Short answer: If you hold a passport from one of the 22 K-ETA-exempt countries and you arrive in Korea on or before December 31, 2026 (Korea time), you do not need a K-ETA. For arrivals from January 1, 2027, Korea has not yet announced whether the exemption will be extended again. This guide explains what is confirmed, what is still unknown, and exactly what to do based on your travel dates.
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What is K-ETA?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-travel approval for people who can enter Korea without a visa. It is not a visa. Since September 2021, visa-free travelers have needed it before boarding a flight or ship to Korea, unless their country is on the temporary exemption list.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official website | www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app only |
| Fee | 10,000 KRW per person (non-refundable) |
| Validity | Generally 3 years, but never beyond your passport's expiry date |
| When to apply | At least 72 hours before boarding (approval is often faster) |
| Bonus | K-ETA holders do not need to submit an arrival card |
The 22 exempt countries and regions (through Dec 31, 2026)
These passport holders do not need K-ETA for arrivals up to December 31, 2026 (KST):
| Region | Countries / regions |
|---|---|
| Asia | Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore |
| Americas | United States (including Guam), Canada |
| Europe | United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Sweden |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
If your country is visa-free but not on this list (for example Thailand or Malaysia), you still need a K-ETA right now. When you enter your passport details on the K-ETA site, exempt nationals see a pop-up saying they are exempt.
Timeline: how the exemption got here
| Period | What happened |
|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024 | Temporary exemption introduced for "Visit Korea Year" |
| Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Extended for one year |
| Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | Extended again; notice posted on k-eta.go.kr on Dec 23, 2025 |
| From Jan 1, 2027 | Not announced (as of November 3, 2026) |
Notice the pattern: last year, the government floated the extension plan in September 2025, but the official notice only appeared on December 23, 2025, about a week before the old exemption expired. A late-December decision is possible again, which leaves little time for anyone flying in early January.
Will K-ETA be required in 2027? Three scenarios
| Scenario | What it means for exempt nationals |
|---|---|
| 1. Extended again | No K-ETA needed in 2027; you still file the e-Arrival Card |
| 2. Not extended | K-ETA required for arrivals from Jan 1, 2027; airlines can refuse boarding without it |
| 3. Partial change | Some countries stay exempt, others do not; check your nationality on k-eta.go.kr |
Some travel sites already state that K-ETA "becomes mandatory on January 1, 2027" as if it were settled. That is a reasonable default if nothing changes, but it is not an official announcement. Plan for both outcomes.
What should you do? Decide by your arrival date
- Arriving and leaving before Jan 1, 2027: No K-ETA needed. Submit the e-Arrival Card online before you land.
- Arriving on or after Jan 1, 2027: The safest move is to apply for K-ETA now. It costs 10,000 KRW, stays valid for up to 3 years, and lets you skip the arrival card. If the exemption is extended, you only lose the fee.
- Booked a trip that crosses New Year: What matters is your arrival date in Korea time. If you land on Dec 31, 2026 you are covered by the current exemption; landing on Jan 1, 2027 is not covered unless an extension is announced.
- Inviting family or friends: Send them this checklist now. Many visitors only check entry rules a few days before flying, which is too late if approval takes up to 72 hours.
Don't forget the e-Arrival Card
K-ETA and the arrival card are two separate requirements. If you enter without a K-ETA, you must submit Korea's electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card), which can be filed online within 3 days before you arrive. Travelers with an approved K-ETA are exempt from the arrival card. In other words: being K-ETA-exempt does not mean "no paperwork at all."
Avoid fake K-ETA websites
Search results are full of look-alike sites that charge several times the official 10,000 KRW fee. Apply only at www.k-eta.go.kr or through the official K-ETA app. A real K-ETA approval is linked to your passport number, so if you renew your passport, you need to apply again.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a K-ETA for Korea right now?
No. US passport holders (including Guam) are exempt for arrivals through December 31, 2026 (KST). For 2027, no decision has been announced yet.
I already have a K-ETA. Is it still valid?
Yes. A K-ETA you already received stays valid until its expiry date, regardless of the exemption. The fee is not refunded.
Should I apply for K-ETA now even if I'm exempt?
If you will arrive in 2027, applying now removes the uncertainty and saves you from filing the arrival card. If your whole trip is in 2026, it is optional.
How long does K-ETA approval take?
The official guidance is to apply at least 72 hours before boarding. Many approvals come within hours, but do not count on it during the busy New Year period.
I live in Korea with an ARC. Do I need K-ETA?
No. K-ETA is for visa-free short-term visitors. Foreign residents with a valid visa or Residence Card re-enter on that status. Your visiting family members, however, follow the K-ETA rules for their own passports.
Last checked: November 3, 2026. We will update this page as soon as the Ministry of Justice announces the 2027 rule. Always confirm on the official K-ETA website before you travel; this guide is general information, not legal advice.
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