Korea Entry Guide from Hong Kong
- No tourist visa and no K-ETA needed right now — Hong Kong (HKSAR) is visa-free and K-ETA-exempt through 2026.
- The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
- Bring a passport valid for your stay plus proof of onward/return travel.
- You can stay Up to 90 days.
Visa, K-ETA and arrival declaration are different
K-ETA rules — eligible visa-free passports only
Select your passport country for its guide, then check your travel purpose, arrival date, age and valid documents on the official sites. Site language is not your nationality.
· K-ETA ↗
K-ETA rules — eligible visa-free passports only
The temporary K-ETA waiver applies only to designated countries and regions through 2026-12-31. Visa-free entry does not automatically mean K-ETA exemption. Check the official notice again for later travel dates.
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
K-ETA-eligible travelers aged 17 and under or 65 and over are exempt from mandatory K-ETA. This does not itself exempt them from the e-Arrival Card.
Apply early enough to receive approval before boarding. K-ETA assessment can take more than 72 hours; no approval time or entry is guaranteed.
Confirm your exact case on the official sites. Immigration makes the final entry decision.
No tourist visa needed — Hong Kong (HKSAR) passports are visa-free.
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
The temporary K-ETA waiver applies only to designated countries and regions through 2026-12-31. Visa-free entry does not automatically mean K-ETA exemption. Check the official notice again for later travel dates.
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
It covers the Hong Kong SAR passport. If you travel on a BN(O), a Document of Identity, or another passport, check that document's own rules — they can differ.
- Exempt until2026-12-31
- scopedesignated countries and regions only
ⓘ Confirm your exact case on the official sites. Immigration makes the final entry decision.
Your entry steps
- 1
Confirm you're visa-free
No tourist visa and no K-ETA needed right now — Hong Kong (HKSAR) is visa-free and K-ETA-exempt through 2026. The temporary K-ETA waiver applies only to designated countries and regions through 2026-12-31. Visa-free entry does not automatically mean K-ETA exemption. Check the official notice again for later travel dates.
- 2
Check the e-Arrival Card requirement
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs. If required, submit free at e-arrivalcard.go.kr from 3 days before arrival, based on Korean Standard Time. It expires 72 hours after submission or once immigration is completed. Keeping the emailed issuance number is helpful; carrying a printed confirmation is not required. — e-Arrival Card
- 3
Check passport & onward ticket
Make sure your passport is valid for your stay, and have a return/onward ticket plus your first accommodation address.
- 4
At immigration
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
What to have ready
You don't file a visa application — but have these ready for a smooth entry.
HKSAR passport, valid for the duration of your stay.
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs. If required, submit free at e-arrivalcard.go.kr from 3 days before arrival, based on Korean Standard Time. It expires 72 hours after submission or once immigration is completed. Keeping the emailed issuance number is helpful; carrying a printed confirmation is not required.
Evidence you'll leave within your allowed stay.
Your first hotel/stay address (asked on the e-Arrival Card).
Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
Common entry mistakes
Right now you need neither a visa nor K-ETA. Scam sites still charge for them — ignore them.
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
If required, submit free at e-arrivalcard.go.kr from 3 days before arrival, based on Korean Standard Time. It expires 72 hours after submission or once immigration is completed. Keeping the emailed issuance number is helpful; carrying a printed confirmation is not required.
This guide is for the HKSAR passport. Other travel documents can have different requirements — check yours.
Staying beyond Up to 90 days risks fines and future-entry bans.
Hong Kong → Korea entry FAQ
Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa for Korea?
No — for short-term tourism, Hong Kong SAR passport holders enter Korea visa-free. You do not apply for any tourist visa.
Do I need K-ETA?
The temporary K-ETA waiver applies only to designated countries and regions through 2026-12-31. Visa-free entry does not automatically mean K-ETA exemption. Check the official notice again for later travel dates.
Do I still need the e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is conditional. Valid K-ETA holders entering under K-ETA and valid Korean residence-card holders are exempt. A traveler entering with a visa may need the declaration even when also holding K-ETA. Other exceptions exist: use the official navigator for your documents and journey. This is an immigration declaration, separate from customs.
How long can I stay?
Up to 90 days, for tourism.
I hold a BN(O) passport — does this apply?
This page covers the Hong Kong SAR passport. A BN(O) is a British passport and can follow different rules — check the requirements for that specific document before you travel.
When does K-ETA come back?
The temporary K-ETA waiver applies only to designated countries and regions through 2026-12-31. Visa-free entry does not automatically mean K-ETA exemption. Check the official notice again for later travel dates.
Official channels
Confirm the current rules before you travel:
Official sources
Visa sorted? Now plan the rest of your trip
Arrival, getting around, where to stay, and what to do — the rest of your Korea trip, all here.
Travel facts are checked against official sources with a verification date. Prices, schedules and visa rules change — always confirm at the linked official source before you travel.