Quick answer: The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-travel approval for visa-free visitors to South Korea. It costs KRW 10,000, is applied for at k-eta.go.kr and is valid for multiple trips for up to 3 years. Citizens of 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany and France, are temporarily exempt from the authorisation until 31 December 2026, but must complete the free e-Arrival Card instead. Travellers who need a visa for Korea can’t use the authorisation.
South Korea’s entry rules have changed several times since the K-ETA started, and many travellers aren’t sure whether they need it, an arrival card or a full visa. This guide explains who needs an authorisation in 2026, what it costs, how to apply, how the temporary exemption works and how to avoid scams. It’s written for first-time travellers, freelancers and business owners from anywhere in the world.
Table of Contents
What is the K-ETA?
The K-ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for citizens of countries that can visit South Korea without a visa. Instead of getting a visa, eligible travellers submit their details online before boarding a flight or ship to Korea. If approved, the authorisation lets them enter for short stays such as tourism, visiting family, attending events and business meetings.
The K-ETA is not a visa and doesn’t guarantee entry. Immigration officers make the final decision when you arrive. The only official website is k-eta.go.kr, and there’s an official K-ETA mobile app too.
Who needs a K-ETA in 2026?
South Korea’s rules fall into three groups:
- Temporarily exempt (22 countries): Citizens of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK and the US don’t need an authorisation until 31 December 2026. They must complete the free e-Arrival Card before arrival instead. They can still choose to get an authorisation.
- Visa-free but not exempt: Citizens of other visa-waiver countries must get an approved K-ETA before travelling.
- Visa required: Citizens of countries without visa-free access, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria, must apply for a Korean visa. The authorisation isn’t available to them.
The exemption has been extended several times, and no further extension had been announced at the time of writing. If it ends, exempt travellers will need an authorisation again from 2027. Our free visa requirements checker shows the right route for your passport.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
Since 1 January 2026, foreign visitors to South Korea who don’t have a K-ETA need to complete an electronic arrival card online, at the official e-Arrival Card website, within 72 hours before arrival. It’s free. You’ll get a confirmation to show at immigration.
Travellers with an approved authorisation generally don’t need to fill in the arrival card, because the authorisation already contains the same information. That’s one reason some exempt travellers still choose to get a K-ETA, especially if they visit Korea often.
K-ETA, e-Arrival Card or visa: what’s the difference?
| K-ETA | e-Arrival Card | Korean visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who uses it | Visa-waiver nationals not on the exemption list, or exempt travellers who choose it | Exempt travellers without a K-ETA | Visa-required nationals, and anyone staying long term |
| Cost | KRW 10,000 | Free | Depends on visa type and nationality |
| When to submit | At least 72 hours before boarding | Within 72 hours before arrival | Weeks before travel, through an embassy or visa portal |
| Validity | Up to 3 years, multiple trips | One arrival | As stated on the visa |
| Allows work? | No | No | Only work visas |
In short, the arrival card is a simple landing form, while the travel authorisation is a security pre-check that also replaces the arrival card. A visa is a separate permission for travellers who aren’t visa-free or who want to work, study or stay longer.
How much does the K-ETA cost?
The official K-ETA fee is KRW 10,000 (around USD 7 to 8), paid online by card. A small card processing charge may be added. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Many lookalike websites charge USD 30 to USD 100 or more for the same authorisation. Some offer “help” that’s simply filling in the same form. If you use a private service, make sure it shows its fee separately from the KRW 10,000 government fee.
How long is a K-ETA valid?
Once approved, the authorisation is valid for multiple trips, usually for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires if that’s sooner. Each visit can last up to the visa-free period your nationality allows, commonly 90 days, or 30 days for some nationalities. If you get a new passport or change your name, you’ll need to apply again.
What do you need to apply for a K-ETA?
- A valid passport from a visa-waiver country, ideally an ePassport.
- A recent photo of your face on a plain background, uploaded during the application.
- An email address to receive your result.
- Travel details: purpose of visit, planned arrival date and address in Korea.
- Job details: your occupation and employer or business name.
- A payment card for the fee.
Alif Visa Step by Step Process
If you’d like a team to check and prepare your authorisation application, here’s exactly how the Alif Visa process works, from your first search to the decision.
- Check your requirements for free. Use the Alif Visa requirements checker: enter your nationality, choose South Korea and pick your travel purpose. You’ll see the routes that apply to you, with no account needed.
- Start your application. Create your Alif Visa account and open an authorisation application. Travelling with family or colleagues? Add each traveller to the same application.
- Get your personal document checklist. We build a checklist for your exact case, and every item is marked as required, received or approved, so you always know what’s outstanding.
- Upload your documents. Send your passport scan, photo and supporting documents through your dashboard. Colour scans and readable PDFs save days.
- We review and prepare your file. Our team checks that every name, date and passport number matches your passport exactly, and tells you honestly if anything is likely to cause a problem.
- See the full fee breakdown and pay. The government fee (passed on at cost), the Alif Visa service fee and any extras such as insurance are listed separately before you pay. You get an invoice and receipt for every payment.
- Get your ALF reference. Your application receives a reference such as ALF-2026-000123. Quote it whenever you contact us.
- Check whether you’re exempt. If your nationality is on the temporary exemption list, we tell you whether the free e-Arrival Card is enough or whether a K-ETA makes repeat trips easier.
- Track your progress. Follow each stage from your dashboard, the Alif Visa app or our tracking page using your reference and email.
- Receive your decision and check it. When the decision arrives, check the spelling, passport number and dates on your authorisation, then keep a copy with your passport.
The Korean authorities alone decide every application; no agency can guarantee approval. If something goes wrong, we explain your options clearly.
Prefer to apply for the K-ETA yourself?
You can apply directly on k-eta.go.kr or the official app. Enter your passport details exactly as printed, upload your photo, answer the questions about your trip and job, pay the KRW 10,000 fee and wait for the email. Apply at least 72 hours before boarding, because airlines may refuse boarding without an approved authorisation. If you’re exempt, complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival instead.
How long does a K-ETA take?
Many applications are approved within a day, but the authorities ask travellers to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Some applications take longer if they need extra checks. Don’t book non-refundable travel until you’re approved.
Why could a K-ETA be refused?
Most applications are approved, but refusals do happen. Common reasons include:
- Inaccurate information: passport details or names that don’t match.
- Photo problems: a selfie, sunglasses, filters or a busy background.
- Unclear trip details: a vague purpose or no address in Korea.
- Previous immigration problems in Korea, such as overstays or illegal work.
- Doubts about the purpose of travel, for example signs of planned work.
If you’re refused, you may need to apply for a Korean visa at an embassy or consulate instead. Some travellers reapply after correcting errors, but repeated applications with the same information rarely succeed.
What happens when you arrive in South Korea?
At immigration, show your passport and, if you’re exempt, your e-Arrival Card confirmation. Your fingerprints and photo are usually taken. Officers may ask about your plans, so keep your hotel booking and return ticket handy. K-ETA holders can often use automated gates on repeat visits after registering.
Can freelancers use a K-ETA?
Yes. Freelancers can use a K-ETA for holidays, networking and short client meetings in Korea. List your occupation honestly, for example “self-employed web developer”. The authorisation doesn’t allow paid work for Korean companies or clients while you’re in Korea. South Korea launched a “workation” visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies, which may be an option for longer stays if you meet its income and insurance requirements.
Can business owners use a K-ETA for business trips?
Yes, for short business visits such as meetings, market research, trade fairs and contract negotiations. Choose the business purpose on the form and carry an invitation letter from your Korean partner. For longer assignments, managing a Korean branch or paid work in Korea, you’ll need the correct business or work visa, such as a D-7, D-8 or E-series visa.
Practical tips for visiting South Korea
Once your entry paperwork is sorted, these tips help first-time visitors settle in quickly:
- Money: The currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and convenience stores, but carry a little cash for street food and traditional markets.
- Transport cards: Buy a rechargeable transport card such as T-money at the airport or any convenience store. It works on subways, buses and many taxis across the country.
- Maps: Google Maps has limited walking and driving directions in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap, which both have English options.
- Staying connected: Airport counters sell prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs, and portable Wi-Fi routers are easy to rent.
- Getting around: The KTX high-speed train links Seoul with Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and other cities in a few hours. Book popular routes in advance at weekends and holidays.
- Travel insurance: Korean healthcare is excellent, but treatment can be costly for visitors. Buy a policy that covers medical care for your whole trip.
- Tax refunds: Many shops offer instant tax refunds for tourists on eligible purchases. Bring your passport when shopping.
Travelling with family or a team
Every traveller needs their own authorisation or arrival card, including children, and each application must match that person’s passport. If one family member holds a passport from an exempt country and another doesn’t, they may need different documents for the same trip. Business owners sending staff to Korea should check each employee’s nationality separately rather than assuming one rule fits everyone. Keep copies of every approval in a shared folder so nobody is caught out at check-in.
Freelancers travelling with a partner or children should also check passport expiry dates for everyone. An authorisation ends when the passport it’s linked to expires, so a renewal before the trip means a fresh application.
Travelling on to Japan, China or elsewhere in Asia?
Each country has its own entry rules. Read our Japanese tourist visa guide and China visa application guide if your trip continues there. Remember that Korean permission doesn’t cover any other country.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a lookalike website several times the official fee.
- Assuming the exemption applies to you without checking your nationality.
- Forgetting the e-Arrival Card when you’re K-ETA-exempt.
- Applying the day before your flight instead of at least 72 hours ahead.
- Using an authorisation linked to an old passport after getting a new one.
- Working on a K-ETA, which can lead to deportation and bans.
How can Alif Visa help with your K-ETA?
Alif Visa is a private visa assistance company based in Wolverhampton, UK. We are not part of the Korean government, and the authorities alone decide every application. We help you check eligibility, prepare passport-exact documents and avoid the mistakes listed above. Our service fees are private charges shown separately from government fees.
We prepare visit files only. We don’t sell work or residence sponsorship, and we will never invent letters or backdate employment. When you’re ready, start an application or contact us: +44 7482 331249 · info@alifvisa.com. Learn more about Alif Visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a K-ETA for South Korea in 2026?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, are exempt until 31 December 2026 but must complete the e-Arrival Card. Other visa-free nationals need an authorisation. Visa-required nationals need a visa.
How much does the K-ETA cost?
The official fee is KRW 10,000, around USD 7 to 8, paid online. It’s non-refundable. Websites charging much more are private agencies, not the government.
How long is a K-ETA valid?
A K-ETA is usually valid for multiple trips for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires. Each stay is limited to your nationality’s visa-free period.
When should I apply for a K-ETA?
Apply at least 72 hours before you board your flight or ship to Korea. Many approvals are faster, but some applications need extra checks.
What is the Korea e-Arrival Card?
It’s a free online arrival card that foreign visitors without an authorisation must complete within 72 hours before arriving in South Korea. Travellers with an approved K-ETA generally don’t need it.
Can Pakistani or Indian citizens use the K-ETA?
No. Pakistani and Indian passport holders need a Korean visa from an embassy or consulate. The authorisation is only for visa-waiver nationalities.
Can I work in Korea with a K-ETA?
No. The authorisation is for short visits such as tourism and business meetings. Paid work in Korea needs the correct work visa.
Does Alif Visa issue K-ETAs?
No. Only the Korean government issues K-ETAs. Alif Visa is a private company that helps you check eligibility and prepare a correct application. Our service fee is always shown separately from the government fee.
