Entry overview: check YOUR passport first

How to decide visa vs visa-free vs K-ETA vs temporary exemption vs e-Arrival — planning overview with official links (deep dive on Electronic arrival).

Reviewed: 2026-09-24

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Critical rule

Never copy another traveler’s entry checklist blindly. Requirements depend on your passport, purpose of visit, and travel dates. Always confirm on official sites before you book non-refundable plans. This page is a planning overview, not legal advice.

Four different things (do not mix them up)

Concept	What it is (short)	Official start
Visa	Entry permission for many travelers who are not visa-free for their purpose/stay	www.visa.go.kr
Visa-free stay	Some nationalities may enter without a visa for a limited stay (length varies by passport)	www.visa.go.kr
K-ETA	Pre-boarding electronic travel authorization often required for visa-free short visits (unless you are on the temporary exemption list)	www.k-eta.go.kr

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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. Details and timing for K-ETA / e-Arrival: see Electronic arrival.

Decision path (high level)

1
Check your nationality on www.visa.go.kr: do you need a visa, or are you visa-free for this trip?
2
If visa-free, check www.k-eta.go.kr: do you need a K-ETA, or are you on the temporary K-ETA exemption list?
3
Separately check whether you must submit an e-Arrival card (use the site Navigator or who must submit). K-ETA-exempt travelers are generally on the subject list; valid K-ETA holders are generally excluded (visa entries can differ). Full table → Electronic arrival.
4
Keep hotel/stay address, return/onward plan, and funds proof ready if immigration asks.
5
For broader foreigner services and stay questions after arrival, use Hi Korea (EN) or Immigration Contact Center 1345 (Korea) / +82-1345 (abroad).

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

The Ministry of Justice extended the temporary K-ETA exemption for designated nationals through December 31, 2026 (KST).

Example lists published by Visit Korea (page note: updated 2026-04-21) include:

Asia: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau
North America: United States (including Guam), Canada
Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Always confirm the live list on www.k-eta.go.kr — other jurisdictions may appear on embassy/K-ETA notices, and lists change. During K-ETA signup, a pop-up may tell you if your nationality is exempt.

Exempt travelers may still voluntarily apply for K-ETA (fee applies; usually non-refundable) if they want K-ETA-linked benefits such as not submitting an arrival card. Existing approved K-ETAs remain usable until their own expiry.

Before you book or board — verify for you

[ ] Passport validity and nationality rules on www.visa.go.kr
[ ] K-ETA needed vs temporary exemption on www.k-eta.go.kr (apply only on the official site/app; fee ~KRW 10,000 / ~USD 7–8; assessment generally within 72 hours)
[ ] e-Arrival required or not on www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr — free; do not pay on look-alike sites
[ ] Permitted stay length for your passport (K-ETA validity ≠ stay length)
[ ] Hotel/stay address and return/onward ticket ready for immigration questions

What this wiki does not do

Tell you that *your* passport is exempt or visa-free.
Guarantee boarding or entry (airlines and immigration make final checks).
Replace the deep prep on Electronic arrival (timing windows, who must submit, fake-site warnings).

See also: Electronic arrival, Immigration FAQ, Airport arrival (ICN).

Sources

Official & trusted links

Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Entry, visa, and medical info may change. Always verify with official sources.

Next guides

Next →Electronic arrival card & K-ETA prep

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