Korea K-ETA Requirements

Learn about the Korean ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) requirements, including essential documentation, eligibility guidelines, and other key details. Prepare for your journey to South Korea with confidence.

Countries that need a K-ETA to enter South Korea

As part of the new K-ETA initiative, travelers from countries on the list must obtain an electronic travel authorization to enter South Korea. It is mandatory to apply for the K-ETA online before traveling. Do not attempt to enter South Korea without first having your ETA approved.

While the approval rate for the K-ETA is very high, there are rare instances where an application may be delayed or rejected. In such cases, travelers may need to apply for a traditional visa through an embassy. Therefore, it is advisable to submit your application well in advance to avoid any issues.

You must be a full citizen of a country included in the K-ETA approved list. If you’re unsure whether the ETA is required for your nationality, please refer to the List below.

Europe

Albania
Andorra
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark

Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia

Macedonia
Malta
Man Islands
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal

Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom

America

Argentina
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Brazil
Canada
Chile

Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
Dominican Rep.
Ecuador
El Salvador
Grenada

Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
Paraguay

Peru
St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
Trinidad & Tobago
United States
Uruguay

Asia

Georgia
Hong Kong
Japan

Macau
Mongolia
Philippines

Russia
Singapore
South Korea

Taiwan
United Arab Emirates

Africa

Botswana
Central African Rep.

Eswatini
Lesotho

Malawi
Mauritius

South Africa

Oceana

Australia
Cook Islands
Fiji Islands
Marshall islands

Micronesia
Nauru
New Zealand

Palau
Papua new Guinea
Solomon Islands

Tonga
Vanuatu

The primary requirement for applying for the Korean K-ETA is a valid passport. You must have a passport issued by your country of citizenship (if you hold dual nationality, choose the passport from a country listed on the ETA approved list). Only standard passports are accepted; temporary, official, or special passports are generally not eligible for the ETA.

Your passport should remain valid for the duration of your stay in South Korea and, ideally, for several months after your planned departure. If your passport is nearing its expiration, this could create issues if your flight is delayed or canceled, or if you experience other travel disruptions. This could result in delays or rejection of your application.

Keep in mind that additional requirements may apply depending on your nationality and specific circumstances.

The K-ETA is issued to short-term visitors, primarily for purposes such as tourism (including sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and business trips). Demonstrating that your visit will be brief is a crucial requirement for K-ETA approval.

The application may require you to provide trip details to confirm that the ETA is the correct visa for your visit, rather than a study or work visa. If your application indicates an intention to stay longer than the permitted 1-month period, or to work or reside in South Korea, it will be rejected. For other Visa types to South Korea please consult with your local Embassy.

When applying for the Korean ETA, the government will review your past immigration history, including any instances of overstaying a visa or working without a permit in South Korea. Such violations may lead to your application being rejected. Additionally, a criminal record, particularly for serious offenses, may also affect your eligibility. It is important to provide accurate information, as failure to disclose past issues could result in denial of the ETA or entry into South Korea.

You must have a valid passport from a country approved for the K-ETA. This is the passport you will use to enter South Korea, and if it expires before your planned entry or departure, you will need to submit a new application. Other forms of identification will not be accepted.

In addition to your passport, you will need a debit or credit card to pay the application fee, which is usually a small amount.

Korea K-ETA RequirementsPlanning to visit Israel? Don’t forget to apply for the mandatory Israel ETA-IL Visa (eVisa) before your trip!