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Popular questions — answered
Quick answers to the visa and K-ETA questions travelers ask most. Open any question, and see your nationality's full walkthrough in the visa guide.
I'm from the US / UK / Japan / EU. Do I need K-ETA?
Not right now — those are on the 22-country waiver through 31 Dec 2026, so you skip K-ETA and just file the free e-Arrival Card. This is scheduled to change on 1 Jan 2027.
Is K-ETA the same as a visa?
No. K-ETA is a travel authorization that lets you board and enter visa-free; it is not a visa. If your nationality isn't visa-free, you still need an actual visa from a Korean embassy.
How long is K-ETA valid?
Three years from approval, with multiple entries — so one approval usually covers repeat trips until it expires or your passport does.
How much does it cost and is it refundable?
₩10,000 (about US$8). The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is declined.
How early should I apply?
At least 72 hours before boarding. Many approvals come within minutes, but leave a buffer in case yours is reviewed.
Do children and seniors need K-ETA?
Historically travelers 17 and under or 65 and over have been exempt from K-ETA. Confirm the current age rule at k-eta.go.kr before you rely on it.
What's the e-Arrival Card and do I really need it?
It's the digital version of the paper arrival card, filed free at e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to 72 hours before you land. Most short-term visitors need it; valid K-ETA holders and registered residents are exempt.
Which sites are official?
Only k-eta.go.kr (K-ETA) and e-arrivalcard.go.kr (arrival card). Anything charging a big 'service fee' is a third-party reseller, not the government.
Can I get a visa on arrival at the airport?
No — Korea doesn't offer a general visa on arrival for tourists. Visa-free nationals enter with no visa (plus K-ETA if required and the e-Arrival Card); everyone else must obtain a visa in advance at a Korean embassy or Visa Application Center.
How do I apply for K-ETA, step by step?
Apply only at the official site k-eta.go.kr (or the K-ETA app), at least 72 hours before boarding. Upload a passport photo, answer the travel questions and pay ₩10,000. Approval is often fast but can take up to 72 hours, and a K-ETA is valid 3 years with multiple entries.
My K-ETA was refused — what can I do?
A refusal doesn't automatically ban you, but you can't board on it. Recheck your answers and reapply carefully, or apply for the appropriate visa at a Korean embassy. Immigration still makes the final decision on arrival, and you should only ever use k-eta.go.kr.
Do I need a K-ETA or visa just to transit through Korea?
If you stay airside and don't clear immigration, you generally need neither. If you leave the airport — including some transit-tour programs — you are entering Korea and the normal rules apply. Confirm with your airline and the official sites for your route.
How long can I stay without a visa?
It depends on your nationality — commonly up to 90 days for tourism, though some nationalities get 30 days and a few have their own limits. Check your country's guide above, and never overstay.
What happens if I overstay, and can I extend my stay?
Overstaying brings fines and possible bans on future entry. Short-term visa-free and tourist stays usually can't be extended; for longer you must apply for the right visa. Immigration matters are handled through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
When does the K-ETA waiver end and K-ETA come back?
The temporary waiver for the 22 exempt countries and regions runs through 31 December 2026, and K-ETA is scheduled to return on 1 January 2027 unless it is extended again. Reconfirm at k-eta.go.kr close to your travel date.
Do I need both K-ETA and the e-Arrival Card?
No — you file one or the other. A valid K-ETA exempts you from the e-Arrival Card. If K-ETA is waived for your nationality (or you're exempt by age — 17 and under or 65 and over), file the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr instead.
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