Last reviewed: October 11, 2026 · We will update this page as soon as Korea announces what happens to the exemption after December 31, 2026.
Quick answer
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-approval for nationals of countries that can enter Korea without a visa. If you need one, you cannot board a flight or ship to Korea without it.
- It costs KRW 10,000 and is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner.
- Apply only at www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app, ideally at least 72 hours before boarding.
- Travelers from 22 countries and regions, including the US, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia, are temporarily exempt until December 31, 2026. Korea has not yet announced whether this will be extended into 2027.
Who needs a K-ETA
K-ETA applies to nationals of countries and regions that can enter Korea visa-free. Korea Immigration Service lists 112 such countries and regions: 67 with visa waiver agreements and 45 allowed visa-free entry for tourism or transit.
You do not need a K-ETA if you are in one of these groups listed by Korea Immigration Service:
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders
- Aircraft and ship crew
- Transit passengers
- Foreigners aged 17 or under, or 65 or over
K-ETA is the entry route for visa-free visitors. If you are coming on a visa, such as a work visa, a working holiday visa or a digital nomad visa, you travel on that visa instead. Foreign residents who already live in Korea with an alien registration card should confirm their own case with the Immigration Contact Center (1345) before traveling.
The 22 temporarily exempt countries and regions
Since April 1, 2023, Korea has temporarily exempted these travelers from K-ETA to support tourism:
| Region | Countries and regions |
|---|---|
| Asia (5) | Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macao |
| Americas (2) | United States (including Guam), Canada |
| Europe (13) | United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria |
| Oceania (2) | New Zealand, Australia |
List from the Korean Consulate General in New York notice (from April 1, 2023). The December 2025 extension applied to “the countries currently exempt” without publishing a new list. While applying on the K-ETA site, scanning your passport shows a pop-up if you are exempt.
Exemption timeline
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| April 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024 | Original temporary exemption |
| January 1 – December 31, 2025 | Extended by 1 year |
| January 1 – December 31, 2026 (KST) | Extended by 1 more year (K-ETA notice, December 23, 2025) |
| From January 1, 2027 | Not announced as of October 11, 2026 |
What happens after December 31, 2026?
As of October 11, 2026, neither the K-ETA website nor the Ministry of Justice has announced an extension or an end to the exemption. Both previous extensions were announced in December, close to the deadline.
- If it is extended again, nationals of the 22 countries and regions can keep entering without a K-ETA.
- If it is not extended, they would need a K-ETA for visa-free trips from January 1, 2027.
Some travel sites already say K-ETA “becomes mandatory in 2027”. That is what happens only if there is no extension. It is not an official decision.
How to apply for a K-ETA
- Go to the official site www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA mobile app. You can apply as a member or a non-member; fees, review time and validity are the same.
- Prepare your passport, a recent facial photo, an email address, your travel plan and your accommodation details in Korea.
- Apply at least 72 hours before boarding. Korea Immigration Service recommends this. Results usually arrive within 72 hours.
- Pay KRW 10,000 (about USD 7–8) by card. An additional processing charge may apply; the site states the amount at payment.
- Check the result on the website or app before you fly. Airlines check K-ETA status at boarding.
With an approved K-ETA you also do not need to fill in an arrival card, and immigration processing is faster. Separately, some visitors can use the automated immigration gates; see SES and automated entry for 42 countries.
Should exempt travelers apply anyway?
You can. Travelers from the 22 exempt countries and regions may still apply voluntarily and pay the fee. The main benefit is skipping the arrival card. If you travel to Korea often, or plan a trip after December 2026, a 3-year K-ETA may save effort.
If you do not apply, you will need to submit an arrival card, either the online e-Arrival Card (from 3 days before arrival, Korea time) or the form provided on arrival.
If your K-ETA is refused
A K-ETA refusal means you cannot use visa-free entry for that trip. If you still need to travel, apply for a visa at a Korean embassy or consulate. Embassies do not review K-ETA applications, and the K-ETA site does not publish detailed reasons for refusals.
We have not found an official rule on how many times you can reapply or how long to wait, so treat any such claim with caution. If you are applying for a work visa instead, see our E-7 visa rejection reasons guide.
Avoid fake K-ETA sites
The official K-ETA site warns about look-alike “agency” and phishing sites that charge high fees. The application is accepted only at www.k-eta.go.kr and in the official K-ETA app. A site that charges much more than KRW 10,000 or promises “express” approval is not the government service.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a K-ETA in 2026?
No, not until December 31, 2026. The US (including Guam) is one of the 22 temporarily exempt countries and regions. What happens from January 2027 has not been announced.
How long is a K-ETA valid?
3 years from approval, or until your passport expires if that comes first. You can use it for multiple trips during that time.
How much does K-ETA cost?
KRW 10,000, about USD 7–8, paid online. An additional processing charge may be added at payment.
Can I work in Korea with a K-ETA?
No. K-ETA is for short visa-free visits such as tourism or business meetings. Employment requires a work visa.
My child is 15. Do they need a K-ETA?
No. Foreigners aged 17 or under, and those aged 65 or over, are exempt from applying.
Will the exemption be extended to 2027?
It has not been announced as of October 11, 2026. Past extensions were announced in December. We will update this page when there is an official notice.
Official references
- K-ETA official website · exemption extension notice (December 23, 2025)
- Korea Immigration Service — K-ETA overview
- Korean Consulate General in New York — list of exempt countries and regions
- e-Arrival Card · Immigration Contact Center 1345
Information notice: This guide gives general information based on official sources checked October 11, 2026. Entry rules, exempt countries and fees can change at short notice. Check the official K-ETA site before you travel. It is not individual legal advice, and immigration officers decide entry at the border.