Frequently Asked Questions About the Korea ETA
General and Basic Information
K-ETA refers to Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, it is an online travel authorization for eligible foreign nationals who are allowed to travel to Korea without the need of the traditional visa.
Korea ETA or K-ETA is not a visa, but is a travel authorization allowing travelers from K-ETA eligible to avail it, and enter the country.
If you are a citizen of a country/region eligible for visa-exempt entry to Korea, you can apply for the K-ETA before traveling, you will have to present it at the airport to board the flight to Korea.
Everyone traveling to Korea must have their own approved K-ETA, for children and infants their parents and guardians should check the entry requirements and apply.
Exemption may be given to some travelers aged above 65 years belonging to certain countries, so it is better to check with the visa experts, so that you have the valid entry requirements to enter Korea.
If you are a citizen of a country/region eligible for visa-exempt entry to Korea, you can apply for the K-ETA before traveling, you will have to present it at the airport to board the flight to Korea.
To process the Korea ETA or K-ETA it takes around 72 hours, but sometimes it can take longer, if the application volume is high or if there are mistakes in the application form. So ensure to submit correct information and genuine documents.
Eligible travelers if you have plans to visit Korea and have booked your flight tickets, apply for the Korea ETA at least 3 days or week before the date of journey to Korea, as processing the ETA takes 72 hours or more, you will have enough buffer time in hand.
You should not apply for the Korea ETA after boarding the flight because the immigration officials on-arrival in Korea will not let you enter the country, and will make you return back.
To submit the Korea ETA or K-ETA, the eligible applicant needs to provide important information like personal details, passport info, travel itinerary, purpose of visiting, confirmed accommodation, contact details and more.
Passport is the main mandatory requirement to apply for the K-ETA, the passport decides whether you are eligible to apply for the K-ETA or not, and once approved the K-ETA is linked to the passport.
Yes you can apply for K-ETA for someone else, provided the person for whom you are filling the details has provided you accurate information and all the documents required to complete the ETA process.
Yes a travel agency can apply for the K-ETA for you, provided the person for whom you are filling the details has provided you accurate information and all the documents required to complete the ETA process. But remember do not just handover the information, furnish information only if you think they are reliable.
Yes, eligible travelers can apply for the Korea ETA or K-ETA without creating an account. Just link on the apply now button, fill the ETA form and submit, the process is very simple through our website.
The Korea ETA or K-ETA is valid for 3 years, and can be used only until the passport expires during this validity period of the travel authorization. When the ETA expires you can apply again, following the same process.
Yes you can use the Korea ETA or K-ETA multiple times to enter Korea during the validity period of the ETA, using a valid passport.
No, having a valid K-ETA for three (3) years does not mean that you can stay in the country for three years. This validity period means you are allowed to enter and exit Korea anytime you want using the approved K-ETA and valid passport. The stay period offered is of different duration, it depends on your nationality.
If you get a new passport after receiving the K-ETA or Korea ETA, you will have to apply for a new K-ETA, this is because the Korea ETA is linked to the passport. So once the passport expires, the old K-ETA becomes invalid.
If your occupation changes, you do not necessarily need a new K-ETA, however get in touch with the immigration officials, know what they have to say
If your travel plans change, you do not necessarily need a new K-ETA, however get in touch with the immigration officials, know what they have to say, they might request you to update the information through the official Update Travel Information function.
Yes, you still need to go through immigration inspection even after getting the K-ETA, as K-ETA is one of the mandatory requirements for eligible travelers to enter Korea, however, the final decision depends on the authorities at the immigration checkpoint. Only after their verification, and approval can you enter Korea.
Presently, the approved Korea ETA holders receive the benefit of being exempt from submitting the arrival card, however check with the immigration officials to be on a safer side.
No, travelers with the Korea ETA or K-ETA, cannot undertake any employment or paid work. For such engagement they will have to apply for some other visa like a work visa. Check with the Korean embassy in your home country for such reasons for better information to apply for the right visa.
No, travelers with the Korea ETA or K-ETA, cannot study in the country using this travel authorization. For such engagement they will have to apply for some other visa like student visa. Check with the Korean embassy in your home country for such reasons for better information to apply for the right visa.
No, having a valid K-ETA for 3 years does not mean that you can stay in the country for three years. This 3 year validity period means you are allowed to enter and exit Korea anytime you want using the approved K-ETA and valid passport during this time. The stay period offered is of different duration, it depends on your nationality, and purpose of entry.
