South Korea
South Korea: K-ETA – official link, fee and who needs it
Key facts
- Form
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Official link
- www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do
- Official fee
- 10,000 KRW (about US$7–8; online payment fee charged separately). Non-refundable, even if denied.
Source: K-ETA (Korea Immigration Service) – Application guide — Last verified 2026-11-13
- When to apply
- Get K-ETA approval before boarding. Assessment typically takes 72 hours or less, but can take longer; there is no expedited service.
Source: K-ETA (Korea Immigration Service) – Application guide — Last verified 2026-11-13
- Validity
- Valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires, if sooner). Separate from the visa-free stay period.
Source: K-ETA (Korea Immigration Service) – Application guide — Last verified 2026-11-13
How to apply
Apply only at www.k-eta.go.kr or in the K-ETA mobile app.
Source: K-ETA (Korea Immigration Service) – Application guide · K-ETA – Official application site — Last verified 2026-11-13
Who needs it (by passport)
| UK – British citizen | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed Temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (KST). You may still apply (fee applies) to skip the arrival card. |
|---|---|
| British National (Overseas) – BN(O) | Check the official site for your passport Check the official K-ETA site for your passport. |
| Hong Kong SAR passport | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed Hong Kong is temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (KST). You may still apply (fee applies) to skip the arrival card. |
| China (mainland) passport | Check the official site for your passport Check the official K-ETA site for your passport. |
| Taiwan passport | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed Taiwan is temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (KST). You may still apply (fee applies) to skip the arrival card. |
| Malaysia | Check the official site for your passport Malaysia is not on the temporary K-ETA exemption list. If you are eligible for visa-free entry, you must get K-ETA before boarding – confirm on the official site. |
| Singapore | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed Singapore is temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (KST). You may still apply (fee applies) to skip the arrival card. |
| USA | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed The US is temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 Dec 2026 (KST). You may still apply (fee applies) to skip the arrival card. |
| EU or other passport | Check the official site for your passport Some EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden) are temporarily exempt until 31 Dec 2026 (KST). Others: check the K-ETA site. |
Rules for passports not listed, and anything not stated by the official source: check the official site. Official eligibility checker / list
⚠ Fake-site warning
Korea's K-ETA site warns about similar agencies and phishing sites that charge high fees for “agency” or “expedited” K-ETA services.
Source: K-ETA – Official application site — Last verified 2026-11-13
Good to know
- With K-ETA approval you do not need to submit an arrival card on entry. K-ETA does not guarantee entry.
Source: K-ETA (Korea Immigration Service) – Application guide — Last verified 2026-11-13
Official sources
- K-ETA (Korea Immigration Service) – Application guide
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/guide/viewetaapplication.do - K-ETA – Official application site
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do - K-ETA – Notice on extension of K-ETA temporary exemption
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707 - Embassy of the Republic of Korea to New Zealand – K-ETA exemption list (until 31 Dec 2026)
https://nzl-wellington.mofa.go.kr/nz-en/brd/m_24857/view.do?seq=29
Last verified 2026-11-13