As of September 2021, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries arerequired to apply for a K-ETA online before flying or sailing to South Korea. Some countries are designated as "free-visa countries". Their citizens do not need a visa. However, they are also required to apply for a K-ETA online.
The KoreaElectronic Travel Author ization ( K-ETA ) is an online electronic travel authorization that allows citizens of eligible countries to enter Korea for the following reasons Tourism, visit to relatives, event, meeting or for business reasons.
Since April 2023, 22 nationalities (including the French and Belgians) are exempt from K-ETA until 2025. However, obtaining this document in advance will save you time when you arrive.
What are the advantages of K-ETA for South Korea?
The K-ETA is delivered within
72 hours for urgent departures
- K-ETA valid for 3 years
- 30 to 90 daystays in SouthKorea
- 100% onlineprocess
- Official document from the authorities
It does not allow you to find work, settle in South Korea to live or any other activity that Korean immigration would find abusive. It does allow you to travel to South Korea for visa exemption, if your situation allows.
Authorised stays
Tourism
Business
Event
Tariff K-ETA
39 € / person
including KRW 10,000 in consular fees
Eligible nationalities
Use the list of nationalities or the module below to determine if your country is eligible for K-ETA for South Korea. The list of nationalities can change up to 112 nationalities depending on the Covid situation in the country. If you are unsure, please use the site chat.
90-day stay
🇩🇪 Germany*
🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
🇦🇺 Australia*
🇦🇹 Austria*
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇧🇪 Belgium*
🇧🇼 Botswana
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
🇨🇱 Chile
🇨🇴 Colombia
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇩🇰 Denmark*
🇩🇲 Dominique
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
🇪🇨 Ecuador
🇪🇸 Spain*
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇺🇸 United States*
🇫🇮 Finland*
🇫🇷 France
🇬🇷 Greece
🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇭🇹 Haiti (Haitians are currently having trouble getting a K-ETA)
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy*
🇯🇲 Jamaica
🇯🇵 Japan*
🇰🇼 Kuwait
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein
DZ🇹 Lithuania
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇲🇴 Macau*
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇲🇹 Malta
🇲🇦 Morocco (Moroccans are currently having trouble getting a K-ETA)
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇳🇮 Nicaragua
🇳🇴 Norway*
🇳🇿 New Zealand*
🇵🇦 Panama
🇳🇱 Netherlands*
🇵🇪 Peru
🇵🇱 Poland*
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇷🇴 Romania
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis
🇻🇨 Saint-Vincent
🇱🇨 Saint Lucia
🇸🇻 Salvador
🇷🇸 Serbia
🇸🇬 Singapore*
🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇸🇪 Sweden*
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇸🇷 Suriname
🇹🇼 Taiwan*
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇹🇹 Trinidad Tobago
🇹🇷 Turkey
🇹🇻 Tuvalu
🇺🇾 Uruguay
🇻🇪 Venezuela
60-day stay
🇷🇺 Russia
30-day stay
🇿🇦 South Africa
🇦🇱 Albania
🇦🇩 Andorra
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇦🇷 Argentina
🇧🇭 Bahrain
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
🇧🇳 Brunei
🇨🇾 Cyprus
🇫🇯 Fiji
🇬🇾 Guyana
🇭🇳 Honduras
🇲🇺 Mauritius
🇲🇭 Marshall Islands
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
🇱🇸 Lesotho
🇲🇨 Monaco
🇲🇪 Montenegro
🇳🇷 Nauru
🇳🇨 New Caledonia
🇴🇲 Oman
🇵🇼 Palau
🇵🇾 Paraguay
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇬🇧 United Kingdom*
🇸🇲 San Marino
🇸🇨 Seychelles
🇸🇿 Swaziland
🇹🇳 Tunisia
🇻🇦 Vatican City
6-month stay
🇨🇦 Canada*
* Nationals of the following countries are exempt from K-ETA until December 31, 2024 as part of " Visit Korea Year (2023-2024) ": 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 USA, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇴 Macao, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇼 Taiwan
When should I reapply for K-ETA ?
- I have lost or changed my passport, and even if a K-ETA is still valid on the previous passport
- I am travelling on a passport other than the one on which I obtained my K-ETA
- I change my name, my sex, my nationality, I have an infectious disease, a criminal record.
Authorities issue documents without significant delay
The Korean K-ETA in brief
| Format | Electronics only |
|---|---|
| Number of entries | Unlimited |
| Time to obtain | 72 hours |
| Maximum length of stay | 30 to 90 days depending on nationality |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Consular fees | 8 € |
For travel to South Korea, around 112 nationalities are normally visa-free (excluding Covid). However, citizens wishing to travel to South Korea are required to apply for an electronic travel authorisation, called K-ETA.
The K-ETA is valid for three years, for tourist, business or event stays of between 30 and 90 days . There is no limit on the number of stays during the validity of the K-ETA. It can be requested here for 39 € per traveler, including consular fees. We advise you to apply for K-ETA at least 3 days before your departure to South Korea.
When to go to South Korea?
The best times to visit Korea areautumn and spring. Winter is quite cold, so it is not recommended. Summer should be avoided, as it is the monsoon period, when it rains very often.
Places to visit in South Korea
The Land of the Morning Calm has a lot to offer. It will delight all lovers of architecture, new technologies, pop culture, art or nature! Obviously, a must-see in South Korea is its capital: Seoul. The third most populated megalopolis, you will find a commercial district very famous thanks to the song that became famous: Gangnam. If you are looking for a traditional district, Bukchon will offer you all the specificities of South Korea.
If you prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul's busy districts, Jeju Island will delight nature lovers. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was created by the eruption of Mount Hallasan, the highest peak in Korea. The subtropical climate of Jeu is pleasant all year round! For history buffs, a visit to Gyeongju City will give you an insight into Korean culture. Are you a sportsman at heart? A hike in Seoraksan Park, considered the most beautiful in the country, is a must.
Practical information
- Official country name: Republic of Korea
- Location: East Asia
- Capital city: Seoul
- Area: 99,618 km2
- Language: Korean
- Currency: Won
- Climate: Continental / Humid and temperate
- Time zone: UTC +9
Local time
Information
South Korea is a safe country.
Health
There are no compulsory vaccinations, but it is advisable to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and typhoid.
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