Visitor & short-stay visas
South Korean K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
An online travel authorisation that visa-free and visa-waiver nationals must obtain before short visits to South Korea.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
K-ETA fee, exact validity period, eligible-country list and the current temporary exemption end date are unverified here and must be confirmed on the official K-ETA portal.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official South Korea government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
- Route type
- Pre-travel authorization for visa-free / visa-waiver entry
- Purpose
- Tourism, visiting family, events/meetings, non-remunerative business
- Validity
- Multiple entries within the authorization's validity period
- Exact validity period to be confirmed on the official portal
- Cost
- 10,000 KRW (plus a small payment processing fee)
- Non-refundable regardless of the result. Verified via Korea Immigration Service / MOFA.
- Number of entries
- Multiple entries within the validity period
- When to apply
- At least 72 hours before boarding, ideally up to a week ahead
- Where to apply
- Official portal k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA mobile app only
- Who is exempt
- Travellers aged 17 and under or 65 and over are exempt; a temporary exemption also applies to eligible nationalities
- Exemption categories and the temporary-exemption end date must be confirmed on the official portal.
Who it is for
- Nationals of visa-waiver or designated visa-free countries making short visits
- Travellers coming for tourism, family visits, events/meetings or non-profit business
- Not for those intending paid employment or long-term stay
How to apply
- Apply online only at the official portal k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app
- Provide passport and travel details and a facial photo
- Pay the K-ETA processing fee
- Apply in advance of travel rather than at the airport
Requirements
- Hold a passport from a K-ETA-eligible visa-waiver or designated visa-free country
- Be travelling for a permitted short-stay purpose (tourism, visiting family, events/meetings or non-remunerative business) — K-ETA does not permit paid work
- Apply and receive approval before boarding; K-ETA cannot be obtained on arrival
- Approval does not guarantee entry — an immigration officer at the port of entry makes the final decision
Documents you may need
- A valid passport (the same passport must be used to travel)
- A recent passport-style facial photo for upload
- A working email address to receive the result
- A credit or debit card to pay the 10,000 KRW fee
- Your travel and accommodation details in Korea
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.