South Korea Extends K-ETA Exemption Until End of 2025

As part of the Visit Korea Year (2023–2024) initiative, launched on April 1, 2023, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice initially permitted travelers from select nationalities to enter visa-free under the K-ETA exemption for a defined period, set to conclude on December 31, 2024. The exemption has now been extended by the government through to the end of 2025.

Extended temporary K-ETA exemption period: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday) to December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) (KST)

Notice of extension for temporary K-ETA exemption

The Visit Korea Year program

In December 2022, the South Korean government designated 2023–2024 as Visit Korea Year, a nationwide campaign spearheaded by the official tourism board, Korea Tourism Organization, designed to promote the country as a top global tourist destination. The initiative included cultural events, special travel packages, and global marketing campaigns to attract international visitors.

K-ETA exemption extended through December 2025

Which travelers are affected? Currently, 67 nationalities are eligible to enter South Korea without applying for the K-ETA travel authorization. The exemption is now officially valid until December 31, 2025.

Despite claims circulating online, no formal extension to December 2026 has been announced by the South Korean government. Earlier rumors suggesting a possible 2026 extension have since been officially retracted.

For smoother travel processing, tourism agencies recommend travelers apply for their K-ETA in advance—even if exempt—to avoid potential delays at immigration and simplify arrival checks.

South Korea’s new digital e-Arrival card

Korea has launched a new electronic arrival card system, e-Arrival, replacing traditional paper arrival forms for all international travelers. Travelers can submit their e-Arrival form online at least 72 hours before landing via the official portal: e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Paper forms will remain accepted in parallel through the end of 2025.