South Korea K-ETA Exemption Extended to End of 2026
South Korea’s Ministry of Justice confirmed in December 2025 - with the official announcement published on the K-ETA portal on December 23, 2025 - that the temporary exemption from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirement has been extended for eligible foreign nationals until December 31, 2026. The exemption covers nationals from 67 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, and most EU member states.
For travellers from eligible countries, this means you can visit South Korea on a passport alone until the end of the year - no pre-travel application required.
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).
What changes in 2027
The exemption is not permanent. From January 1, 2027, nationals from most of the currently exempt countries will need to obtain a K-ETA before travelling to Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or anywhere else in South Korea. The K-ETA costs ₩10,000 (approximately US$8), requires an online application, and is valid for multiple trips over two years. Processing is usually near-instant.
The ministry’s rationale for the 2026 extension is continued tourism recovery and aviation network growth. South Korea reached 10 million inbound arrivals in the third week of June 2026 - the fastest it has ever hit that milestone - driven largely by a surge in visitors from China and Southeast Asia. In Q1 2026 alone, South Korea received 4.76 million international visitors, up 23% year-on-year. Seoul accounts for over 80% of arrivals, though the government is actively promoting regional destinations including Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju, and Jeju Island.
E-Arrival Card still required
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 e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to three days before arrival. Allow a few minutes; you will need your flight details and accommodation address.
If you hold a valid K-ETA despite being exempt, you can skip the e-Arrival Card entirely - it is included in the K-ETA process.
Practical advice for 2026 visitors
If you are visiting South Korea this year, no advance travel authorisation is needed (assuming your nationality is on the exempt list - check the official K-ETA site to confirm). Complete your e-Arrival Card online before you board. From January 2027, start your K-ETA application at least 72 hours before travel, though approvals typically come through far sooner.
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.
For everything you need to plan your trip - flights, transport, neighbourhoods, and day trips - see our practical guides and city guides.