Immigration FAQ for short visits

Disclaimer

This FAQ is orientation only, not legal advice. Immigration officers and airlines apply the rules for your passport, purpose, and dates. Confirm before you book or board on immigration.go.kr, www.visa.go.kr, www.k-eta.go.kr, www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr, or Hi Korea (EN) / Immigration Contact Center 1345.

Planning map: Entry overview. Deep K-ETA / e-Arrival timing and who-must-submit table: Electronic arrival.

Do I need a visa?

Often yes — unless your nationality is visa-free for this trip under Korea’s rules. Check your passport on www.visa.go.kr. Visa-free does not automatically mean “no paperwork”: many visa-free visitors still need K-ETA or, if temporarily exempt from K-ETA, an e-Arrival card.

Do I need K-ETA?

Maybe. Many visa-free short visitors must get a K-ETA at www.k-eta.go.kr (official site/app only; fee ~KRW 10,000 / ~USD 7–8) before boarding — unless your nationality is on the temporary K-ETA exemption list (through 31 Dec 2026, KST for designated nationals) or you hold another qualifying status.

• An approved K-ETA is typically valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first — it does not extend your visa-free stay length.
• Exempt travelers may still voluntarily apply for K-ETA (fee; usually non-refundable) for K-ETA-linked benefits such as not submitting an arrival card.
• Never assume from a blog list — scan your passport / check the live list on the K-ETA site. High-level decision path: Entry overview.

Do I need an e-Arrival card?

K-ETA and e-Arrival are different systems. e-Arrival is the free electronic arrival declaration at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr only — do not pay on look-alike sites.

Per the official subject list (verify with the site Navigator or who must submit):

• Temporary K-ETA-exempt travelers are generally required to submit e-Arrival.
• Valid K-ETA holders are generally excluded (exception: a K-ETA holder entering with a visa must still complete e-Arrival).
• Korean visa holders are generally on the subject list; residence/permanent/overseas Korean cards are generally excluded.

Timing windows (3 days before arrival KST, 72-hour validity, edits, group limits) → Electronic arrival. Prefer e-Arrival over guessing about paper cards at the airport.

How long can I stay?

Visa-free stay length varies by nationality and purpose. Do not trust a random blog table. Use www.visa.go.kr and Visit Korea — Visa & Travel Requirements for your country. Remember: K-ETA validity ≠ permitted stay on each visit.

What might immigration ask?

• Purpose of visit and length of stay
• Hotel or host address
• Return / onward ticket
• Sometimes proof of funds or itinerary

Answer briefly and consistently with your K-ETA / e-Arrival / visa forms. Final admission is always at the port of entry.

Who can I call or check online?

• Immigration Contact Center 1345 (Korea, no area code) / +82-1345 or +82-2-1345 from abroad — published hours are typically weekdays 09:00–22:00 (KST); after 18:00, guidance is often Korean / English / Chinese only. Confirm current hours on Immigration EN — 1345.
• Hi Korea (EN) — foreigner e-government portal (petitions, visit reservations, expiry checks, and related services). Many tourist procedural questions still land on 1345.

Denied boarding vs denied entry

Airlines check documents before you fly. Even after boarding, final admission is decided by immigration at the port of entry. An approved K-ETA or completed e-Arrival does not guarantee entry.

Tip

If your trip involves work, study, or long stays, tourist K-ETA / visa-free paths usually do not authorize that activity — get the correct visa first via www.visa.go.kr.

See also: Entry overview, Electronic arrival, Airport arrival (ICN).