K-ETA Korea (2026): Who’s Exempt Until December 31, How to Apply and What About 2027

Do you need a K-ETA for Korea? For citizens of 22 countries and regions — including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and much of Western Europe — the answer for trips in 2026 is no: Korea’s Ministry of Justice has waived the K-ETA requirement for them until 31 December 2026. Other visa-free nationalities still need one, and nobody yet knows whether the waiver will be extended into 2027. This guide explains who needs K-ETA, how to apply on the official site, what it costs, and what to do if your trip crosses into the new year.

Last checked: 31 October 2026. Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm on the official K-ETA website before you travel. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

What is K-ETA?

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-approval for travellers who can visit Korea without a visa. It isn’t a visa: it simply checks your details before you fly, and airlines verify it at check-in. It was introduced in 2021. Since April 2023, Korea has temporarily exempted citizens of selected countries to encourage tourism, and that exemption has been renewed every year so far.

Who is exempt from K-ETA in 2026?

According to the K-ETA website and the Ministry of Justice’s announcement of 23 December 2025, citizens of these 22 countries and regions don’t need a K-ETA for trips until 31 December 2026:

If you’re exempt, you fill in a free electronic arrival card instead, either online before you fly or at the airport. Children under 18 and travellers aged 65 and over don’t need K-ETA regardless of nationality; they also complete the arrival card.

Who still needs a K-ETA?

Citizens of other countries that can enter Korea without a visa, aged 18 to 64, must hold an approved K-ETA before boarding a flight or ship to Korea. If your country needs a visa for Korea, K-ETA doesn’t apply — you apply for a visa through a Korean embassy instead. Because the lists change, check your nationality on the official site rather than relying on a blog or an airline chatbot.

How do I apply for K-ETA?

1. Go to the official website k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app.
2. Enter your passport details and upload a passport photo page and a recent face photo.
3. Answer the travel and security questions honestly.
4. Pay the fee by card: 10,000 KRW plus a small processing fee (about $7–8).
5. Wait for the result, usually within 72 hours. Apply at least a week before you fly to be safe.

An approved K-ETA is valid for multiple trips over three years, or until your passport expires if that’s sooner. A new passport needs a new K-ETA. The fee isn’t refunded if your application is refused.

What if my trip crosses into 2027?

This is the tricky part. The current exemption ends on 31 December 2026. As of 31 October 2026, the government hadn’t announced whether it will be extended. The three previous extensions were each announced in the last week of December. If the exemption lapses, exempt nationalities would need a K-ETA for trips from 1 January 2027. If you’ll arrive in Korea on or after 1 January 2027, the safe choice is to apply for a K-ETA a couple of weeks before you fly: it costs little, lasts three years and also replaces the arrival card. Just know that the fee won’t be refunded if the exemption is later extended.

How long can I stay without a visa?

K-ETA and the exemption don’t change how long you can stay — that depends on your nationality and Korea’s visa-waiver agreements. Many nationalities can stay up to 90 days for tourism; some get 30 days, and a few get longer. Check your allowance on the official Hi Korea or K-ETA site. Working, studying or long stays need the right visa.

If your passport gets a 90-day visa-free stay, you can find your exact last day with this 90-days-from-today calculator — count your arrival day as day 1.

What else do I need when I land?

• A passport valid for your whole stay (many airlines want more).
• Your e-Arrival Card if you don’t have a K-ETA (free).
• A return or onward ticket and your accommodation address — immigration may ask.
• A way to get online on arrival; see Korea eSIM vs SIM card.
• Your route into the city; see Incheon Airport to Seoul.

How do I avoid fake K-ETA websites?

Search results and ads often show agencies with official-looking names that charge several times the real fee. The government site ends in .go.kr. If a site asks for much more than 10,000 KRW plus the card fee, close it.

FAQ

Do Americans need a K-ETA for Korea?
Not for trips until 31 December 2026, under the current exemption. For 2027, check the official site; no extension had been announced by 31 October 2026.

Do UK citizens need a K-ETA?
Not until 31 December 2026; the UK is on the exemption list.

How much does K-ETA cost?
10,000 KRW plus a small card processing fee on the official site.

How long is K-ETA valid?
Three years from approval, or until your passport expires.

How far in advance should I apply?
At least 72 hours before boarding is required; a week or more is safer.

Sources: K-ETA – official website (Korea Immigration Service) · Hi Korea – official immigration portal · Visa Requirements – K-ETA fee and 2026 exemption · Wikipedia – Visa policy of South Korea
Photos: photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited in each caption