South Korea ETA Requirements for US Citizens (2024)

The South Korea ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a visa waiver that grants US citizens the possibility to visit the Republic of Korea visa-free for up to 90 days each time.

The K-ETA can be obtained by Americans by applying online from the comfort of their home or office. They only need to abide by the Korean visa waiver requirements and have a stable internet connection to complete an electronic application form.

No, US nationals do not need a visa to visit South Korea. However, they must either have an approved K-ETA or queue at the border to complete an arrival card to enter the country.

The K-ETA visa waiver for American citizens is quick and easy to get online. It avoids having to go through the lengthier application process for a Korean visa at a diplomatic mission or waste time waiting in line to get entry authorization on arrival.

Americans with a K-ETA can visit South Korea for a maximum of 90 consecutive days without a visa.

The K-ETA for Americans can be used to enter South Korea visa-free for the following reasons:

• Leisure
• Visiting friends or family
• Attending meetings and events

For trips to South Korea longer than 90 consecutive days and/or for purposes other than the ones mentioned above, it is necessary to have a Korean visa for US travelers. This can be done by inquiring at the nearest Korean consulate or embassy.

In order to complete the simple Korean Electronic Travel Authorization application process, United States passport holders must meet a few basic visa waiver requirements.

Currently, American applicants need to meet certain criteria, which includes having the following:

• United States passport, which is valid for a minimum of 6 months
• Passport-sized photograph of the American citizen
• Active email address, which will be used for K-ETA correspondence
• Credit or debit card to pay the ETA Korea fee

In addition to these documents, US nationals must share information about their trip (e.g., travel plans, proof of onward travel and accommodation), and their current occupation, and answer a few health and security-related questions.

Since the US passport is automatically linked to the K-ETA once this is granted, American travelers must carry the same passport used during the application process on their trip to the Republic of Korea.

Important: We advise you to check the general visa conditions for US citizens in case they have further questions about the application process and the eligibility criteria when traveling abroad.

The South Korea ETA online application for US nationals is quite easy, simple, and straightforward. Usually, it does not take more than 20 minutes to be completed.

American visitors must submit the following information when applying online for the K-ETA:

• Basic information about the traveler, such as full name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship
• Contact details, such as a home address, email address, and phone number
• Travel details, such as trip itinerary, proof of onward travel & accommodation
• Passport information, such as country, number, expiry date, and issue date

The application form may have some additional questions about health, security, and other aspects.

Then, US travelers have to complete the payment of the Korea visa waiver processing fee. This can be done with a debit card or a debit card. All major bank cards are accepted.

American applicants are advised to make sure that the information provided matches the US passport and any other data submitted. Small errors and inconsistencies can lead to issues processing the visa waiver. Double-check your answers before submitting the form.

When arriving in South Korea, nationals from the United States must show their US passport along with the K-ETA. Once the border and immigration officials have checked all the information, they will grant entry to all eligible passengers.

Although the document can be presented in digital format once in South Korea, we recommend that you print a hard copy to have it with you during the entirety of the trip.

American citizens must note they are not allowed to overstay a Korean visa waiver. If this happens, you can be denied entry in future trips to the country.