K-ETA (South Korea) 2026: cost, who needs it, how to apply

In force (22 countries temporarily exempt to 31 Dec 2026)Official ✓ Partly verified

Exemption extended 23 Dec 2025 to 31 Dec 2026 KST - watch for a 2027 decision

Type: ETA · Last checked 2026-10-21

Key facts

Who needs itNot separately checked

Visa-free nationals not on exemption list; optional for exempt travellers (skips arrival card)

Who is exemptOfficial (snippet)

To 31 Dec 2026: USA (incl. Guam), UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Taiwan, HK, Macao, Singapore, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden

FeeOfficial ✓

KRW 10,000 (+online payment fee; non-refundable)

Approx. USD

$7-8 (approximate; exchange rate not verified)

ValidityOfficial ✓

3 years or until passport expires

Max stay per visitOfficial ✓

per nationality's visa-free period

Processing timeOfficial ✓

typically 72 hours or less

When to applyNot separately checked

before boarding (72h+ ahead)

Badges: Official ✓ = read on an official government page · Official (snippet) = official page text seen in a search result because the page blocked our checker · Not confirmed = we could not confirm it, so check the official site.

Do I need it? Quick check by passport

• United States: Not needed
• United Kingdom: Not needed
• EU country: Depends / check Exempt until 31 Dec 2026 for some EU states (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Spain); others need it.
• Canada: Not needed
• Australia: Not needed

A starting point only, based on the official pages below. Dual nationals, residents and other passports: check the official site.

Official sources

• https://k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707
• https://k-eta.go.kr/portal/guide/viewetaapplication.do
• https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/gb-en/brd/m_23721/view.do?page=1&seq=33

What the sources say

• Statushttps://k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707

  Extended K-ETA temporary exemption period: From January 1, 2026 (Thu) to December 31, 2026 (Thu) (KST)

• Feehttps://k-eta.go.kr/portal/guide/viewetaapplication.do

  The K-ETA fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately USD $7~8, Online Payment Fee is Charged Separately) and is non-refundable

• Validityhttps://k-eta.go.kr/portal/guide/viewetaapplication.do

  Validity Period: 3 Years (if the passport expiration date is shorter than 3 years, valid until the passport expiration date)

• Processinghttps://k-eta.go.kr/portal/guide/viewetaapplication.do

  K-ETA assessment typically takes 72 hour or less.

• optionalhttps://k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707

  those who wish to receive benefits from K-ETA approval, such as not having to submit an arrival card, may apply for K-ETA; in that case, the application fee will be charged.

Last checked 2026-10-21. Rules change: always confirm on the official site before you travel.