Information regarding the K-ETA application 상세보기|Visa RequirementsConsulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle (2024)

FAQs

Is K-ETA required for US citizens? ›

The K-ETA applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the US, andalso grants a reentry permit for up to two years from the issuedate. However, US citizens areexempt from needing the K-ETA to enter South Korea until December 2024.

You should apply for the K-ETA prior to boarding the flight or ship bound for the Republic of Korea. Assessment takes normally 72 hours. However, it can take more than 72 hours due to an unexpected increase of applications, the circ*mstances of the applicants etc.

No. Once you are approved of a K-ETA, you do not have to apply for 2 years. However, if the passport used for the K-ETA application expires in less than 2 years, that K-ETA approval will be valid until the passport expiration date.

1 K-ETA eligible nationals, who wish to enter visa-free the Republic of Korea, must obtain K-ETA approval before boarding the flight or ship. Please keep in mind that the assessment can take more than 72 hours depending of the situation (ex, an increased number of K-ETA applications, applicants' circ*mstances, etc).

○ List of 22 countries/regions eligible for temporary exemption of K-ETA: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).

The official cost of K-ETA is 10,000 won, or approximately $9.00 (USD). 2. Note: According to K-ETA website, it takes approximately 72 hours to process the application, so for those wanting to enter Korea through visa-free or visa-waiver program, it is recommended to apply in advance.

The cost of the South Korea K-ETA is 10.000 KRW per person, the equivalent to USD $7.30. A single-entry South Korea visa valid for up to 90 days costs USD $40 and for 91-days or longer costs USD $60. A double-entry South Korea visa costs USD $70, and a multiple-entry South Korea visa costs USD $90.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.

Do I need to print out my K-ETA? ›

If you receive 'Approval for Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA),' you do not need to print or bring the 'Approval for Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)' and 'e-Arrival Card' with you when entering Korea.

K-ETA authorization is generally valid for multiple trips (up to 90 days for Estonian Nationality per 1 trip) over a period of 3 years (starting from July 3, 2023) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first (Application fee-10,000 KRW/person).

COVID-19 in Korea

Currently, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to Korea.

A U.S citizen with a valid passport can visit the Republic of Korea with K-ETA for 90 days for the purpose of tourism or visitation.

You can apply for K-ETA anytime. However you MUST obtain a K-ETA approval before boarding the flight or ship bound for the Republic of Korea. You can apply for K-ETA via the K-ETA official website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or mobile App (K-ETA).

Canadian permanent residents

You don't need an eTA or a visitor visa if you're a Canadian permanent resident. However, you must travel with a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document. Important – former residents of Canada: Permanent resident (PR) status does not expire.

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.