My nationality is not on the list for requesting a K-ETA. What should I do?

If your nationality is not on the list, you will need to contact the South Korean embassy to obtain a standard visa.

How long is the K-ETA valid for?

The K-eta is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires. During these 3 years, you can enter as many times as you like for a maximum period of 90 days.

How long can I stay in South Korea with a K-ETA?

The time allowed is 90 days maximum per stay.

I don't yet have a place to live in South Korea. Is this a requirement for the K-ETA?

Yes, the South Korean authorities require a local residence address, as well as the contact details of the establishment or person hosting you.

Do children under 12 need a K-ETA?

Anyone traveling to South Korea must apply for a K-ETA unless your nationality is K-ETA-exempt, as mentioned above.

I'm going to do an internship in South Korea. Do I need a K-ETA?

For internships, you'll need to contact the embassy for a standard visa, as the K-ETA is for tourism or business visits only.

How long does it take to receive my K-ETA?

K-ETA is usually sent in 72 hours. However, we remain dependent on the authorities' deadlines.

Can I get my K-ETA when I arrive in South Korea?

No, it is not possible to obtain a K-ETA on arrival in South Korea. You must apply online before departure, and the airline will ask you for it before boarding.

What documents do I need to obtain a K-ETA?

The documents required to obtain the K-eta are : A copy of your passport valid at least 6 months after your date of arrival in South Korea. A passport photo

Can I extend my stay once the K-ETA has expired?

No, you cannot extend your stay in South Korea once your K-eta has expired. You will need to apply for a new one.

What is the difference between a K-ETA and a visa for South Korea?

The K-ETA is an electronic authorization to travel within the country. The visa allows the visitor to stay longer and for other reasons.

How many times can I enter South Korea with a K-ETA?

The K-ETA offers multiple entries for 3 years from the date of issue.

Do I need to apply for a K-ETA for a transit?

You won't need a K-ETA if you're not leaving the international zone, no matter how long you're in transit. You only need to apply if you wish to leave the airport.

Are there any specific vaccinations for South Korea?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for South Korea.

Do I need a K-ETA to travel to Jeju Island?

You will need to a K-ETA application to visit Jeju Island.

Do I need a return ticket when I travel to South Korea?

It is not necessary to have a return ticket, but the immigration officer may ask you for proof that you will be leaving the country. before the 90 days allowed.

Can I work with a K-ETA?

The K-ETA does not allow you to work in the country. If you wish to work, you will need to contact an embassy or consulate to apply for the appropriate visa.

What should I do if there is an error on my K-ETA?

If you realize you've made a mistake, please inform us as soon as possible before sending your documents. Once the K-ETA has been edited and sent, it is no longer possible to modify the document. You will need to submit a new application.

What should I do if my K-ETA is rejected?

If your application for a K-ETA is rejected, you may wish to consider applying for a K-ETA. applying for a visitor's visa from Korean Immigration.

I've submitted a request on the official website, but I haven't received a reply by email. What should I do?

To find an application on the official website, go to "check my visa" and you'll find your application with your passport number and date of birth. If you can't find the latter, we advise you to contact the authorities. Unfortunately, we can't help you with files we haven't submitted ourselves..

The official K-ETA website warns you to beware of scams. What's up with that?

It is advisable to check whether the document issued by the site actually comes from the official site. Visamundi can help you obtain your K-ETA, through the official K-ETA website..

South Korea: Travel authorization or Arrival card

The K-ETA: a travel authorisation, not a visa

Passport

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in South Korea, regardless of the option chosen.

Online process

All entry formalities (K-ETA or e-Arrival Card) are carried out exclusively online before departure — none can be obtained on arrival.

e-Arrival Card 2026

Since 1 January 2026, an online e-Arrival Card is mandatory for any traveller who does not hold a valid K-ETA.

Sample K-ETA for South Korea — The K-ETA is an official document in PDF format, to be printed before boarding.

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorisation issued by the South Korean authorities. It is not a traditional visa: it is exclusively for nationals of countries exempt from a visa for South Korea under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) established by the Korean government.

This programme covers up to 112 nationalities. French, Belgian and Swiss nationals are included: they may travel to South Korea for a stay of up to 90 days without a consular visa, provided they hold a valid K-ETA. Other nationalities are limited to 30 or 60 days per stay; Canadian nationals may stay for up to 6 months.

The K-ETA does not permit working or settling in South Korea. For any other purpose (internship, employment, long-term studies), a traditional visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea remains mandatory.

Nature: Electronic travel authorisation (K-ETA) — not a traditional visa
Eligible nationalities: Up to 112 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada…)
Authorised length of stay: 30, 60 or 90 days per stay, depending on nationality
K-ETA validity: 3 years from the date of issue (or until passport expiry)
Entries: Unlimited entries during the validity period
Passport required: Valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in South Korea
Accepted purposes: Tourism, business, conference, events, visiting family or friends
Document format: Official electronic PDF, to be printed before departure

Good to know

The K-ETA also applies to Jeju Island since September 2022. If you plan to visit this island renowned for its volcanoes and beaches, a K-ETA application is required — unless your nationality is specifically exempt.

Who needs to apply for a K-ETA — and who is exempt in 2026?

As part of the Visit Korea Year, South Korea has granted a temporary K-ETA exemption to 67 nationalities until the end of 2026. Nationals of the following countries may therefore enter South Korea without a K-ETA for a short stay:

Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, and others.

However, even if your nationality is exempt from the K-ETA until end of 2026, it is strongly recommended to apply in advance. Holding a valid K-ETA exempts you from the e-Arrival Card (a formality that has been mandatory since 1 January 2026), saves time at immigration and eliminates any uncertainty at boarding.

Nationals of the 67 exempt countries (until end of 2026)

Entry is possible without a K-ETA for short stays, but the e-Arrival Card remains mandatory (unless a valid K-ETA is held). The K-ETA is strongly recommended to simplify arrival formalities.

Nationals of other VWP countries (outside the temporary exemption)

The K-ETA is mandatory before any trip to South Korea for tourism or business purposes. Without a K-ETA, boarding may be refused by the airline.

Nationalities outside the Visa Waiver Program

The K-ETA does not apply to you. You will need to apply for a traditional visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in your country of residence.

Transit-only travellers

No K-ETA is required if you do not leave the international zone of the airport, regardless of the transit duration. An application is only necessary if you wish to exit the airport.

Mandatory K-ETA renewal in the event of changes

Even if your K-ETA is still valid, you must submit a new one if you change your passport, modify your identity (name, gender or nationality), contract a declared infectious disease or have a criminal record. The K-ETA is strictly linked to the passport presented at the time of the initial application.

The e-Arrival Card: a new mandatory formality since 1 January 2026

Since 1 January 2026, South Korea has abolished paper arrival cards. They have been replaced by a mandatory online e-Arrival Card, to be submitted within the 3 days before arrival. This formality applies to all travellers who do not hold a valid K-ETA.

In practice, for French and European nationals whose nationality is exempt from the K-ETA until end of 2026, the e-Arrival Card becomes the default entry form. It must be completed on the official website: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr.

However, holding a valid K-ETA fully exempts you from the e-Arrival Card. This is one of the concrete advantages of completing the K-ETA process even when it is not strictly mandatory in 2026.

Special case: under 17 and over 65

Travellers aged under 17 or over 65 must complete the e-Arrival Card even if they hold a valid K-ETA. This rule applies without exception, regardless of country of origin.

Key takeaway

Valid K-ETA = exemption from e-Arrival Card (except for those under 17 and over 65). Without a valid K-ETA = e-Arrival Card mandatory within 3 days before arrival. In both cases, prepare your documents before departure: these formalities cannot be completed on arrival.

Obtaining your K-ETA: the step-by-step procedure

Online K-ETA application form — The K-ETA process is entirely paperless. Two supporting documents are sufficient to complete the application.

The K-ETA application process is entirely online. It is straightforward and quick, provided you gather the required documents before starting. Submit your application at least 3 days before departure, the recommended lead time to receive the document without stress. For urgent departures, the K-ETA can be issued within 72 hours.

The information requested in the form relates to the reason for your trip, your arrival and departure dates, your identity and passport details. You will also need to provide a residential address in South Korea (hotel, family, accommodation) along with the contact details of the establishment or person hosting you. This information is verified by the authorities.

1
Prepare the supporting documents
Gather a copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date) and a recent colour identity photo. These two documents are essential to complete the application.
2
Fill in the online form
State the purpose of your stay (tourism, business, events, visiting family or friends), your travel dates, your exact identity as it appears on your passport, and the address of your first accommodation in South Korea.
3
Make the payment
Pay the consular fee of 6 € (approximately 10,000 South Korean won) online, via the secure payment system. This rate applies regardless of your nationality or the intended length of stay.
4
Submit the supporting documents
After payment, attach a copy of your passport and your identity photo. The team checks that your documents comply before submitting them to the Korean authorities.
5
Receive the K-ETA
You will receive your K-ETA in PDF format electronically. Print it before departure: the airline may ask to see it at boarding. If you lose your K-ETA, a copy can be resent to you free of charge.

Error on the K-ETA

If you notice an error before sending your documents, notify us immediately. Once the K-ETA has been issued and transmitted by the authorities, it can no longer be amended: a completely new application will be required. Check all your information carefully before confirming.

How much does the K-ETA cost and how long does it take?

The K-ETA stands out for its flat fee and long validity period. With 6 € in consular fees, you receive an authorisation valid for three years allowing unlimited entries to South Korea — within the maximum length of stay per visit, which depends on your nationality.

In the event of a K-ETA refusal by the South Korean authorities, you may consider submitting a visitor visa application to Korean immigration. The Korean authorities generally communicate quickly in the event of rejection, but no modification to the file is possible after submission: a completely new application is required.

If your K-ETA expires before your next trip, you simply need to submit a new online application. The document cannot be renewed: each new application results in a new K-ETA.

Passport validity warning

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival in South Korea. If your passport expires before the end of your K-ETA validity, you will need to submit a new application with your new passport. The K-ETA is inseparable from the passport used at the time of the application.

Preparing your trip to South Korea: checklist and practical tips

Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Gyeongju, Jeju Island: South Korea offers an exceptional range of experiences, from historical heritage to ultra-modern infrastructure. To make the most of your stay, thorough document preparation is essential. Here are the points to check before departure.

Documents to prepare before the K-ETA application

Passport valid for at least 6 months after the arrival dateIf your passport expires soon, renew it before submitting the K-ETA application
Copy of the passport identity pageLegible, without reflections or cut-offs — this is the main document for the application
Recent colour identity photoStandard format, light background, clear face
Residential address in South KoreaName and contact details of the hotel, accommodation or person hosting you — mandatory
Secure online payment methodTo pay the 6 € consular fee during the application
Valid e-mail addressTo receive the K-ETA in PDF format after the application has been processed

Regarding children: every person travelling to South Korea must have their own K-ETA, with no age limit — unless the child's nationality is exempt from the K-ETA under the 2026 temporary exemption. If you are travelling as a family, plan one application per person and launch all applications simultaneously.

For business or event-related travel, the K-ETA is appropriate (conferences, trade fairs, business meetings, partner visits). However, if you are planning an internship or paid assignment, you should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for an appropriate visa application.

Return ticket not mandatory

It is not essential to present a return ticket at boarding. However, the immigration officer may ask you to prove that you will leave the territory before the authorised length of stay expires.

No mandatory vaccinations

No vaccines are required to enter South Korea. Consult a doctor or vaccination centre for recommendations based on your travel profile.

No extension possible

The stay granted by the K-ETA cannot be extended on the spot. If you wish to stay beyond the authorised duration, you will need to make a new application from abroad.

Lost your K-ETA? Don't panic

If you lose your K-ETA before or during your trip, a copy can be resent to you free of charge by e-mail. Also keep a digital copy on your phone.

Key facts about the South Korea K-ETA

The K-ETA is an electronic travel authorisation (not a visa), intended for nationals exempt from a visa for a stay of 30 to 90 days in South Korea for tourism, business or event purposes. Valid for 3 years with unlimited entries, it is issued within 72 hours for 6 € in consular fees. Since 1 January 2026, holding a valid K-ETA exempts you from the e-Arrival Card that is mandatory for all other travellers. Even if your nationality is exempt from the K-ETA until end of 2026, the process is strongly recommended to save time at immigration and avoid the additional e-Arrival Card formality.

South Korea

2 options for South Korea

K-ETA

e-Arrival Card