South Korea ETA Overview

The Korea ETA (stands for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), also known as K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization for eligible foreign nationals who are permitted to enter South Korea for short-term visits without the need for a traditional visa.

Apply Korea e-Visa

This online travel authorization, called the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), allows eligible foreign nationals to pre-register their travel and personal information before they leave. The application process is online and usually requires a valid passport, contact details and basic information about your trip to South Korea.

1. Apply Korea ETA

2. Receive ETA by email

3. Enter Korea

Korean e-Visa Application

Most travelers who require the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization must apply online before their date of journey, give their personal, passport and travel information to complete the application process. Upon approval, the authorization will be electronically linked to their passport and can be used for travel to South Korea if they meet the K-ETA entry requirements.

The K-ETA is an online paperless process, approved K-ETA gets electronically linked to the traveler’s passport.

Multiple Entry options is available: The K-ETA may allow multiple trips, however it depends on the validity of that authorization and the current applicable rules.

What are the Types of Korea ETA?

The Korea ETA is a single electronic travel authorization, and not different categories of visas. But when applying, applicants need to select their purpose of entry.

e-Visa Type Details
K-ETA for Tourism
  • You should be a national of a country or region which is in the list of Korea ETA eligible countries.
  • The K-ETA for tourism category is for eligible travelers who are visiting South Korea for tourism purposes like holidays, sightseeing and leisure.
  • Must be a genuine traveler who needs to visit Korea for short term tourism purposes.
K-ETA for Business
  • You should be a national of a country or region which is in the list of Korea ETA eligible countries.
  • Visiting South Korea for a short duration, for reasons related to, attending business meetings or to carry out permitted business activities.
  • K-ETA for Business does not permit employment or other activities that require a different type of Korean visa.
  • The visit must come under the range of permitted short-term business activities.
K-ETA for Visiting Family or Friends
  • You should be a national of a country or region which is in the list of Korea ETA eligible countries.
  • The purpose is valid for eligible travelers who are temporarily visiting South Korea to meet their relatives, friends or acquaintances.
  • It is mandatory for the travelers to provide accurate information regarding the length of stay and contact information in Korea.
K-ETA for Events or Meetings
  • Valid passport of a Korea ETA eligible country.
  • The visit must be related to short-term events, meetings, conferences or similar activities.
  • If travelers intend to engage in activities requiring a visa, they should get the appropriate visa.

Documents and information required for Korean ETA

To apply for a Korean ETA, travelers typically need the following documents:

Requirements may vary based on nationality and visa type. Always check the latest guidelines before applying.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for Korea ETA

The Korea ETA is for foreign nationals who belong to Korea ETA eligible countries and who are traveling for short-term purposes.

Nationality-Based Eligibility

  • You are a citizen of a country who is in the list of Korea ETA eligible countries
  • You are visiting South Korea for a limited period for a specific purpose such as tourism, meeting family or friends, business, meetings or other activities allowed under this travel authority.
  • You are entering South Korea by air or sea and need the Korea ETA under the current rules.

Frequently Asked Questions about Korean e-Visa or Korean ETA.

Find answers to key e-Visa questions here.

The Korea ETA is for foreign nationals who belong to Korea ETA eligible countries and who are traveling for short-term purposes. In general, travelers who are eligible for the K-ETA are required to obtain the approved ETA before they board a flight or ship to South Korea. Your eligibility to apply depends on:

  • Your nationality: 110+ countries are eligible for Korean ETA, while others must apply through a Korean embassy.
  • Your travel purpose: Tourism, business, family visits, or attending events.
  • Your documentation: Valid passport, travel itinerary & accommodation proof.

The time taken by the authorities to process the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization is usually 72 hours from the day you apply.

The government of Korea informs that sometimes it might take more than 72 hours for processing applications due to large volume of applications received at once or other circumstances.

The Korea ETA is usually valid for 3 years from the date of approval, and offers multiple entries to the Republic of Korea during this time period, as long as you continue to meet the applicable Korea ETA entry requirements.

No, you cannot apply for Korea ETA after arriving in the country, anyone who needs K-ETA has to obtain it first before boarding a ship or flight to South Korea. If you apply after boarding or in Korea, you may be refused or restricted from entering.

No, you cannot apply for Korea ETA after arriving in the country, anyone who needs K-ETA has to obtain it first before boarding a ship or flight to South Korea. If you apply after boarding or in Korea, you may be refused or restricted from entering.

Yes, a valid K-ETA can be used to enter Korea multiple entries within the validity period. However, the validity period of K-ETA is separate from the permitted stay allowed in the K-ETA for each individual visit.

Why Apply for Your Korean ETA Online Through Us

Services Paper method Online
24 / 365 Online Application.
No time limit.
Application revision and correction by visa experts before submission.
Simplified application process.
Correction of missing or incorrect information.
Privacy protection and safe form.
Verification and validation of additional required information.
Support and Assistance 24/7 by E-mail.
Email Recovery of your eVisa in case of loss.

Apply Online

Disclaimers: We are a private travel agency regulated by the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. This website provides professional advice and assistance with ETA applications. There is a service fee that covers both our professional assistance and the Korean Government Visa processing fees. For official information on South Korean visa policies and application instructions, please visit the official government website, https://www.visa.go.kr/. Application can also be submitted for a lower cost through the South Korean Government website though this would be without our professional review and expert service.