K-ETA Explained: Who Needs It and How to Apply

By Dragon Kim · Updated October 1, 2026 · 7 min read

Who needs a K-ETA right now?

Visitors who enter Korea visa-free need a K-ETA unless their nationality is on the temporary exemption list or they fall into an exempt age group. ANA's K-ETA guidance states that all nationalities entering under the visa waiver arrangement are covered, with exemptions for 22 countries and regions for a set period, and for travelers aged 17 and under and 65 and over.

Source: ANA's K-ETA guidance, KPMG's exemption alert and EY tax alert. Rules change, so confirm your own passport on the official K-ETA website.

Which countries are exempt, and what must they do instead?

Twenty-two countries and regions are exempt through December 31, 2026, and their travelers must submit an e-Arrival card within three days before arrival. KPMG's exemption alert lists them as follows.

• Asia: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macao.
• Americas: the United States and Canada.
• Europe: the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark and Austria.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

The same summary says exempt travelers must submit the e-Arrival card within three days of arrival, counting the day of arrival, replacing the former paper card. Submission is made on the e-Arrival card website. The EY tax alert dates the extension announcement to December 26, 2025.

Practical example: a traveler from Canada flying on November 10 would submit the e-Arrival card between November 8 and November 10 instead of applying for a K-ETA, or could apply for a K-ETA voluntarily to skip that card.

How much does a K-ETA cost and how long does it last?

It costs KRW 10,000 plus tax, is paid by credit card, and is valid for three years. ANA's K-ETA guidance reports the fee and the three-year validity, covering multiple trips, and says the result is emailed within 24 hours of submission.

• Fee: KRW 10,000 plus tax. KPMG's alert notes standard fees apply and are non-refundable for exempt travelers who apply voluntarily.
• Validity: Three years from issuance, for multiple entries.
• Timing: Submit at least 72 hours before travel as a general guideline, earlier if possible.

How do I apply for a K-ETA step by step?

Apply on the official K-ETA website or mobile app with your passport details, a color facial photograph and a credit card. Use only the official site, since ANA's K-ETA guidance directs applicants there.

1. Check your passport. On the official K-ETA website, confirm whether your nationality is exempt or must apply.
2. Prepare your documents. Have your passport, a recent color facial photograph, an email address and your travel details ready.
3. Fill in the form. Enter the passport data exactly as printed and check each field before submitting.
4. Pay the fee. The fee is KRW 10,000 plus tax by credit card.
5. Wait for the email. The result is emailed, normally within 24 hours according to ANA; keep the confirmation.
6. Check before you fly. Make sure the approval was issued for the passport you will travel with.

Planning the rest of your trip? See Incheon Airport to Seoul: AREX vs Bus vs Taxi for your first journey and Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea to set up your phone.

What happens after December 31, 2026?

Unless the exemption is extended again, exempt travelers should expect to apply for a K-ETA from January 1, 2027. The sources checked on October 1, 2026 describe the exemption as running through December 31, 2026, and no further extension appeared in them.

Because the EY tax alert dates the 2026 extension to December 26, 2025, only days before the previous period ended, the rules could change at short notice. Re-check the official K-ETA website when you book flights for 2027, and do not rely on this page after that date.

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