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South Korea's Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) Requirement

Updated: Dec 28, 2024

Location: South Korea

Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymoons


Namson Tower
Namsan Tower

UPDATE!: The South Korea Government has announced a delay in this requirement until 2026! I was too fast and got mine already, it only took an hour for approval but that may not always be the case. See you in South Korea! - Tina


 

Beginning January 1, 2026, South Korea has announced the K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement for stays under 90 days will return for US citizens.



The K-ETA costs 10,300 KRW (approximately US$8) and must be completed at least 72 hours before boarding a ship or flight to South Korea. I highly recommend applying well before the deadline to ensure you have what you need to board the plane in the US. It can take more than 72 hours to get the approval. Once granted, the K-ETA authorization remains valid for three years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever expires first.


The authorized length of stay in South Korea is 90 days and multiple entries are allowed with the K-ETA


International visitors from eligible countries aged 17 and under and 65 and over are exempt from the K-ETA but may still apply. Passengers holding a K-ETA benefit from a streamlined immigration process, including being exempt from having to submit an immigration card.


Applying will require you to complete an application and submit a headshot and a copy of your passport. Be ready with the photos, tour group name and phone, hotel address (if applicable). They ask a few health questions and will ask if you have been arrested. The process is relatively painless. I will update this article if I have any issues getting my KETA.


Enjoy your trip to South Korea!


IMPORTANT NOTE: The information in this post is accurate as of the creation of this article. However, It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to verify and secure travel documents and become informed on health advisories in advance of travel.  I always recommend that travelers visit:  www.travel.state.gov for information regarding travel, health advisories, and documentation requirements.





At Vibrant Travel, we research, plan, and book vacations for busy travelers, couples, and groups looking for authentic experiences in Europe and beyond. We take the confusion of travel planning, the overwhelm of group organization, and hours of searching online off your plate and use our knowledge of the locations, vendors, and experiences to create a vacation you will love without the hassles, time, and stress of planning it yourself. Best of all, we only work with vetted vendors who provide the highest quality services.

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