The South Korea Guide

South Korea K-ETA Exemption Extended Through December 2026

· 2 min read Travel News
Seoul city skyline at night with Namsan Tower illuminated

Contents

  1. What the K-ETA exemption means in practice
  2. New from January 2026: Digital e-Arrival Card
  3. Important: K-ETA requirement returns from January 1, 2027
  4. Getting to South Korea
  5. Tourism context

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice confirmed in December 2025 that the K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) exemption has been extended through December 31, 2026 for nationals of 67 countries and territories. The confirmation was published on the official K-ETA portal on December 23, 2025.

Countries covered by the exemption include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and most EU member states.

What the K-ETA exemption means in practice

Without the exemption, travellers from the 67 qualifying countries would need to apply for a K-ETA online before departure and pay a non-refundable ₩10,000 (approximately US$8) fee. With the exemption in place, eligible visitors can enter South Korea without pre-registering, as long as they meet standard entry requirements on arrival.

Exempt travellers may still choose to apply voluntarily. Holding a valid K-ETA comes with one practical benefit: K-ETA holders are automatically exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement (see below).

New from January 2026: Digital e-Arrival Card

Since January 1, 2026, South Korea has replaced all paper arrival forms with a mandatory digital system. All arriving travellers—unless holding a valid K-ETA—must complete the e-Arrival Card before entering the country. The form can be submitted online at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to three days before arrival. Allow a few minutes; you will need your flight details and accommodation address.

Important: K-ETA requirement returns from January 1, 2027

The current exemption ends on December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, nationals of the 67 currently exempt countries will be required to obtain a K-ETA before visiting South Korea. If you are booking a trip that begins in late 2026 and may extend into 2027, verify your entry requirements for both legs of the journey.

Getting to South Korea

Direct flights to Seoul Incheon (ICN) operate from major hubs in Europe, North America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Our flights to South Korea guide covers airlines, typical flight times, and tips for finding good fares. For a full overview of what to expect on your first trip, see our first time in South Korea guide.

Tourism context

South Korea received 4.76 million international visitors in Q1 2026, up 23% year-on-year. Seoul accounts for over 80% of arrivals, though the government is actively promoting regional destinations—Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju, and Jeju Island—to distribute visitors more evenly across the country.