Are any nationalities exempt from the K-ETA?

Yes. South Korea has temporarily exempted certain nationalities from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Exempt travellers do not need a K-ETA but still file a K-ETA e-Arrival Card before arrival, and may choose a K-ETA anyway to skip that card. Confirm whether your nationality currently qualifies before you apply.

Do I need a K-ETA to transit through South Korea?

Transit passengers who remain airside at Incheon or Gimpo without clearing immigration generally do not need the K-ETA. If you leave the airport for any reason, including the Korean Transit Tour programme, the K-ETA or current entry requirement applies.

What is the K-ETA and how do I apply?

The K-ETA is South Korea's electronic travel authorisation, applied for online before departure and electronically linked to your passport. You provide passport, photo and trip details; our wizard collects them, your answers are reviewed for accuracy, and we submit the application to the Korean authorities for you.

How long is the South Korea K-ETA valid?

The K-ETA is valid for three years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple entries. Each individual stay can be up to 90 days, with the exact length set by your nationality. Children, including infants, need their own K-ETA.

How long does the South Korea K-ETA take?

Korean Immigration Service typically issues K-ETAs within 24 to 72 hours of submission, though many are decided within minutes. Our Rush tier reviews within one business day; Super Rush ships same-day with priority queue handling. Applying a few days before departure leaves room for any manual review.

Does the K-ETA need a photo, and what kind?

Yes. Unlike some travel authorisations, the K-ETA requires a recent digital photograph: a clear headshot on a plain white background, face fully visible, no hat or sunglasses, with even lighting. Save it as a JPG within the file-size limits. A blurry or dark photo is a common reason an application is held up.

Do I need to print my K-ETA before I travel?

No. An approved K-ETA is held electronically against your passport, so the airline and immigration officers see it automatically and there is nothing to print. We still suggest saving a copy of the approval email or your application number so you can check the status if you want to.

How long can I stay in South Korea, and can I extend it?

Each entry on a K-ETA allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the exact length depending on your nationality. The permitted stay is for tourism, business or a short visit and is not generally extendable; you cannot use back-to-back trips to live in the country. For a longer stay, apply for the appropriate Korean visa at an embassy.

Can I work in South Korea with the K-ETA?

No. The K-ETA covers tourism, business meetings, short study and family visits only. Paid employment, whether for a Korean or an overseas company, requires a separate work visa sponsored by a Korean employer, which you apply for at a Korean embassy or consulate before you travel.

How much does the South Korea K-ETA cost?

You pay one all-inclusive price that includes a government fee set by the Korean authorities and our service fee, with the government portion itemised on your receipt. The government fee is paid directly to the authority, while our fee covers the review and submission of your application. Travellers who are currently exempt file the free e-Arrival Card instead.

Is VisitPass an official government website?

No. VisitPass is an independent service that reviews and submits your K-ETA application to the Korean Immigration Service. We are not affiliated with the South Korean government; the government fee is paid directly to the authority and itemised on your receipt, separate from our service fee.

What if my K-ETA is refused?

Most refusals stem from past immigration history or eligibility mismatches. We review your wizard answers and flag concerns before submission. If refused for reasons outside your control, our service fee is refunded; the government fee is non-refundable.

How can I avoid having my K-ETA delayed or refused?

Most problems come from small data errors, not from who you are. Enter your name, date of birth and passport number exactly as printed in the passport machine-readable zone, with no extra spaces. Use a passport with several months of validity left and answer the travel-history and health questions honestly. We compare every field against your details and flag anything inconsistent before we submit, which removes the most common avoidable causes.

Why might my K-ETA photo be rejected, and how do I fix it?

A photo is usually held up for a fixable reason: too dark or blurry, the background not plain white, a shadow on the face, or the file in the wrong format or size. Retake it in even daylight against a white wall, face square to the camera with a neutral expression and no hat or tinted lenses, then save it as a JPG within the limit. If yours is borderline, we flag it before submission so you can replace it.

Do I need to show proof of funds or a return ticket on arrival?

The K-ETA covers boarding and the request to enter, but the border officer makes the final decision and can ask for supporting details. Have your return or onward ticket, your accommodation booking and proof you can fund your stay ready, on your phone or printed. These are rarely requested for short tourist visits, but carrying them avoids delay at the counter. We list what to keep on hand so nothing catches you off guard.

Should I apply for a K-ETA even if my nationality is currently exempt?

A K-ETA can still be worth holding. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026 and may enter on a K-ETA e-Arrival Card instead, but an approved K-ETA is valid for up to three years and lets you skip that card on every trip in between. If you travel to South Korea more than once, one K-ETA covers the lot. Confirm your own status first, then decide which route suits your plans.

South Korea K-ETA · VisitPass

Overview

The K-ETA, or Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, is South Korea's online travel permit for citizens of visa-exempt countries. It is not a visa: it is an authorisation to board your carrier and request entry for a short visit, screened by the Korean Immigration Service before you travel. An approved K-ETA is valid for three years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries throughout that period.

Each individual stay may last up to 90 days, though the exact length depends on your nationality and the agreement between Korea and your country. The authorisation covers tourism, business meetings, short courses and family visits. It does not authorise paid employment, enrolment in a degree programme or long-term residence, which each require the appropriate Korean visa applied for at an embassy or consulate.

The K-ETA links electronically to the passport you apply with, so you must travel on that same passport, and every traveller needs their own, including children and infants. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026; if yours is among them you still file a K-ETA e-Arrival Card before arrival, so confirm your own status before you apply. Your K-ETA is prepared in your own language, every answer is checked for accuracy and the application is submitted to the Korean authorities, then your approval and a tracking code are sent so you always know where your application stands.

At a glance

The key facts for a South Korea K-ETA application.

Visa type: K-ETA
What you need: Your passport
Validity: 3 years
Maximum stay: 90 days per entry
Entry type: Multiple

Who can apply

The main eligibility conditions for this destination, and who can apply.

South Korea's K-ETA is the electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals visiting for tourism, business, short study or family visits. It is valid for three years from approval or until your passport expires, with multiple entries of up to 90 days each, and children including infants need their own. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026. They still file a K-ETA e-Arrival Card before arrival, so confirm whether yours currently qualifies before applying.

What you'll need

Have these ready before you begin your application. Requirements can vary by nationality and trip purpose.

Passport from a visa-exempt nationality with at least six months validity
Recent digital passport photograph (white background)
Email address for K-ETA delivery
Korean accommodation address or itinerary
Payment method (one all-inclusive price)

Requirements in detail

A K-ETA asks for less than a full visa, but every detail must match your passport exactly. You need a machine-readable passport, valid for the duration of your trip, because the authorisation links to your passport electronically; have its number, issue date, expiry date and country of issue to hand. Unlike the United States ESTA, the K-ETA does require a photograph: a recent digital headshot on a plain white background, with your face clearly visible, no hat or sunglasses and even lighting, saved as a JPG within the portal's file-size limits.

You also provide your arrival flight or carrier details and a Korean accommodation address or itinerary, where a hotel booking is fine, along with a valid email address that receives the decision. A short set of eligibility questions covers your travel purpose and any prior immigration history; answer them honestly, since an inaccurate answer is a frequent reason a K-ETA is referred or refused. A payment card covers one all-inclusive price that includes the government fee and our service fee, with the government portion itemised on your receipt.

The single most common avoidable error is a mistyped name or passport number: check the spelling of your name and every passport digit against the document itself, because a mismatch at the airport can delay your boarding.

Government processing time

What the issuing authority typically takes once the application is submitted.

Government processing: the Korean Immigration Service decides in 1 to 72 hours, often within minutes, though approval can take longer at peak travel periods or when an answer needs a closer look. When to apply: file your K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure so the decision is in hand before you reach the airport, and ideally a week or two earlier if you can, since some carriers check the authorisation at check-in. VisitPass review: Standard 1-3 business days; Rush 1 business day; Super Rush less than 6 hours. The application is checked for completeness, submitted to the authority, and the confirmation issued with a tracking code so you always know where your application stands.

On arrival

Your approved K-ETA is held electronically against your passport, so you do not need to print anything to board; the airline checks your authorisation when you check in. Even so, it is sensible to save a copy of the approval email or your application number in case of a systems issue. Travel on the exact passport you applied with, and present that passport at the K-ETA inspection gate on arrival rather than the standard arrival card lane.

A K-ETA authorises you to board and to request entry; the final admission decision rests with an immigration officer at the port of entry, who may ask about the purpose and length of your trip. Have your return or onward ticket and your Korean address ready to show, so the inspection moves quickly.

Planning your trip

South Korea moves easily between the old and the new. Seoul pairs royal palaces and night markets with riverside parks and design districts, and a fast metro that carries you between them in minutes. Busan strings beaches, hot-spring bath houses and seafood markets along a sunlit southern coast, while Jeju Island, a short flight away, offers volcanic craters, lava tubes, waterfalls and citrus groves. Add Gyeongju, the open-air museum of the ancient Silla kingdom, for temples and royal tombs set among low green hills. The standout seasons are spring, when cherry blossom sweeps the cities in late March and April, and autumn, when the mountains turn red and gold through October and November. Both bring mild days and cool evenings, so pack layers, comfortable walking shoes for hilly streets and palace stairs, and a light rain jacket. Summers are hot and humid with a monsoon spell in July, while winters are cold and dry, especially inland, so bring a warm coat if you travel between December and February.

One all-inclusive price

One price per visa with everything included. The government portion goes to the issuing authority and is non-refundable, itemised on your official receipt. Our service covers a full review of your application, secure handling and 24/7 email support.

From

$125.00

Standard tier, one all-inclusive price. You choose your processing speed at checkout, where the final price is confirmed.

Apply now See full pricing breakdown →

The government portion shown is an approximate USD equivalent of the issuing authority's official charge; the exact all-inclusive price is confirmed at checkout.

How to apply

Three steps from start to approval.

Complete the form
Answer the official questions online. Your draft is saved for 30 days, so you can finish once your documents are to hand.
Pay securely
You see the one all-inclusive price before you pay. We check your application for completeness before it reaches the government portal.
Receive by email
Your approved travel authorisation arrives by email. Bring it, or a copy, together with the passport you applied with when you travel.

Read the full South Korea K-ETA guide

Questions about this destination

Common questions specific to this visa. For broader topics see our help centre.

Are any nationalities exempt from the K-ETA?
Yes. South Korea has temporarily exempted certain nationalities from the K-ETA until 31 December 2026. Exempt travellers do not need a K-ETA but still file a K-ETA e-Arrival Card before arrival, and may choose a K-ETA anyway to skip that card. Confirm whether your nationality currently qualifies before you apply.
Do I need a K-ETA to transit through South Korea?
Transit passengers who remain airside at Incheon or Gimpo without clearing immigration generally do not need the K-ETA. If you leave the airport for any reason, including the Korean Transit Tour programme, the K-ETA or current entry requirement applies.
What is the K-ETA and how do I apply?
The K-ETA is South Korea's electronic travel authorisation, applied for online before departure and electronically linked to your passport. You provide passport, photo and trip details; our wizard collects them, your answers are reviewed for accuracy, and we submit the application to the Korean authorities for you.
How long is the South Korea K-ETA valid?
The K-ETA is valid for three years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple entries. Each individual stay can be up to 90 days, with the exact length set by your nationality. Children, including infants, need their own K-ETA.
How long does the South Korea K-ETA take?
Korean Immigration Service typically issues K-ETAs within 24 to 72 hours of submission, though many are decided within minutes. Our Rush tier reviews within one business day; Super Rush ships same-day with priority queue handling. Applying a few days before departure leaves room for any manual review.
Does the K-ETA need a photo, and what kind?
Yes. Unlike some travel authorisations, the K-ETA requires a recent digital photograph: a clear headshot on a plain white background, face fully visible, no hat or sunglasses, with even lighting. Save it as a JPG within the file-size limits. A blurry or dark photo is a common reason an application is held up.
Do I need to print my K-ETA before I travel?
No. An approved K-ETA is held electronically against your passport, so the airline and immigration officers see it automatically and there is nothing to print. We still suggest saving a copy of the approval email or your application number so you can check the status if you want to.
How long can I stay in South Korea, and can I extend it?
Each entry on a K-ETA allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the exact length depending on your nationality. The permitted stay is for tourism, business or a short visit and is not generally extendable; you cannot use back-to-back trips to live in the country. For a longer stay, apply for the appropriate Korean visa at an embassy.
Can I work in South Korea with the K-ETA?
No. The K-ETA covers tourism, business meetings, short study and family visits only. Paid employment, whether for a Korean or an overseas company, requires a separate work visa sponsored by a Korean employer, which you apply for at a Korean embassy or consulate before you travel.
How much does the South Korea K-ETA cost?
You pay one all-inclusive price that includes a government fee set by the Korean authorities and our service fee, with the government portion itemised on your receipt. The government fee is paid directly to the authority, while our fee covers the review and submission of your application. Travellers who are currently exempt file the free e-Arrival Card instead.
Is VisitPass an official government website?
No. VisitPass is an independent service that reviews and submits your K-ETA application to the Korean Immigration Service. We are not affiliated with the South Korean government; the government fee is paid directly to the authority and itemised on your receipt, separate from our service fee.
What if my K-ETA is refused?
Most refusals stem from past immigration history or eligibility mismatches. We review your wizard answers and flag concerns before submission. If refused for reasons outside your control, our service fee is refunded; the government fee is non-refundable.
How can I avoid having my K-ETA delayed or refused?
Most problems come from small data errors, not from who you are. Enter your name, date of birth and passport number exactly as printed in the passport machine-readable zone, with no extra spaces. Use a passport with several months of validity left and answer the travel-history and health questions honestly. We compare every field against your details and flag anything inconsistent before we submit, which removes the most common avoidable causes.
Why might my K-ETA photo be rejected, and how do I fix it?
A photo is usually held up for a fixable reason: too dark or blurry, the background not plain white, a shadow on the face, or the file in the wrong format or size. Retake it in even daylight against a white wall, face square to the camera with a neutral expression and no hat or tinted lenses, then save it as a JPG within the limit. If yours is borderline, we flag it before submission so you can replace it.
Do I need to show proof of funds or a return ticket on arrival?
The K-ETA covers boarding and the request to enter, but the border officer makes the final decision and can ask for supporting details. Have your return or onward ticket, your accommodation booking and proof you can fund your stay ready, on your phone or printed. These are rarely requested for short tourist visits, but carrying them avoids delay at the counter. We list what to keep on hand so nothing catches you off guard.
Should I apply for a K-ETA even if my nationality is currently exempt?
A K-ETA can still be worth holding. Some nationalities are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026 and may enter on a K-ETA e-Arrival Card instead, but an approved K-ETA is valid for up to three years and lets you skip that card on every trip in between. If you travel to South Korea more than once, one K-ETA covers the lot. Confirm your own status first, then decide which route suits your plans.
When should I apply for the South Korea K-ETA?
The Korean Immigration Service decides in 1 to 72 hours, often within minutes, though approval can take longer at peak periods or when an answer needs a closer look. File your K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure so the decision is in hand before the airport, and ideally a week or two earlier since some carriers check it at check-in. For short-notice travel, Rush and Super Rush tiers move your application quickly.

Specialist review on every file

We look at your file for the small errors that get applications refused, before any government does. Real reviewers, not AI form-fillers, not outsourced clerical work.

We don't quote specialist headcounts. Our commitment is simple: a real person reviews every file.

South Korea help desk

Have questions about your K-ETA? Email the South Korea desk and we reply within 24 hours.

korea@visitpass-online.com

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VisitPass is an independent visa-application service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any government. Government fees go directly to the issuing authority and are listed separately in your receipt.

Verify rules and fees independently at the official portal: www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do

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