Korea Entry Guide from the United States
- No tourist visa and no K-ETA needed right now — the United States 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 — the United States 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.
the United States 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
the United States 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.
the United States → Korea entry FAQ
Do travelers from the United States need a visa for Korea?
No — for short-term tourism the United States passport holders enter Korea visa-free. You do not apply for any tourist visa.
Do I need K-ETA?
Not right now. the United States 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.
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.