One guide to complete your preparation – Travel requirements for Korea
Let’s learn the travel requirements for Korea from 2023 to 2024
Whether you’re visiting Korea for the first time to enjoy yourself in K-Culture (Hallyu) — from K-pop, K-food, and K-everything — or returning as a veteran traveler familiar and attracted by it, understanding the key ‘travel requirements for Korea’ remains essential.
In this comprehensive yet easy guide, I will walk through the travel requirements for Korea that both veteran and newbie needs to As a veteran or a newbie needs to know.
Just read this and you won’t need to worry about the legal requirements when traveling to Korea.
Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
1. Temporary Exemption:
From 1st April 2023 to 31st December 2024, nationals of 22 countries/regions are temporarily exempted from the K-ETA requirement. These countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).
2. K-ETA Fee:
Compared to other countries, I must say that the K-ETA fee is quite cheap. For those who are exempt, you may skip this part!
You can apply for K-ETA at a cost of 10,000 KRW per person (approx. 9~10 USD, additional fees not included). The K-ETA is valid until the expiration date, with no refunds for those who have already applied.
3. Application Process:
Please make sure to apply for your K-ETA at least one month before your departure at www.k-eta.go.kr. There are No third-party agency designated for K-ETA applications.
4. Age Exemption:
Also, certain age groups are exempt from the K-ETA requirement. To see if you qualify, please check the official K-ETA website for details.
Visa Requirements
1. Who Needs a Visa?
For those, who are planning to stay for a longer period of time make sure you apply for the Visa
If you’re not eligible for K-ETA, if your K-ETA application is denied, or if your visit’s purpose is not covered by K-ETA, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
2. How to Apply for a Visa?
It all changes depending on which type you are applying!
Visa applications, particularly C-3 types, are to be submitted through appointed visa agents. Check the embassy’s website for a list of visa types and submission guidelines.
3. Multiple Entry Visa:
For those who have a valid multiple entry visa, you can still use it to enter Korea. However, for those with an old passport, a transfer of visa is required.
Visa Requirements
- Vaccination: No COVID-19 vaccination requirement for entry.
- PCR Tests: No pre-departure or on-arrival COVID-19 testing required.
- Q-Code Registration: Not required.
Special Notes
Exemptions! Korean nationals, APEC card holders (excluding US and Canada), registered foreigners, UN passport holders, transit passengers not clearing immigration, diplomatic, and official passport holders from K-ETA required countries are exempt from K-ETA and visa requirements.
Additional Information
For questions or more information, contact the K-ETA Centre at +82-2-2666-0463 or via the online enquiry form on their website.
Visa-Free Entry Schemes:
The Korean government has resumed several visa-free entry schemes, including for transfer passengers and for visitors to Jeju Island. Check the official announcements for details.