Who should apply for K-ETA:Nationals from countries that have visa-waiver or visa-free agreement with Korea and whose purpose of visit is tourism, business, discussions, conferences, short-term study with stay below 90 days...etc. ✔︎ Tip 1:How to check if you are eligible for K-ETA ○VisitK-ETA website (click)and select your country in the dropbox. ○If you can find your country, it means you can apply for K-ETA. ○If you CANNOT find your country, it means you cannot apply for K-ETA and will need to apply for visa.
✔︎ Tip 2:The Korea government provides K-ETA exemption for certain nationalities (i.e Singapore) and age groups. You may refer to the "Exceptions" section below orclick herefor more details. |
How to apply:Apply online atwww.k-eta.go.kr(The Korean government did not designate any 3rd party agency or website for K-ETA applications) When to apply:At leastone (1) monthbefore departure toavoid unnecessary inconveniences.The Embassy has no control over the processing time of K-ETA applications.
Who to contact for assistance:You may contact the K-ETA Centre at+82-2-2666-0463or via theonline enquiry form (click). Note: K-ETA applications are not assessed or approved by the Embassy in Singapore. Therefore, we would not be able to assist with checking application status or providing expedition for processing. | Who should apply for visa:Nationals who are not eligible for K-ETA, whose K-ETA application is denied or whose purpose of visit is not covered under K-ETA. How to apply:Most visa applications (i.e C-3 types) are to be submitted through appointed visa agents.Pleaseclick herefor the list of visa types and refer to the individual visa checklist for the mode of submission. Note:If you have a multiple entry visa (C-3 type) in your current/old passport that has not expired, you may use it to enter Korea.Transfer of visa (click)is required if the valid multiple entry visa is in your old passport. | [Exceptions]The following groups of individuals do not require K-ETA or visa: - Korean nationals - APEC card holders (excluding US and Canada) - Registered foreigners (i.e holders of Registration Card) - UN passport holders - Transit passengers who will not clear the immigration in Korea (excluding Egypt, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) -(with effect from 09 Jan 2023)Diplomatic and Official passport holders of K-ETA required countries -(from 01 April 2023 to 31 December 2024)Nationals fromAustralia, 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). -(with effect from 03 July 2023)Nationals from K-ETA required countries aged 17 and below or aged 65 and above. | FAQs
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.
What do Americans need to enter Korea? ›
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 QR code to enter Korea? ›
Latest information on South Korea's Q-Code
As of 15 July 2023, a Q-Code is no longer required to enter South Korea. Travelers only need to have their K-ETA or VISA. For more updated and detailed information, you can check out Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What documents are required for South Korea visa? ›
Documents required for South Korea Visa. Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any; Visa Application form; 2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
Do I need a visa to enter Korea from Singapore? ›
Entry and Exit
Singapore passport holders are not required to apply for visas for short-term entry into the Republic of Korea (less than 90 days). Travellers intending to travel to the Republic of Korea should refer to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore's website for the latest entry requirements.
Do I need to print out the 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.
Are Covid tests required to enter Korea? ›
COVID-19 in Korea
Currently, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to Korea.
Is Q code still required to enter Korea 2024? ›
Announcement from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, from January 1, 2024, all passengers entering Korea are required to complete declaration of health status on the Korean quarantine system "Q-code" or health declaration form.
What to do when you arrive in Korea? ›
5 Things to do when you arrive in South Korea
- Purchase a SIM or eSIM card. ...
- Withdrawal Cash. ...
- Unpack when you get to your dorm… just do it. ...
- Take a trip to Daiso (다이소) ...
- Get acquainted with your new surroundings.
Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Tick-borne Encephalitis. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.
The Korean Embassy doesn't indicate the required minimum bank balance for a South Korea visa. But as a general rule, your money should be enough to cover your daily expenses during your trip.
Is K-ETA required for US citizens? ›
The government of the Republic of Korea announced that from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is no longer required for U.S. citizens visiting Korea for 90 days or less for business or tourism.
How much is K-ETA? ›
The same will be applied to those who are applying on behalf of the applicant. 5 The K-ETA fee is 10,000KRW (approximately USD $9~10, additional fee excluded) and is non-refundable even if the application is denied. ※ K-ETA Center is not responsible for any third party(agency, etc.)
Do US citizens need visa for South Korea? ›
As a result, on reciprocity, U.S. citizens can visit the Republic of Korea without a visa for duration of up to 90 days or less if the purpose of the trip is for tourism, business meeting, attendance at a conference or visiting families or relatives. (Extension of stay is not permitted).
Does Korea stamp your passport? ›
You get those white stickers when you go pass immigration counter on arrival . On exiting Korea , only autogate or counter , but no exit stamps . PS : If you want passport stamps for some reason , they can also do that if asked . You can get extra blank pages added to your US passport.
Is it safe to go to South Korea right now? ›
Avoid large public gatherings if possible, and exercise caution in crowded areas. South Korea remains safe for most travellers, with a relatively low crime rate. However, petty crimes happen, especially in major cities such as Seoul and Busan. Watch your belongings.
Is K-ETA still required for US citizens? ›
The government of the Republic of Korea announced that from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is no longer required for U.S. citizens visiting Korea for 90 days or less for business or tourism.
Do American citizens need visa to go to South Korea? ›
The answer is no; US citizens don't need a visa to enter South Korea unless they are going to spend more than 90 days in the country.
Is the Q code still required in Korea? ›
- (with effect from 03 July 2023) Nationals from K-ETA required countries aged 17 and below or aged 65 and above. (4) Q-code registration is no longer required. (5) No COVID-19 testing required.
How much is the ETA for Korea? ›
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.
