Korea Entry Guide from Thailand
- No tourist visa — Thai passports are visa-free for up to 90 days.
- For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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.
- 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.
- Carry your return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds — approval isn't automatic.
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.
Visa-free tourism — check whether K-ETA applies to you.
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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.
Under the Korea–Thailand visa-waiver agreement, Thai passport holders enter Korea visa-free for short-term tourism and can stay up to 90 days. There is no tourist-visa application to file.
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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.
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.
- VisaVisa-free; K-ETA unless exempt
- StayUp to 90 days
- K-ETAVisa-free; K-ETA unless exempt
- Fee₩10,000
- Valid for3 years or passport expiry, whichever first
ⓘ K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 plus the online payment fee and is non-refundable. Current approvals are valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; this is not the allowed length of each stay. Apply early enough to receive approval before boarding. K-ETA assessment can take more than 72 hours; no approval time or entry is guaranteed.
Your entry steps
- 1
Confirm you're visa-free
Thai passports enter Korea visa-free for short tourism (up to 90 days) — there's no tourist visa to apply for.
- 2
Check K-ETA eligibility and exemptions
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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. K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 plus the online payment fee and is non-refundable. Current approvals are valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; this is not the allowed length of each stay. — Apply for K-ETA
- 3
Prepare your travel proof
Have your return/onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, and proof of funds ready. Approval and entry aren't automatic, so genuine tourism documents help.
- 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
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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.
Valid for the duration of your stay.
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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. K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 plus the online payment fee and is non-refundable. Current approvals are valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; this is not the allowed length of each 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.
Evidence you'll leave within your allowed stay — often checked for Thai travelers.
Confirmed hotel/stay for your first nights (asked when you apply for K-ETA).
Cards, cash, or a recent statement showing you can support your trip.
Common entry mistakes
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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.
Use only k-eta.go.kr for official K-ETA applications. K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 plus the online payment fee and is non-refundable. Current approvals are valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; this is not the allowed length of each stay.
Apply early enough to receive approval before boarding. K-ETA assessment can take more than 72 hours; no approval time or entry is guaranteed.
Carry your return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds. Thai visitors are commonly asked for these at immigration.
Staying beyond up to 90 days risks fines and future-entry bans.
Thailand → Korea entry FAQ
Do Thai passport holders need a visa for Korea?
No — for short-term tourism, Thai passport holders enter Korea visa-free and can stay up to 90 days. You do not apply for any tourist visa.
Do I need K-ETA?
For visa-free entry, obtain K-ETA approval before boarding unless an exemption applies. A valid Korean visa or residence card has its own entry rules; K-ETA is not an extra visa requirement. Check your age and documents at k-eta.go.kr. 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.
How much is K-ETA and how long is it valid?
K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 plus the online payment fee and is non-refundable. Current approvals are valid for 3 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; this is not the allowed length of each stay. Use only k-eta.go.kr for official K-ETA applications.
Is K-ETA approval guaranteed?
No. A K-ETA, and the final decision by immigration on arrival, are not guaranteed. Apply early, answer honestly, and carry genuine tourism documents — return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds.
Do I also 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. Working or studying requires the appropriate visa.
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.
When should I apply for K-ETA before my trip?
Apply early enough to receive approval before boarding. K-ETA assessment can take more than 72 hours; no approval time or entry is guaranteed.
What happens at the airport when I arrive?
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.
Official channels
Confirm your exact case on the official sites. Immigration makes the final entry decision.
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.