kreadynewKorea Ready Kit

K-ETA: do you need Korea's travel authorization in 2026?

In shortK-ETA is an online travel authorization for visa-free visitors. Some countries are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026. If you're not exempt, apply on www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app before you board. It costs ₩10,000 and is valid for 3 years.

No Korean number needed
Official K-ETA site ↗

Do you need it in 2026?

  • The temporary exemption for countries already exempt has been extended for 1 January to 31 December 2026 (Korean time).
  • The notice doesn't list the countries. When you scan your passport photo page on the K-ETA site, a pop-up tells you if you're exempt.
  • Exempt nationals can still apply and pay the fee. A valid K-ETA means you don't fill in the arrival card.

Who doesn't need K-ETA

The official FAQ lists these groups:

  • Korean nationals, including dual nationals with a valid Korean passport
  • Registered foreigners and visa holders
  • Diplomatic and official passport holders, and UN passport holders
  • Travelers aged 17 or under, or 65 or over, on the day they enter Korea
  • Transit passengers (apply if your itinerary changes or you need to collect baggage)
  • Crew members, SOFA active-duty personnel, APEC Business Travel Card holders and cruise tourists

What you need

  • A valid passport
  • A valid email address
  • A photo of your face
  • A credit or debit card for the fee

How to apply

  1. Agree to the termsApply as a member or a non-member.
  2. Verify your emailMembers sign up instead.
  3. Enter passport informationUse the passport you will show at check-in and immigration.
  4. Enter application detailsYour trip and personal information.
  5. Check the informationReview everything before paying.
  6. Pay the feeVisa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay or Alipay+.
  7. DoneCheck the result on the site under the application results menu.

Fee, validity and timing

  • ₩10,000 per person (about US$7–8), plus an online payment fee of about 3%.
  • The fee is not refunded, even if the application is refused.
  • Valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner, for multiple entries. How long you can stay is a separate rule for each nationality.
  • Reviews usually take up to 72 hours but can take longer. There is no express service.
  • You must have approval before you board your flight or ship.

After approval

  • If your dates, address or flight change, update them under travel information update. No new application is needed.
  • If you get a new passport, apply again with the new passport.
  • K-ETA is not a visa and doesn't guarantee entry. Immigration officers make the final decision.
  • False or inaccurate information can lead to refusal, cancellation, penalties or entry restrictions.

FAQ

I get a [3DS ERROR] when paying.

Contact your card issuer about payer authentication (3D Secure).

I have two passports. Which one do I use?

Apply with the passport you will use for your boarding pass and at immigration. The numbers must match.

My child turns 18 on the day we arrive.

Travelers who are 18 on the day they enter Korea need a K-ETA.

Can my photo show a religious head covering?

Yes, as long as your whole face, from forehead to chin, is visible.

Where else can I apply?

Only at www.k-eta.go.kr or in the official K-ETA app. The site warns about look-alike sites that charge high fees.

Sources