The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is the electronic authorisation that foreign nationals entering South Korea without a visa must obtain before they travel. It is run by Korea’s Ministry of Justice. For some time there has been a temporary exemption for 22 countries and regions, and that exemption ends on 31 December 2026 unless it is extended again.
What it is and what it is not
The K-ETA is not a visa. The official portal says it only meets some of the requirements for entering without a visa, and that an approved K-ETA does not guarantee entry, because the immigration officer at the port of entry decides. To find out whether your passport needs a visa or can enter without one, see the South Korea country page and the guide to visas, e-Visas and eTAs.
Who has to apply
You need it if you enter South Korea without a visa for travel, to visit relatives, to attend events or conferences, or for business with no commercial activity, and you are not exempt from applying. You must get it before boarding: according to the portal, applying after boarding or while already in Korea can lead to the K-ETA being refused or to entry restrictions.
The temporary exemption until 31 December 2026
The Ministry of Justice extended by one more year, to 31 December 2026, the temporary K-ETA exemption for the countries and regions that already had it. There are 22: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States (Guam included).
Holders of those passports enter without a K-ETA and without paying anything. The official portal confirms it during the application: when you scan your passport, a message says your nationality is exempt. If there is no new extension by 1 January 2027, these travellers will have to apply like everyone else. As of 27 October 2026, the official pages consulted announce no extension beyond 31 December. If you travel in 2027, check the status at k-eta.go.kr before you buy a ticket.
Exempt travellers can still apply. An approved K-ETA saves you filling in the arrival card, and in that case the fee is charged.
Who never has to apply
The official portal exempts these travellers from applying for the K-ETA:
- South Koreans and dual nationals with a valid Korean passport.
- US armed forces personnel on active service under the SOFA agreement.
- Flight crew and seafarers.
- Holders of the APEC ABTC card.
- Transit passengers, unless they have to enter because of an itinerary change or to collect baggage.
- Foreigners registered in Korea and visa holders.
- Holders of United Nations passports and of diplomatic or official passports.
- Children aged 17 and under and adults aged 65 and over on the date of entry.
- Cruise passengers.
What it costs
The K-ETA costs 10,000 South Korean won per person, about USD 7 to 8 according to the portal. The payment gateway charges its own fee on top. The fee is not refunded even if the application is refused.
How long it takes and how long it lasts
The portal says assessment usually takes 72 hours or less, although it can take longer when applications surge. They are reviewed in the order received and there is no express service. Apply well before your trip.
If it is approved, it is valid for three years or until the passport expires, if that comes first, and it covers multiple entries. Its validity is separate from the length of stay: with a K-ETA you cannot stay longer than your nationality is allowed without a visa. That stay varies by country: for example 90 days for Spanish, US and British citizens, six months for Canadians, three months for Mexicans and 30 days for Albanians.
You need a new K-ETA, even if the old one has not expired, if you renew your passport or if your criminal record or infectious disease information changes. If your travel details change (purpose, address, dates or companions), update them on the website.
How to apply
Only on the official portal, k-eta.go.kr, or in the official K-ETA app. You need a valid passport, an email address, an ID photo and a credit or debit card to pay. The application has seven steps: accept the terms, sign up (or verify your email, if you do not have an account), enter your passport details, enter the application details, review the information, pay, and confirm the application is complete. If the information is false or inaccurate, the authorisation is refused or cancelled and penalties or entry restrictions can follow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a K-ETA with a Spanish passport? Until 31 December 2026, no: Spain is one of the 22 exempt countries. From 1 January 2027 you will, unless Korea extends the exemption.
Does the K-ETA let me stay to work or study? No. It is for short stays without a visa and it does not allow commercial activity.
Can I apply if I am exempt? Yes, by paying the fee. The advantage is that you skip the arrival card.
Can I apply from inside Korea? That is not how it is meant to work: you must have it before boarding, and applying once in the country can lead to refusal or entry restrictions.
Guide checked on 27 October 2026. Sources: K-ETA, the official portal of South Korea’s Ministry of Justice (k-eta.go.kr): “K-ETA Application Guide” (fee, wait, validity, application), “Eligible Countries / Applicants” (stays by nationality), the notice “Notice on Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption” of 23 December 2025 and FAQ Q58 on exemptions; Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.go.kr), notice of 29 December 2025. The list of the 22 exempt countries is the one in our South Korea country page, checked on 13 September 2026: the portal pages consulted do not list them and flag the exemption when you pick your nationality.