New Verify Mandatory K-ETA to South Korea Useful from September 1st, 2021

From September 2021, nationals of visa waiver countries need to hold a mandatory K-eTA before entering South Korea.

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Tourist Authorization) is a new travel visa that foreign travelers need to enter the Republic of Korea.

It’s online, so it’s an easy, cost-effective solution. You can find all the details on how to apply on our website now!

The purpose of the trip should be for tourism, visiting family, participating in events and meetings, or pursuing commercial business (excluding profit).

Starting on September 1st, 2021, all visa waivers and visa-free travelers to Korea will be subject to KTN K-eTA.

(including Ireland) Foreigners without a mandatory K-eTA or valid visas will not be permitted to board a plane for Korea. (They do not need a K-eTA if they have a valid visa.)

List of Available Countries from May 1st, 2022

Exceptions:

1. Emergency visa holders, Korean military members, those traveling directly to Jeju Island, and more do not need a mandatory K-eTA in some circumstances.
2. Official USFK members, dependents, and their civilian companions must apply for the K-ETA.
3. Companies that have gotten official approval for mandatory K-ETA (A data protection act) exceptions would not need to operate under the K-ETA (The data protection act) and could go about their business as usual.

How to apply

The K-ETA website is available on PC and mobile, so you can apply anytime.

You are required to apply for mandatory K-ETA at least 24 hours before boarding your flight or ship to the Republic of Korea.

• You may need someone else to fill out this form for you.
• You can apply for up to 30 people at a time.

If you need to stay more than thirty days in South Korea, you must contact the nearest consulate.

Documents to prepare

1. Valid passport
2. Credit card
3. Email address
4. Recent profile photo
5. Check the result

You will be able to see the results of your application within 72 hours of taking it, either in the email you used or on our site.

Period of validity

The period of validity is two years from the date of authorization

Fees

There is a 10,000 KRW fee (approximately $10, Service fee not included).

Re-application

PLEASE BE CAREFUL: The information you provide here can’t be changed once submitted.

You must re-apply for mandatory K-ETA even if you have a current application for it. 

Please re-enter your personal information and verify again, such as:

1. Full name
2. Sex
3. Date of birth
4. Nationality
5. Passport information (passport number or expiration date)
6. Criminal history
7. Infectious disease information

Exempt from arrival card

Only those with full K-ETA can be exempted from filling out the arrival card on arrival.

Information and Inquiry

Mandatory K-ETA is NOT a visa. Although you may find it more challenging to obtain K-ETA approval, it does not necessarily mean that your application for admission to the Republic of Korea will be automatically declined.

The Immigration officer at the port of entry will have the final determination.

South Korea does not handle Quarantine. It’s handled by better-suited departments. Please contact them for further information.