This is frequently asked questions about K-ETA. So if you want to make it, please read these lists at the bottom carefully.
1.What is K-ETA?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online electronic travel authorization that visa-free foreign visitors need to obtain before entering the Republic of Korea for the purpose of tour, visiting relatives, participating in events or meetings, or business (excluding profit-making activities)
2. Who needs to apply for K-ETA?
K-ETA is for nationals of 67 visa waiver countries and nationals of 45 designated visa-free countries. K-ETA is required for foreign nationals who intend to enter the Republic of Korea for tourism, visiting relatives, participating in events or meeting, and business purposes other than profitable activities.
3.Is it mandatory to get a K-ETA when visiting Korea?
Yes, it is. If a national of a K-ETA required country does not have a K-ETA, he or she will not be allowed to board the flight or ship bound for the Republic of Korea.
4.What do I need to prepare to fill out the K-ETA application form?
You need a valid passport, email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the application fee (non-refundable). If you are applying via PC not via mobile application, you need a photo file to upload your facial image.
5.How long can I stay in Korea if I have a K-ETA?
Generally up to 90 days, but the allowed period of stay may differ by the nationality. Please check the below information.
6.When do I need to apply for the K-ETA?
You should apply for the K-ETA prior to boarding the flight or ship bound for the Republic of Korea. Assessment takes normally 72 hours. However, it can take more than 72 hours due to an unexpected increase of applications, the circ*mstances of the applicants etc.
7.How long does it take from submitting the K-ETA application to receiving the results?
The applicant can check the result by
<Result K-ETA>
within 72 hours after completing the K-ETA application.
However, it can take more than 72 hours due to an unexpected increase of applications, the circ*mstances of the applicants etc.
8.How much is the K-ETA fee? Can I get a refund if my application is refused?
K-ETA application consular fee is 10 USD + service fee is 30 USD and it is non-refundable even though the application is rejected.
9.How do I pay for the K-ETA fee?
You can pay through paypal
10.How long is the validity period of a K-ETA?
The validity period of a K-ETA is 2 years from the date of approval. However, if the passport used for the K-ETA application expires in less than 2 years, that K-ETA approval will be valid until the passport expiration date.
11.In what cases do I need to re-apply for the K-ETA during the validity period?
You are required to apply for new K-ETA if there is any change to your information such as nationality, name, sex, date of birth, passport number, passport expiration date, infectious disease or criminal record even though the approved K-ETA is still valid.
12.Is there anything else I need to prepare when I am visiting Korea again within my K-ETA validity period?
Even if you are entering the Republic of Korea again within the validity of your K-ETA, you must update any changes to your purpose of entry, address in Korea or contact information through the k-eta.travel website before entering Korea. This service is not responsible for any disadvantages caused by travelers not updating their information.
13.I am from a K-ETA required country but I already have a valid Korean visa. Do I need to get a K-ETA?
No. If you have a valid Korean visa, you do not need to get a K-ETA.
14.I am from a K-ETA required country but I am a registered foreign resident in Korea. Do I need to get a K-ETA?
No. Residence Card holders (registered foreign residents) do not need to get a K-ETA.
15.Do flight or ship crew members need to get a K-ETA?
When a flight or ship crew member is entering the Republic of Korea as a crew member, that person does not need to get a K-ETA.
16.I want to travel to Jeju Island. Do I need to get a K-ETA?
Yes, Even if you want to visit Jeju Island, you must obtain K-ETA approval before boarding the plane or ship.
17.I am a transfer passenger. Do I need to get a K-ETA?
No. Transfer/transit passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea do not need to get a K-ETA.
However, if you need to go through the immigration control to recheck your baggage or for any other reasons, you are required to get a K-ETA.
18.I have a valid ABTC. Do I need to get a K-ETA?
No. Valid ABTC holders will be able to receive their boarding pass without a K-ETA.
But, USA and Canada are not included
19.I am a diplomatic/official passport holder and I will visit Korea for official purposes. Do I need to get a K-ETA?
In principle, diplomatic and official passport holders are required to obtain a K-ETA. However, for those who requested for K-ETA exemption through relevant organizations in advance, and received approval from the Ministry of Justice, will not be required to get a K-ETA.
20.I am a member of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). Do I need to get a K-ETA?
No. According to the ‘Agreement under Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea, regarding Facilities and Areas and the Status of United States Armed Forces in the Republic of Korea (SOFA)’, members of the United States Armed Forces (USFK service members) do not need to get a K-ETA. Note that you will need to present your DOD ID card instead of your passport upon check-in for issuance of your boarding pass.
21.Do dependents of members of the United States armed forces and members of the civilian component need to get a K-ETA?
Yes. In principle, dependents of USFK members and members of the civilian component are required to obtain a K-ETA. However, those who request K-ETA exemption through the competent authorities of the United States to the Ministry of Justice, and receive approval, they may be exempt from the K-ETA requirement.
22.If I have a K-ETA, am I allowed to work in Korea?
No. You cannot engage in profitable activities in Korea with a K-ETA. You must obtain a separate visa that allows you to work and participate in employment activities in Korea.
23.Does my identification photo (face image) for my K-ETA application have to be the same as my passport photo?
No. It does not have to be the same photo, but should comply with the following conditions.
- Should be in color
- Should be in image file such as JPG
- Image size less than 100KB
- Pixel density less than 700*700
- No accessories such as hats, scarves, or sunglasses
- Recommend less colorful patterned clothing
- Full face, front view (75% of the image), eyes should be open looking straight at the camera
24.How long does it take to apply for a K-ETA?
It will take approximately 10 minutes.
25.How will my photo and personal information that were provided upon application for the K-ETA be used?
Information provided for the K-ETA application is collected in accordance with Article 7-3 (Electronic Travel Authorization) of the Immigration Act and Article 101 (Processing of sensitive and unique information), and collected information will be stored in the Immigration Control Information System, and may be disclosed to other government agencies of the Republic of Korea in accordance with relevant domestic laws and regulations.
26.What happens if I submit false information on the K-ETA application?
In case of submitting false information, the K-ETA approval will be refused or cancelled, and that person may by subject to penalties or face entry restriction according to relevant Korean laws.
27.What do I do if I made a mistake on the application form?
Before submitting your application, you will be able to correct any mistakes that you made.
28.I received K-ETA approval with incorrect information. Will I be allowed to enter Korea?
You may face disadvantages such as entry denial. Please re-apply for your K-ETA.
29.How can I check my K-ETA results?
The applicant can check the result by
<Result K-ETA>
30.Do I need to get a K-ETA every time I visit Korea?
No. Once you are approved of a K-ETA, you do not have to apply for 2 years. However, if the passport used for the K-ETA application expires in less than 2 years, that K-ETA approval will be valid until the passport expiration date.
31.I am travelling with a friend, can we apply for K-ETA together?
Yes. One applicant can apply for up to 30 people, such as family members, and can proceed with the K-ETA payment as well. The K-ETA results for each person will be sent to the applicant’s e-mail. Each applicant can also check the K-ETA approval status with the application number and passport number on the K-ETA official website.
32.My K-ETA application was disapproved. What can I do to enter Korea?
we are unable to give you the reason for the denial since it is subject to non-disclosure information. You should visit a Korean Embassy (or Consulate) located in your jurisdiction and apply for an entry visa.
33.Can I fill out the K-ETA application in any language?
No. When filling out the K-ETA application, you can apply based on what is written in English. However, the question is offered in multiple languages.
34.Where can I ask questions about K-ETA?
Please send an email to contact@k-eta.travel.
Available in English, Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and German.
35.I would like to know about the quarantine procedures regarding COVID-19.
K-ETA Center is not in charge of quarantine-related matters such as PCR tests or Q-code. Please contact the department in charge for more details (www.kdca.go.kr, ☏1339).
36.I am a national from a country where visa-free entry is not allowed, but if I depart from (or reside in) a country where visa-free entry is allowed to Korea, can I apply for K-ETA?
The eligibility of the K-ETA application depends on the nationality stated on the bio page of the passport, not on the country of residence or departure. Therefore, if you are a national of a country where visa-free entry is not allowed, you cannot apply for K-ETA.
37.I am a dual citizenship holder holding both Korean passport and alternate country’s passport. Do I need to apply for K-ETA?
The dual citizenship holders are required to present their Korean passport for immigration inspection when they enter or exit the Republic of Korea since they are not allowed to exercise the foreign nationality in the Republic of Korea.
38.I accidently submitted a K-ETA application with wrong personal information (passport number, nationality, gender etc.), but I got K-ETA approval. Can I edit the information?
Once the application is submitted, you cannot edit your passport number, nationality, gender and other personal information. Therefore, you must re-apply for K-ETA with the correct personal information.
Even if you have K-ETA approval, you may not be able to board the plane/ship or enter the country if there are any discrepancies between K-ETA and passport information.
