K-ETA and visa for Korea 2026: what EU and US travellers need to know

The short version for EU and US travellers in 2026

If you hold a passport from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or most other developed nations, here is the current position as of mid-2026:

• K-ETA: Waived until December 31, 2026. You do not need to apply.
• Visa: Not required for tourist stays up to 90 days for EU/US nationals under existing visa-free agreements.
• e-Arrival Card: Mandatory for all international arrivals, regardless of nationality. Complete it online before landing.
• 2027 change: K-ETA becomes required from January 1, 2027.

This guide explains each element in detail, covers what happens if you’re travelling in 2027 or later, and addresses common questions about the process.

South Korea: eSIM Data Plan

K-ETA: what it is and why it exists

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) is South Korea’s electronic entry pre-clearance system, similar to the US ESTA or Australia’s ETA. It was introduced in 2021 as a way to pre-screen visitors from visa-exempt countries before they board flights to Korea.

Under a standard K-ETA regime, nationals of visa-exempt countries (including EU member states and the US) would need to obtain a K-ETA approval before travelling. The application is online, costs approximately ₩10,000 (around $7.70), and approval typically takes minutes to a few hours.

However, South Korea has extended a temporary exemption multiple times since 2022, allowing nationals of major tourism-source countries to enter without K-ETA pre-clearance. As of this writing (June 2026), the exemption runs through December 31, 2026.

Who is covered by the 2026 exemption

The K-ETA exemption currently covers nationals of approximately 112 countries, including:

• All EU member state passports
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia and New Zealand
• Japan (bilateral)
• Most other OECD countries

If your country is among the exempted, you can board your flight to Korea and pass through immigration in Incheon without K-ETA pre-clearance, provided you:

1. Hold a valid return ticket
2. Have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay (some airlines and immigration officers apply this rule; check before travel)
3. Have no prior immigration violations in Korea
4. Have completed the mandatory e-Arrival Card

If your country is not among the exempted, check the Korean Embassy website for your country of residence. Some nationalities require a full visa; others require K-ETA even during the exemption period.

The e-Arrival Card: mandatory for everyone

Regardless of nationality and regardless of K-ETA status, South Korea requires all arriving international travellers to complete an e-Arrival Card (also called the Electronic Arrival Card or EAC) before landing.

Website: www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr

When to complete it: Up to 3 days before your arrival date. Do not complete it too far in advance as it is trip-specific.

What it asks: Basic personal information (name, passport number, nationality), flight details (flight number, date of arrival), Korean address during your stay (hotel name and address is sufficient), and health questions.

Cost: Free.

What you get: A QR code that you show to immigration officers on arrival. Some airlines may check it during boarding; many do not.

Paper alternative: Paper arrival cards are no longer standard procedure in Korean airports. The electronic system has replaced the paper card that long-term travellers may remember filling in on the plane.

If you forget: Immigration officers at Incheon Airport have provisions for passengers who arrive without completing the e-Arrival Card, but it may slow your processing. Complete it before departure to avoid delays.

What changes on January 1, 2027

From January 1, 2027, the K-ETA exemption ends and the standard system resumes. This means:

• EU and US nationals travelling to Korea in 2027 or later will need to obtain a K-ETA before departure.
• The K-ETA application is online at eta.go.kr
• Cost: approximately ₩10,000 ($7.70)
• Processing time: Usually approved within minutes to a few hours; may take up to 72 hours in some cases
• Validity: Multiple entries over 2 years (check current policy as this may change)
• The e-Arrival Card remains mandatory alongside K-ETA

If you are planning a trip to Korea in early 2027: Apply for K-ETA before departure. Do not leave it to the airport — K-ETA is a pre-travel requirement and cannot be obtained at the border.

If you are planning a trip straddling 2026–2027 (arriving in December 2026, departing in January 2027): You enter without K-ETA under the 2026 exemption (your stay begins before the deadline). Check with Korean immigration authorities if any uncertainty arises regarding your specific dates.

Standard visa-free rules (separate from K-ETA)

K-ETA exemption and visa exemption are different layers of the same entry system. Even without K-ETA, EU and US nationals remain under existing bilateral visa-free agreements that allow stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without applying for a traditional visa through a Korean Embassy.

90-day rule: You may stay in Korea for up to 90 consecutive days under the visa-free arrangement. This is per entry, not per year. If you leave Korea and re-enter, the 90 days reset.

What visa exemption covers: Tourism, visiting family, short business trips, transit.

What it does not cover: Long-term residency, employment, studying for longer than permitted under tourist entry, or activities requiring a specific visa category.

For stays beyond 90 days, you need a D-category (student) or E-category (employment) visa from a Korean Embassy in your home country. This is entirely separate from K-ETA and beyond the scope of this guide.

Incheon Airport immigration process (step by step)

1. On the plane (before landing): Complete your e-Arrival Card at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr if you haven’t done so before departure. You will receive a QR code.

2. At Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 or 2): Follow signs to Immigration/Passport Control after disembarking. The queues are divided by Korean nationals and foreigners; use the “Foreigners” lane.

3. At the immigration counter: Present your passport and e-Arrival Card QR code (on phone or printed). The officer may ask standard questions (purpose of visit, where you’re staying, return ticket). This is routine.

4. Biometrics: First-time visitors to Korea have fingerprints and a photo taken at the immigration counter. This is standard and quick.

5. Entry stamp: Your passport is stamped with the entry date and permitted stay period (typically 90 days for visa-exempt nationalities).

6. Baggage collection: Collect checked luggage, pass through customs (green channel for nothing to declare, red for declarations).

7. AREX or transport onward: Follow signs to the AREX station inside the arrivals hall for train connections to Incheon city or Seoul. For full transport details, see the getting around guide.

Transit passengers

If you are transiting through Incheon Airport without entering South Korea (airside transit, remaining in the international departure area), you do not need a visa, K-ETA, or e-Arrival Card. This applies only if you never pass through passport control into South Korea.

If you exit the terminal to visit the city during a layover (see the layover itinerary guide), you are entering South Korea and all entry requirements apply.

Common questions and edge cases

I have dual nationality including a Korean passport. Enter on your Korean passport; no K-ETA or visa processing required as a Korean citizen.

My passport has less than 6 months validity. Airlines may refuse boarding, and some immigration officers decline entry on passports with under 6 months validity relative to your departure date. Renew your passport before travel if this is relevant.

I am travelling from a third country, not my home country. Your K-ETA/visa eligibility is determined by your passport nationality, not where you’re travelling from.

I was denied entry to Korea previously. A prior denial of entry significantly complicates future entry attempts. Consult the Korean Embassy in your home country before planning another trip.

Incheon Airport: Pick-up & Drop-off Service

Practical tips before departure

1. Save the e-Arrival Card QR code offline. Airport Wi-Fi is reliable, but having the QR saved in your phone gallery means you don’t need to open a browser at the counter.

2. Know your Korean address. You need to provide an address on the e-Arrival Card. Your first hotel’s name and address is sufficient. Look it up before submitting the form.

3. Carry your onward ticket. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of onward travel. A screenshot of your return or onward booking is sufficient.

4. Declare if necessary. The customs declaration applies to amounts over $10,000 USD in cash equivalents, certain agricultural products, and specific controlled items. Most tourist travellers have nothing to declare.

5. Emergency contact: The Korea Tourism Helpline at 1330 is available 24/7 in English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages. If you have questions about entry requirements at the airport, they can assist by phone.

Frequently asked questions about Korea K-ETA and visa

Can I get K-ETA at Incheon Airport?

No. K-ETA is a pre-travel electronic authorisation that must be obtained before departure. It cannot be processed at the airport. (Note: K-ETA is waived for EU/US citizens through December 31, 2026 — so this question only becomes relevant from 2027.)

Is the e-Arrival Card the same as the K-ETA?

No. They are separate documents. The e-Arrival Card (EAC) replaces the old paper arrival card that all passengers filled in on the plane. K-ETA is an advance authorisation (similar to ESTA) for visa-exempt nationals. Currently (2026), EU/US nationals need the e-Arrival Card but not K-ETA. From 2027, they will need both.

Do children need to complete the e-Arrival Card?

Yes, minors travelling to South Korea also require an e-Arrival Card. For children who cannot complete it themselves, a parent or guardian can complete it on their behalf.

What is the current K-ETA fee for 2027 and beyond?

The standard K-ETA fee is approximately ₩10,000 (around $7.70 at current rates). Fees may change — check the official website at eta.go.kr for current prices when applying.

How long does K-ETA approval take?

Typically minutes to a few hours for most applicants. The official guidance says up to 72 hours. Apply several days before departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Do I need travel insurance for South Korea?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not legally required for tourist entry. South Korea has excellent medical facilities, but treatment costs for serious illness or injury can be very high without insurance. Standard travel insurance covering medical evacuation and emergency treatment is advisable.

Can I extend my 90-day stay once in Korea?

In limited circumstances, an immigration extension (D-9 sojourn status) can be applied for at the Korea Immigration Service while in the country. This is uncommon for tourists and subject to strict criteria. If you need more than 90 days, apply for the appropriate visa at a Korean Embassy before travelling.