Korea Entry Rules for Your First Trip: K-ETA, e-Arrival Card and What Changes in 2027

Updated Oct 18, 2026 · Checked against official sources

In this post: find out in 60 seconds what you need to enter Korea.

First-Trip Series · Part 1 of 4 Part 2 →

The short version

• Many visa-free travelers can skip the K-ETA until Dec 31, 2026.
• If you skip it, fill in the free e-Arrival Card online before you land.
• Arriving in 2027? Plan on applying for a K-ETA unless the waiver is extended.

That chart is the whole answer. The sections below explain each step.

1. Do I need a K-ETA?

A K-ETA is an online travel permit for people who can visit Korea without a visa.

Korea has paused that requirement for a list of countries. The pause runs until Dec 31, 2026 (Korea time).

Your situation	What you need
You need a visa for Korea	A visa (not a K-ETA)
Waiver country, arriving by Dec 31, 2026	No K-ETA. Do the e-Arrival Card.
Waiver country, arriving in 2027	A K-ETA, unless the waiver is extended
Visa-free, but not on the waiver list	A K-ETA

The waiver covers 22 countries and territories, including the US, UK, Japan, Australia and Canada. Check yours at k-eta.go.kr.

K-ETA at a glance

• Where: only the official site k-eta.go.kr or its official app
• When: at least 72 hours before your flight
• Cost: KRW 10,000 (about US$7)
• Valid: 3 years (or until your passport expires), multiple trips

Watch out

Look-alike sites charge far more than KRW 10,000. If the price is higher, you are not on the official site.

2. What is the e-Arrival Card?

It replaces the paper arrival form you used to fill in on the plane.

• Who: foreign visitors without a valid K-ETA
• Where: e-arrivalcard.go.kr (free)
• When: within 3 days before you arrive

Already have a K-ETA? You can skip the arrival card.

Paper cards are still accepted alongside the online version. Filling it in online first saves time at immigration.

3. What changes in 2027?

As of Oct 18, 2026, no extension of the K-ETA waiver past Dec 31, 2026 has been announced.

If you land on or after Jan 1, 2027, check the K-ETA site before you book. Apply at least 72 hours ahead if it is required.

Local tip

Screenshot your K-ETA approval or e-Arrival Card confirmation before you fly. You won't want to hunt for it on airport Wi-Fi.

Before you close this tab

1. Check your country on k-eta.go.kr
2. Note your arrival date: before or after Jan 1, 2027?
3. Set a reminder 3 days before landing for the e-Arrival Card

Entry sorted? Next upPart 2 · eSIM, SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi →

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Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm on k-eta.go.kr and e-arrivalcard.go.kr before you fly.