Who Needs a K-ETA?
South Korea requires K-ETA from travelers of countries under the visa waiver program. You must apply for K-ETA before boarding your flight if you’re from one of these countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
- Singapore
- Japan
How to Check Eligibility
Validity and Duration
- Valid for 2 years from the date of approval
- Allows multiple entries within the 2-year period
- Stay duration: up to 90 days (some nationalities are limited to 30 days)
- K-ETA is linked to your passport – no separate paper visa is issued
Valid for 2 years
Valid for 2 years from the date of approval
Multiple entries allowed
Allows multiple entries within the 2 year period
90-day stays
Up to 90 days stay duration per time (some nationalities are limited to 30 days)
How to Apply for K-ETA
Step-by Step Application Guide
Visit Official Site
www.k-eta.go.kr
Prepare Your Documents
Passport, Passport-style photo, Credit/debit card.
Fill Out Application
Enter your personal and travel info, answer health/background questions.
Pay and Submit
Pay online fee of 10,000KRW
Check Your Email
Most approvals come within 24-72 hours
- Go to the official site: Click here for the official English K-ETA site
First and foremost – do not use third-party or unofficial websites. There are many sites that look real but are designed to overcharge you or even steal your personal information.❗ ONLY apply through the official website: www.k-eta.go.kr ❗
Once you’re there, you can select your language in the top right corner. English, Chinese, Spanish, French, and other languages are available.
- Prepare required documents.
Before you start the application, make sure you have everything ready:
– A valid passport (with at least 6 months left before expiration)
– A recent, passport-style ID photo (JPEG, no selfies, no filters, no hats or glasses)
– Credit or debit card - Fill out the online form:
You’ll need to provide the following:
– Personal info: name, passport number, birthdate, nationality
Make sure everything matches your passport exactly!
– Travel info: accommodation, intended arrival date, purpose of visit
You can enter a hotel address or the place you’re staying in Korea
– Answer a few short questions about your health and criminal background
❗Take your time – typos or incorrect info can cause rejection. - Submit the application and pay the fee
At the end of the form, you’ll be prompted to make payment. The cost is 10,000KRW (around $9 USD) and payment can be made with credit or debit card. - Wait for email confirmation (24-72 hours)
Most applicants get approved within 1 to 3 days. You’ll receive the result via email. Check your spam/junk folder, just in case.
In rare cases, it might take longer. That’s why applying early is always smart.
Do You Need to Print the K-ETA?
Not required – your K-ETA is automatically linked to your passport. When you arrive in Korea, the immigration officer will see your K-ETA status electronically. However, we recommend keeping a digital copy or screenshot just in case.
Final Reminder:
❗Avoid unofficial websites that promise to “apply for you” or charge higher fees. Go straight to www.k-eta.go.kr and do it yourself – it’s safe, easy, and quick.
Common K-ETA Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the K-ET process is simple, there are a few common slippups that can delay your approval – or worse, get your application rejected. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with what to double check:
❌ Uploading a selfie instead of a passport photo
Make sure your photo looks like an actual ID photo: plain background, no filters, no hats, no sunglasses, neutral expression, and face fully visible.
❌ Typos in your name or passport number
A single wrong letter or number could cause issues. Take a deep breath and review everything before clicking that submit button.
❌ Applying last minute
Yes, the approval is usually fast (often withing 24 to 72 hours) – but not always. Try to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
💡Tip: But to be super safe, apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Why? Because if your application gets rejected or you make a mistake (like a type or wrong photo), you’ll need time to correct and reapply. And if, for any reason, you’re found ineligible for K-ETA, you may need to apply for a tourist visa instead – which can take up to 2 weeks to process.
The earlier you apply, the more peace of mind you’ll have before your trip.
❌ Choosing the wrong purpose of travel
Are your here for tourism, business, or something else? Be honest and select the options that matches your plans.
Afre submitting, check your email regularly – including the spam folder!
When to Reapply for K-ETA
Your K-ETA isn’t forever – but the good news is, it’s valid for 2 years. However, you’ll need to reapply if any of these happen:
- You renew your passport
- You change your name or nationality
- Your current K-ETA has expired
If any of these apply to you – just go through the same process again. It’ll be even easier the second time.
Final Tips Before You Fly
Here’s your quick pre-flight checklist – just a few things to help you feel fully ready before takeoff.
✅ Apply as early as possible, especially during busy travel seasons
✅ Double-check your email for K-ETA confirmation
✅ Don’t use third-party sites – only apply through the official K-ETA website
✅ Take a screenshot or save your K-ETA as a PDF – you probably won’t need it, but it’s good to have it prepared, just in case.