India Visa
Turkey Visa
United States Visa
Australia Visa
Colombia Visa
New Zealand Visa
China Visa
Egypt Visa
Vietnam Visa
Indonesia Visa
Article
South Korea
3,000+ Travel Documents processed by iVisa
How to Apply: ETA
01
Fill out online application
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
02
Receive document via email
No need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time
03
Enter destination
Present your Passport and the Document we provide upon entry to destination country
How to Apply: Embassy Registration
01
Fill Out Online Application
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
02
Travel Safely
Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur
Why Register with the Embassy
Travel Registration is a service provided by the government. This service allows you to record information about your
upcoming trip abroad to the Department of State so it can be used to assist you in case of an emergency. People residing abroad can also get routine
information from their nearest embassy or consulate if registered.
Required Information to Apply
Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:
- your contact details change,
- your civil status changes,
- you are going back to your home country.
Learn More: ETA
What you need to know
-
The K-ETA is a Multiple entry travel document with a validity period of 3 years after arrival.
-
If you have more than one nationality, you should choose the nationality of the passport that you are going to use for the trip.
-
Your passport must be valid by the time of your trip to South Korea. It must be a regular passport.
-
If you get a new passport for any reason, you will need to re-apply for a new K-ETA.
-
Starting from April 1, 2023, until December 31, 2024, travelers from 22 countries/regions won’t need to apply for a South Korea ETA.
-
If you want to know if you are exempted from applying, you can check the Learn More section below, or use our handy iVisa Checker Tool.
-
It is highly recommended that you keep your K-ETA with you either as a soft copy (smartphone, tablet, etc.) or as a hard copy in case of any failure in the system.
-
iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.
Explore South Korea! Apply here for your ETA
Last updated: January 2024
South Korea, with its vibrant blend of traditional culture and modern innovation, beckons travelers from around the globe. Whether you're a business traveler attending high-profile meetings in Seoul or a tourist exploring ancient palaces and bustling markets, South Korea offers a rich and diverse experience.
You'll need one essential document to embark on this journey - the South Korea ETA. But don’t worry; we simplify this task for you.
Our online services and convenient iVisa app make applying for the South Korea ETA easy and quick.
What is the South Korea ETA?
The South Korea ETA is a mandatory travel document for visitors whose nationality is exempted from having to apply for a South Korean visa.
Once your South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is approved, you can travel to South Korea.
What can you do with a South Korean ETA?
A South Korean ETA holder can travel for the following purposes:
-
Tourism.
-
Visiting a family member.
-
Participating in events or meetings.
-
Commercial business (excluding the pursuit of profit).
What can you not do with a South Korea ETA?
This travel authorization doesn’t allow you to do the following activities in South Korea:
-
Work.
-
Pursue studies.
-
Live in the country.
Who can travel to South Korea with the ETA?
Getting a K-ETA online is straightforward. But first, ensure you meet the following criteria:
-
You are from a visa-exempt country.
-
Your trip is 30 days or less.
-
You plan to travel to South Korea for tourism or business purposes.
Who is eligible for the South Korea ETA?
The South Korea ETA is available for more than 100 nationalities. Here are some of the countries eligible for this travel authorization:
-
Australia
-
Argentina
-
Brazil
-
Qatar
-
South Africa
-
Schengen countries
-
United States
-
United Kingdom
-
United Arab Emirates
Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to check your eligibility for the K-ETA.
Who doesn’t need to apply for the South Korea ETA?
Since 2023, travelers 17 years old and under and 65 years old and above are exempted from the K-ETA requirement.
Do minors need to apply for the K-ETA?
Travelers 17 years old and under from visa-exempt countries don’t need to apply for a K-ETA.
South Korea ETA validity: How long is the ETA valid?
This electronic travel authorization is valid for 3 years after arrival. It’s a Multiple entry permit, allowing you to stay 30 days per entry in South Korea.
Can I extend my South Korea ETA?
No, you can’t. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you need to get an appropriate visa at a South Korean Embassy or Consulate near you.
The easiest thing is to leave the country and re-enter or reapply for a South Korea ETA.
South Korea ETA required documents
The K-ETA application process is designed to be effortless. You only need a few documents to apply:
-
A valid passport - It must remain valid for at least 90 days after arrival.
-
Applicant photo.
Also, ensure you have a valid email address to receive the document and an online payment method to pay the fees.
Financial requirements: Minimum bank balance for South Korea visa
Remember, the K-ETA is not a visa but a travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers.
There’s no minimum bank amount for a South Korea Visa or K-ETA. Just ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your trip to avoid any issues during your trip.
How to get the South Korea ETA with us
To apply for the K-ETA online with us, you just need to follow these simple steps below, and you’ll be done in no time:
-
Step 1: Fill out our simplified application form with your personal information. Once you’re done, you can select how fast you want to receive your travel document. We have three different speed options.
-
Step 2: Double-check that all the information in the application form is correct. We want to avoid any issues with your application. Once everything is correct, you can pay the visa fee with a credit/debit card or PayPal.
-
Step 3: Upload all the supporting documents and submit your visa application form. Ensure that the scan is clear.
Once you submit your form, our team will process your request, and they’ll take care of the process on your behalf.
If approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your South Korea ETA. Print it and present it to immigration authorities upon arrival.
South Korea ETA costs and processing times
The government fee for the South Korea ETA is set at USD $9.00.
Our service fees, however, vary based on your nationality and your selected processing speed. We provide these processing options:
-
Standard processing time: A cost-effective choice, taking 8 days to process your South Korea ETA.
-
Rush processing time: Your South Korea ETA is processed within 5 days for an additional fee.
-
Super rush processing time: Ideal for urgent travels, enabling you to receive the ETA within only 4 days.
Our team meticulously reviews your application to prevent any errors, ensuring a smooth start to your journey in South Korea.
Do I need a South Korea ETA to transit through the country?
No, you don’t. Transfer and transit passengers not entering South Korea don’t need to get a K-ETA.
South Korea entry requirements or restrictions
There are no current COVID-19 requirements for entry to Korea.
Where can I learn more about traveling to South Korea?
Have any questions about the K-ETA or any other travel document? Contact our customer service team via online chat or email: help@iVisa.
Ask iVisa
Have a visa question? we'll provide the answer.
Ronaldo C
BrazilJuly 3 2024
I’m planning a series of trips to South Korea in the remaining part of the year, starting with Seoul and then Busan then maybe Jeonju. I need to know if a K-ETA will allow me to enter the country many times in the same year, or if should I apply for a different kind of visa.
iVisa
October 4 2024
Yes, a K-ETA allows you to enter South Korea multiple times within its validity period. The K-ETA is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can travel to Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, or any other cities in South Korea multiple times on the same K-ETA, as long as each stay does not exceed the allowed duration.
Jamila K
MoroccoJuly 9 2024
I’m going to Seoul next month and I have a question about my passport. I’m a bit confused about the rules for entry into South Korea. Does my passport need to be valid for three months after I arrive, or is it enough for it to just be valid on the day I land?
iVisa
October 4 2024
For entry into South Korea, your passport needs to be valid beyond your expected departure date. There isn't a requirement for the passport to be valid for three months beyond your stay, but it must be valid on the day you land in South Korea.
Zümra W
TurkeyJuly 21 2024
My cousin has invited me to visit her in South Korea but I’m not sure if I can apply for the K-ETA. Last year I was arrested over a minor offense in Turkey but I never served jail time, and the case was dismissed after I paid a fine. Could this affect getting a K-ETA? Do they ask about criminal offenses in the application?
iVisa
October 4 2024
When applying for a K-ETA, you will be required to answer questions regarding criminal offenses. The specifics of your past minor offense in Turkey, especially since it was dismissed after a fine and did not involve jail time, might not necessarily disqualify you from obtaining a K-ETA. However, it's important to answer all questions truthfully. The final approval will depend on the details of the offense and the regulations in place at the time of your application.
Questions?
Do I get multiple entries with a K-ETA?
Ronaldo C, Brazil | July 3, 2024
I’m planning a series of trips to South Korea in the remaining part of the year, starting with Seoul and then Busan then maybe Jeonju. I need to know if a K-ETA will allow me to enter the country many times in the same year, or if should I apply for a different kind of visa.
Martin, iVisa | July 5, 2024
Yes, a K-ETA allows you to enter South Korea multiple times within its validity period. The K-ETA is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can travel to Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, or any other cities in South Korea multiple times on the same K-ETA, as long as each stay does not exceed the allowed duration.
What is the appropriate passport vailidty for entry into South Korea with a K-ETA?
Jamila K, Morocco | July 9, 2024
I’m going to Seoul next month and I have a question about my passport. I’m a bit confused about the rules for entry into South Korea. Does my passport need to be valid for three months after I arrive, or is it enough for it to just be valid on the day I land?
Cami, iVisa | July 12, 2024
For entry into South Korea, your passport needs to be valid beyond your expected departure date. There isn't a requirement for the passport to be valid for three months beyond your stay, but it must be valid on the day you land in South Korea.
Will a criminal record affect my K-ETA application?
Zümra W, Turkey | July 21, 2024
My cousin has invited me to visit her in South Korea but I’m not sure if I can apply for the K-ETA. Last year I was arrested over a minor offense in Turkey but I never served jail time, and the case was dismissed after I paid a fine. Could this affect getting a K-ETA? Do they ask about criminal offenses in the application?
Cami, iVisa | July 24, 2024
When applying for a K-ETA, you will be required to answer questions regarding criminal offenses. The specifics of your past minor offense in Turkey, especially since it was dismissed after a fine and did not involve jail time, might not necessarily disqualify you from obtaining a K-ETA. However, it's important to answer all questions truthfully. The final approval will depend on the details of the offense and the regulations in place at the time of your application.
My application couldn’t be completed due to an error. What now?
Errors can occur, so don’t worry because we have the solution. Connect with our customer service team as soon as possible to fix the issue. Remember that our visa experts are available 24/7.
What can I do if my South Korea ETA application has been canceled or rejected?
iVisa will check your data and review your documents. If there are any errors along the way, the team will correct them not to risk getting a rejection. However, the South Korean government could ultimately reject it. If this is the case, you can obtain a full refund of the iVisa processing fee according to the number of applicants rejected. However, the government fee is non-refundable.
Recheck your application and decide whether you want to apply for it again and acquire the South Korea ETA, if so, you can count on the support of iVisa.
I have both Korean and foreign nationality. Do I need to apply for a K-ETA?
When you travel to South Korea, you must decide on the passport you want to use for this matter. If you have a Korean nationality, it’s better to use it to enter the country, as you won’t need any additional documents. If you go for your foreign nationality, you must confirm whether you need the K-ETA or another type of travel document, like a visa.
I want to change the status of my stay after entering Korea via a K-ETA. Is it possible?
According to the immigration rules in South Korea, anybody entering with a K-ETA can’t change the status of their stay. However, it’s possible to consult your options by contacting the 1345 Immigration Contact Center of the South Korean government. If you plan to study or work in South Korea, we advise you to apply for a suitable visa before applying for a K-ETA.
How do processing times work?
At iVisa, we understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to provide you with the fastest service possible. Our processing times are estimated based on the average duration it takes governments to process visa applications. These estimated times begin from the moment we receive all the correct information for your application until you receive your visa. While we work diligently to expedite the process, it’s important to note that we are reliant on the processing times set by the government authorities.
