The South Korea online visa waiver, also known as K-ETA, is set to launch on November 1, 2022, offering visa exemption to citizens of eight countries. This significant development comes after the implementation of travel restrictions during the pandemic.
Eligibility Expansion
Starting November 1, 2022, South Korea will reinstate visa-free travel for visitors from eight countries. This marks a significant change since the pandemic. The following nations will now be eligible for visa exemption:
- Japan
- Taiwan
These newly qualified travelers will no longer require a visa when visiting South Korea.
Decision Process
The Korea Disease Prevention and Control Agency (KDCA) held a press conference announcing the decision. Consultations were conducted with various agencies, including the justice ministry, to reach this milestone.
Convenient Electronic Travel Authorization
The South Korean government has introduced the K-ETA, an electronic travel authorization that can be obtained online. This new program is designed to simplify the visa application process for eligible travelers, offering a more convenient alternative to the traditional in-person application method. The digital platform provides an intuitive interface and ensures rapid processing times.
Key features of the K-ETA program include:
- Electronic travel authorization for eligible travelers.
- Online application process.
- Intuitive interface and rapid processing times.
This expansion of the South Korea online visa waiver program reflects the country's commitment to facilitating international travel while maintaining necessary security measures.
Reinstatement of Visa-Free Travel: Introducing the K-ETA
The K-ETA program was initially launched in September 2021, granting visa exemption to visitors from 49 out of the 112 countries and territories that were previously visa-exempt.
Continuous Expansion
Over time, the K-ETA program has expanded to include more and more of the 112 nations. The latest addition was Hong Kong, which became eligible on July 1, 2022.
Limited Ineligibility
Currently, only eight previously visa-exempt countries are ineligible for the K-ETA. Travelers holding passports from these nations must apply for a visa to visit South Korea instead.
Reciprocity-based Policy
South Korea's policy has predominantly been based on reciprocity. It has been cautious about reinstating visa-exempt status for visitors from countries that have suspended visa exemptions for South Korean nationals.
November 1: A Significant Change
From November 1, a groundbreaking change will occur. For the first time, all 112 visa-exempt nationalities will have access to the K-ETA program.
Requirement for Visa-Free Travel
The K-ETA is now a mandatory requirement for visa-free travel to South Korea. It can be utilized for various purposes, including vacations, business trips, and non-profit-making activities.
This comprehensive expansion of the K-ETA program demonstrates South Korea's commitment to facilitating travel while maintaining bilateral considerations.
Eligible Countries for the K-ETA Program as of November 1, 2022
From November 2022, the K-ETA visa waiver for South Korea can be applied using passports issued by the following nations:
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macau
- Micronesia
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Taiwan
- Tonga
Previously, Japan, Macau, and Taiwan were temporarily granted the K-ETA during August 2022 for the Seoul Festa. However, their eligibility expired on September 1. Now, citizens of these countries can avail of the K-ETA on a permanent basis.
In addition to these eight additions, there are already 104 countries eligible for the K-ETA, including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and all European Union (EU) countries.
Impact of the K-ETA on Travel to South Korea from Eight Countries
One of the main reasons why South Korea is opening the K-ETA to all 112 visa-exempt countries is to encourage more international visitors.
Impact of the Pandemic and Easing Restrictions
The pandemic had a significant impact on global tourism, including South Korea. However, with the situation now under control, the return to normal visa policy and the easing of restrictions aim to revitalize tourism and boost the country's economy.
Important Countries and Expected Tourism Growth
- Taiwan: Taiwanese visitors were a significant tourism group for South Korea, with 1.21 million in 2019. With the K-ETA granting visa exemption, it is anticipated that more Taiwanese nationals will visit South Korea, leading to a rise in tourist numbers.
- Japan: Japan has traditionally been a major source of tourism for South Korea, with annual visits ranging from 2 to 3.5 million before the pandemic. As the K-ETA becomes available, travel between the two countries is expected to soar.
Increasing Flights and Travel Opportunities
Flights between Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) and Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP) are projected to double to 56 round trips per week starting from October 30. This increase in flight frequency will facilitate travel and enhance opportunities for tourism between Japan and South Korea.
