Everything You Need to Know About South Korea’s K-eTA Requirements for US Citizens
What is a K-eTA, and Who Needs One?
US citizens no longer need a visa for short-term trips to South Korea, thanks to the K-eTA system. The 90-day limit on each visit still applies, though.
If you are a US citizen and would like to apply for the K-eTA, you can do so from home or your office via the internet.
It’s easy to apply for the K-eTA with Aid-Air. You just need to ensure that you’re eligible and have a stable internet connection.
No, US nationals with a valid K-eTA do not need to apply for a visa to visit South Korea.
If you’re an American citizen, the K-eTA visa waiver is a great option when traveling to South Korea (maybe for a holiday or trip). It avoids applying for a visa in person at a Korean embassy.
American citizens with a K-eTA can visit Korea for up to 90 days without a visa.
The Korean government has granted visas for those with K-eTA to boost tourism. These visitors can stay in Korea for up to 90 days without a visa.
In fact, there are three different types of purposes for Americans with K-eTA:
- Leisure
- Visiting friends or family
- Attending meetings and events
Some long-term trips to South Korea require a visitor tourist visa, which you can get at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate. If you think your trip will take more than 90 days or you plan to travel for another reason, check with a consulate or embassy.
South Korea K-eTA Needs for US Citizens
To apply for a Korean K-eTA, USA passport holders must fulfill some simple visa waiver requirements and submit a valid passport. Citizens of the United States of America can enter the Republic of Korea without a visa.
For the time being, Americans need to meet specific requirements to be eligible for the K-eTA:
- United States passport, which is valid for a minimum of 6 months
- Passport-sized photograph of the American citizen
- Active email address, which will be used for K-eTA correspondence
- Credit or debit card to pay the K-eTA Korea fee (10,000₩ South Korean WON)
American travelers must also send documents like trip information, proof of onward travel and accommodation info, occupation, and a few health-related questions.
US nationals traveling abroad must ensure that they have the correct documents. To do this, South Korea requires US nationals to present their K-eTA and passport and register with the embassy of their destination country before they travel. This can help ensure your safety when traveling abroad.
It is now mandatory for US citizens to carry their passports even when traveling abroad. This will be henceforth linked to their K-eTA. They also need to use it for their entire journey to avoid any issues with the authorities in Korea.
Note: Americans are advised to check the general visa conditions for US citizens in case they have further questions about the application process and eligibility criteria when traveling abroad
How can I apply for the South Korea K-ETA from the United States?
Appling for South Korea K-ETA from the United States? The K-eTA application for US nationals in South Korea is relatively straightforward. Usually, it does not take more than 20 minutes to be completed.
Aid-Air Issue K-eTA for USA Passport without the need to fill forms. Just send us your passport and photo on WhatsApp.
American visitors need to submit the following information when applying for the K-ETA:
- Basic information about the traveler, such as full name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship
- Contact details, such as a home address, email address, and phone number
- Travel details, such as trip itinerary, proof of onward travel & accommodation
- Passport information, such as country, number, expiry date, and issue date
This form may ask you other questions about health, security, and other issues.
To complete the process for US travelers to be exempted from the visa requirement for Korea, they first need to incur a processing fee. This can be done with a Debit Card, Visa, or MasterCard (Different fees will apply to different card types)
US applicants are advised to double-check their answers before submitting the application. Minor errors & inconsistencies can lead to visa issues.
K-ETA processing time for US visitors
The K-ETA is one of the fastest ways to receive approval for US passports and will typically be approved within two days. Americans who apply through this process can expect their applications to be processed much faster than they would if they were not in a hurry.
The K-ETA travel permit is sent as a PDF attachment to the applicant’s email address.
After the US passport received K-eTA
When arriving in South Korea, US nationals must show their US passport and a K-ETA.
Once the immigration officials have verified all your data, you will receive clearance to enter.
It is important to emphasize that an American passport with a valid K-eTA does not require safe entry into South Korea. The decision to enter the country depends solely on the immigration authority.
Although this document is available in digital format in South Korea, it is advised to print a hard copy so that you can reference it during your entire trip. American Citizens should be aware that they will not be able to re-enter the country if they overstay a Korean visa waiver in the past.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Get My K-eTA?
The Korean authorities are making it difficult for foreigners to enter the country. If you don’t have a K-eTA, you’ll not get aboard.
Getting a K-eTA in South Korea can be a daunting task. You will need to submit your application at least 7 days before your desired date of entry and provide evidence of meeting the necessary criteria.
South Korea’s ETAs are Now Available For American Passport Holders!
South Korea makes it easier for Americans, now issuing K-eTA for American passport holders.
South Korea has been one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations since the turn of the millennium.
However, many Americans are unaware that they need a visitor visa to enter South Korea. K-eTA will make it easier for American visitors to get a visa on arrival and enjoy their time in South Korea.
The K-eTA will be available starting from March 1, 2019, and will be valid until December 31, 2020.
