to apply for a new K-ETA?
You must submit a new application if your approval contains incorrect information that does not match your passport, you receive a new passport, your personal details change (such as name, nationality, or gender), or your previous approval expires or is revoked.

Ready to Visit South Korea?

Start your K-ETA application today and travel with confidence.

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