Korea Entry Guide from Japan
- No tourist visa and no K-ETA needed right now — Japan is visa-free and K-ETA-exempt through 2026.
- Do file the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 72 hours of arrival.
- Bring a passport valid for your stay plus proof of onward/return travel.
- You can stay Up to 90 days.
No tourist visa needed — Japan passports are visa-free.
For short-term tourism you don't apply for any visa. Right now K-ETA is waived too, so the main thing to do is file the free e-Arrival Card before you land.
Japan is one of 22 countries exempt from K-ETA through 31 Dec 2026, so you apply for neither a visa nor K-ETA for short tourism. The waiver is scheduled to end and K-ETA returns on 1 Jan 2027 — reconfirm before you travel.
Almost every visitor files the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr, within 72 hours before arrival. (Valid K-ETA holders are exempt, but with K-ETA waived you should file the e-Arrival Card.)
- Exempt until2026-12-31
- e-Arrival Cardrequired
- Age exempt<=17 or >=65
ⓘ Sources differ on the number of exempt countries (22 vs 67). Confirm the current country list at the official site; check your own case with a consulate.
Your entry steps
- 1
Confirm you're visa-free
Japan passports enter Korea visa-free for short tourism, and K-ETA is waived through 2026 — there's nothing to apply for.
- 2
File the e-Arrival Card
Within 72 hours before arrival, complete it free at e-arrivalcard.go.kr and save the QR/confirmation. — 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
Show your passport and e-Arrival confirmation; fingerprints and a photo may be taken. Keep it tourism — no paid work on visa-free entry.
What to have ready
You don't file a visa application — but have these ready for a smooth entry.
Valid for the duration of your stay.
Free; file within 72 hours before arrival and save the QR.
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.
Most visitors must file it (free). Do it within 72 hours of arrival.
It expires 72 hours after submission — file it close to your flight, not weeks ahead.
Staying beyond Up to 90 days risks fines and future-entry bans.
Visa-free entry is for tourism/visits only — paid work needs a proper visa.
Japan → Korea entry FAQ
Do travelers from Japan need a visa for Korea?
No — for short-term tourism Japan passport holders enter Korea visa-free. You do not apply for any tourist visa.
Do I need K-ETA?
Not right now. Japan is among the 22 countries exempt from K-ETA through 31 Dec 2026. The requirement is scheduled to return on 1 Jan 2027 unless extended.
Do I still need the e-Arrival Card?
Yes — most visitors file the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr, within 72 hours before arrival.
How long can I stay?
Up to 90 days, for tourism.
Can I work or study on this entry?
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism and short visits only; working or studying requires the appropriate visa.
When does K-ETA come back?
The waiver is scheduled to end on 31 Dec 2026, with K-ETA resuming 1 Jan 2027 unless extended — reconfirm close to your travel date.
Do I need a return or onward ticket to enter Korea?
Immigration can ask for proof of onward or return travel and where you'll be staying. Keep your ticket and accommodation details handy, even on a visa-free entry.
Can I keep leaving and re-entering to stay longer?
Back-to-back 'visa runs' to reset the visa-free period can invite extra questions, and immigration makes the final call at the border. Visa-free entry is for short visits, not living in Korea.
What happens at the airport when I arrive?
Complete the free e-Arrival Card shortly before landing, then clear immigration and customs. Have your accommodation address and return ticket ready in case you're asked.
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.