Traveler update: K-ETA is once again mandatory to enter South Korea

As of January 1, 2025, South Korea plans to bring back the mandatory requirement to obtain an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA). This change will affect travelers from 67 countries, including Germany, most European countries, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and Singapore.

The K-ETA is a digital permit that must be issued at least 72 hours prior to arrival in the country. Once obtained, the permit is valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport.

The system also applies to citizens of 45 other countries, including Brazil, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Thailand and Latin American countries. For them, the requirement to obtain a K-ETA is already in place and will continue after 2025.

Importantly, travelers under 17 and over 65 years of age are exempt from paying the K-ETA fee. The advantage of having the permit is the simplified procedure of passing through immigration control without filling out additional paperwork.

Countries temporarily exempted from K-ETA until December 31, 2024 (67 countries):

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, United Kingdom

Asia: Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE.

Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu.

Americas: Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States of America.

Africa: South Africa

Stay up-to-date on visa policy changes and get up-to-date travel planning tips by following the news at Visa-Navigator.com.