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Do You Need a K-ETA? The 25 Exempt Countries and Regions, and the e-Arrival Card

Korea's Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is waived for nationals of 25 countries and regions until December 31, 2026, so most travelers do not need to apply. But exempt does not mean nothing to file — since January 2026 the e-Arrival Card is mandatory, and it is precisely the people skipping K-ETA who have to submit it. What you file depends on your nationality and which option you pick.

Last checked: 2026-09-22·Desk-researched — not yet verified on site

  1. 1Step 1: Are you on the 25-entry list?

    Asia and Oceania: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand. Americas: the United States, Canada and Guam. Europe: the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Guam, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are missing from many secondhand lists, so check against the official one. The list can change — confirm on k-eta.go.kr before you travel.

  2. 2Step 2 (if exempt): file the e-Arrival Card

    From January 1, 2026 the paper arrival card went digital, and it is mandatory for anyone entering without a K-ETA. File it at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within three days of arrival (counting arrival day). It is free, and it is per trip — not a one-time authorization.

  3. 3Step 3: exempt travelers still have a choice

    Exempt travelers may still apply for a K-ETA, and an approved one exempts you from the e-Arrival Card instead. K-ETA, however, costs a fee. For a single visit the free e-Arrival Card wins; if you plan several entries within its validity, one K-ETA beats filing a card every time.

  4. 4If you are not exempt

    Apply only at k-eta.go.kr. Search results are full of unofficial agent sites charging extra — the official application is all you need. If you are in fact exempt, scanning your passport page during the application triggers a pop-up telling you so.

  5. 5Mind the dates

    The waiver is temporary and currently runs to December 31, 2026. For trips in 2027 or later, re-check official guidance before departure — it has been extended repeatedly, but that is not a guarantee.

FAQ

I'm from an exempt country — so nothing to file, right?
No. The waiver covers K-ETA, not the entry process. Skip the K-ETA and you owe the e-Arrival Card instead. This is the step travelers from the US, UK and Australia miss most often.
Is visa-free entry the same as K-ETA?
No. Visa exemption means you need no visa; K-ETA is a pre-travel authorization layered on top of that. Right now that layer is waived for the 25 countries and regions.
Do I still need the Q-Code (quarantine form)?
Not under normal conditions. Requirements can change with health situations — check official guidance right before departure.

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