Do you need an entry card for South Korea?
Foreign travelers entering South Korea may need to complete the Korea e-Arrival Card before arrival. This official online declaration allows travelers to submit arrival information electronically instead of relying only on paper forms.
The Korea e-Arrival Card is not a visa and is not the same as K-ETA. Travelers should also check whether they need a visa, can enter visa-free, or must apply for K-ETA before travel.
For a full explanation of the online arrival form, read the dedicated Korea e-Arrival Card guide.
Korea e-Arrival Card overview
The Korea e-Arrival Card is the official electronic arrival declaration for travelers entering the Republic of Korea. It can be completed online before arrival and is designed to simplify the entry process.
The official service states that the declaration can be submitted within 3 days before arrival in Korea and that no fee is required.
Travelers should use the official Korean e-government website when submitting personal information and avoid unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary fees.
South Korea K-ETA overview
K-ETA means Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. It is an electronic travel authorization for eligible visa-free travelers who need approval before boarding a flight or ship to South Korea.
K-ETA is separate from the Korea e-Arrival Card. K-ETA relates to travel authorization, while the e-Arrival Card relates to arrival declaration information.
Some travelers may be temporarily exempt from K-ETA depending on nationality and current Korean government rules. Always check the official K-ETA website before departure.
Visa, visa exemption and length of stay
Entry conditions for South Korea depend on your nationality, passport type, travel purpose and planned length of stay. Some travelers can enter under visa exemption, some may need K-ETA, and others need a visa before travel.
You should check your permitted length of stay before booking long accommodation plans or onward travel. Visa-free entry, K-ETA approval and actual permission to stay are separate issues.
The Korea e-Arrival Card does not extend your stay and does not replace a visa or K-ETA when one is required.
Passport validity and travel documents
Before traveling to South Korea, check that your passport is valid for your trip and accepted by your airline. Airlines may check your passport, visa status, K-ETA status, arrival declaration and onward travel before boarding.
You may also be asked about your accommodation address, contact details in Korea, return or onward ticket and purpose of visit.
Make sure that all online information matches your passport exactly, especially your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and travel dates.
Arrival by air or sea
South Korea receives travelers through international airports and seaports. The entry process can vary depending on your route, nationality, visa status and port of arrival.
If you enter South Korea by sea, do not assume that the process is identical to an airport arrival. Check whether your documents, arrival declaration and travel authorization are accepted for your route.
Always check the latest official guidance before your trip, especially if you are entering through a less common port or traveling as part of a cruise itinerary.
Official links for entering South Korea
Use official Korean government websites when checking entry requirements, completing the Korea e-Arrival Card or applying for K-ETA.
The official Korea e-Arrival Card website and the official K-ETA website are linked from this site for convenience, but travelers should always verify the domain before entering passport details, travel information or payment information.
Be careful with unofficial websites that look official, charge extra fees or provide unclear visa, K-ETA or arrival card services.
Common mistakes before traveling to South Korea
Common mistakes include confusing the Korea e-Arrival Card with K-ETA, assuming that K-ETA is always required, forgetting to check visa rules, using unofficial paid websites, entering passport details incorrectly or submitting travel information too late.
Prepare your passport, visa status, K-ETA status if applicable, e-Arrival Card information, accommodation address, arrival date, contact details and onward travel information before departure.
South Korea Entry Requirements