What Is the K-ETA?
The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a travel authorization that nationals of visa-free countries obtain online before travelling to Korea. It covers 112 countries and regions whose nationals can enter Korea without a visa. It works like the U.S. ESTA: you apply online, and the approval is linked to your passport.
Who Needs One Right Now?
In principle, anyone entering Korea visa-free. In practice, Korea has suspended the K-ETA requirement for 22 countries and regions until December 31, 2026:
- Asia: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau
- Americas: United States (including Guam), Canada
- Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Nationals of these places can enter Korea visa-free without a K-ETA until that date. They fill in an arrival card instead. Nationals of the other visa-free countries still need a K-ETA before boarding.
The suspension has an end date. If you travel in 2027 or later, check the official K-ETA site for the current list.
Who Does Not Need a K-ETA
- Travellers aged 17 or younger, or 65 or older
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders
- Air and ship crew, and transit passengers
- Anyone who already holds a Korean visa, since the K-ETA is only for visa-free entry
Cost and Validity
- Fee: ₩10,000 per application
- Validity: 3 years from approval, or until your passport expires if that comes sooner
- Entries: you can use the same K-ETA for repeat visits while it is valid
- Length of each visit: a K-ETA does not change how long you may stay. That depends on your nationality. Most visa-free nationals get up to 90 days, some get 30 days, and Canadians get up to 6 months.
How to Apply
- Go to the official site, k-eta.go.kr. Sites that charge more than the official fee are not the government site.
- Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on the passport.
- Upload a face photo and give your contact details and address in Korea.
- Pay the ₩10,000 fee.
- Apply at least 72 hours before you board. Results are normally issued within that time.
Common Mistakes
- Name or passport number that does not match the passport. The approval is tied to the passport data you enter, so check every character.
- Applying at the airport. Apply at least 72 hours ahead.
- Paying an agent site by accident. The official fee is ₩10,000.
If Your K-ETA Is Refused
A refusal means you cannot use visa-free entry on that application. Ask the Korean embassy or consulate in your country about applying for a visa.
Sources: Korea Immigration Service K-ETA guidance (immigration.go.kr) and the official K-ETA portal (k-eta.go.kr), including the notice extending the 22-country exemption to December 31, 2026; Government of Canada travel advice for the 6-month stay | Last checked against these sources: October 2026
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check current requirements at k-eta.go.kr before travelling.