South KoreaOnline travel permits

South Korea K-ETA

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

In short

K-ETA is the online travel authorisation that visa-exempt foreigners need before boarding a flight or ship to South Korea. The eligibility list shows the permitted stay for each nationality, 90 days for many. The fee is KRW 10,000, results usually arrive within 72 hours and approval is valid for three years or until the passport expires.

Apply on K-ETA (Ministry of Justice) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
As set for your nationality in the K-ETA eligibility list, 90 days per visit for many countries
Validity
3 years from approval, or until the passport expires if sooner
Fee
₩10,000Paid online by card (about USD 7–8); non-refundable.
Processing time
Generally within 72 hours
Work
No; commercial activities are not allowed
Where to apply
Online only at k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA app

Who needs K-ETA

Nationals of visa-exempt countries who travel for tourism, visiting relatives, events, conferences or business without commercial activity need a K-ETA. Exempt are diplomatic and official passport holders, crew, APEC card holders, transfer passengers, registered foreigners and visa holders, UN passport holders, and travellers aged 17 or under or 65 or over on the date of entry.

How to apply

Apply only on the official website k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA app; look-alike sites charge higher fees. You need your passport, an e-mail address, a photo and a card for the KRW 10,000 fee. Apply at least 72 hours before boarding. The Ministry of Justice has extended a temporary K-ETA exemption for some countries until 31 December 2026; if your passport is covered, the system shows a pop-up when you scan it.

  1. Open k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app; avoid agency sites.
  2. Choose member or non-member application and agree to the terms.
  3. Scan or enter your passport details and upload a photo.
  4. Enter your travel plans, address in Korea, occupation and contact details.
  5. Pay KRW 10,000 by card and wait for the result, usually within 72 hours.
  6. Check the result online before travel and update your information if plans change.

At the border

K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry; the immigration officer decides. Approved travellers enjoy simpler procedures, such as not having to submit an arrival card. Update your travel information on the K-ETA site if your address or plans change after approval.

If K-ETA is refused

If your K-ETA is refused, you must apply for a visa, normally the C-3 short-term visit visa, at the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, and mention the refusal when you apply. A refusal does not stop you from applying for a visa.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport of a K-ETA-eligible country, valid for the trip

Money

  • Credit or debit card for the KRW 10,000 fee

Other

  • Valid e-mail address (the K-ETA centre reports delays with some providers such as Gmail)
  • Digital ID photo

Frequently asked questions

Is K-ETA a visa?

No. It is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. You still enter under the visa waiver and the officer at the airport decides on admission.

How long can I stay with K-ETA?

As long as the K-ETA eligibility list allows for your nationality, 90 days per visit for many countries.

Do children need a K-ETA?

Travellers aged 17 or younger, and those 65 or older, on the date of entry are exempt from applying.

Can I work or study with K-ETA?

No. Only short visits without commercial activity are allowed; work and study require a visa.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for South Korea

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days
  • Investor visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Period of stay granted according to the study programme; register within 90 days
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: Granted per course term; register within 90 days if staying longer
  • Researcher visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Job seeker visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel
  • Intra-company transfer visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Usually a month or more; longer if documents are checked, an interview or field investigation is needed
  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Korean embassy or consulate where you apply; check its processing time and apply well before travel

Residence

Protection

South Korea visa guide