Electronic arrival card & K-ETA prep

K-ETA vs temporary exemption vs free Electronic Arrival Card — who needs what, 3-day KST timing, verification code since 2026-05-06, and official URL only.

Reviewed: 2026-09-28

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Important

Rules change by nationality, passport type, and date. This page is a planning overview, not legal advice. Always verify for your passport on the official sites linked below before you book or board.

Official only — verify the URL

The Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival card) is free and available only at:

https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr

Any site that asks for payment or payment details is not official.
Confirm the address ends in `.go.kr` before you enter passport or personal data.
Korea Immigration Service EN notice (as of 2026-03-09): fake look-alike sites have been found; use the URL above only.

K-ETA and e-Arrival are different systems

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-boarding authorization for many visa-free short visits. Apply only at www.k-eta.go.kr (or the official K-ETA app). Fee is about KRW 10,000 (roughly USD 7–8). Assessment is generally within 72 hours. An approved K-ETA is typically valid for 3 years or until your passport expires

Your situation (check official guides)	Typical prep
Visa-free and need K-ETA, with a valid K-ETA approval	Apply early at www.k-eta.go.kr. Valid K-ETA holders are generally excluded from the e-Arrival card.
On the temporary K-ETA exemption list	You may enter without K-ETA while the exemption lasts, but you are generally required to submit an e-Arrival card.
Hold a Korean visa (and are entering on that visa)	Follow visa + immigration instructions. Visa holders are generally on the e-Arrival subject list — even if you also hold a K-ETA.
Korean Residence Card / permanent / overseas Korean resident card	Generally excluded from e-Arrival.
Other statuses (SOFA, ABTC, UN laissez-passer, certain group visas, etc.)	Check the official who must submit / who is excluded guide — do not guess from tourist rules.

Electronic arrival card & K-ETA prep

Important

Official only — verify the URL

K-ETA and e-Arrival are different systems

What travelers usually need (verify officially)

Temporary K-ETA exemption (through 31 Dec 2026, KST)

e-Arrival timing (KST)

Verification code (required since 2026-05-06)

What to prepare for e-Arrival

After landing (ICN and other ports)

Official & trusted links