This guide is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Korea replaced the paper arrival card with an online one. Guides agree on cost and timing, and the one trap is that the card expires. This page keeps to what repeats across sources.
Short answer
It is free and needs no approval. Sources say you can file it up to 3 days before arrival, counted in Korea Standard Time, on the official site e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
Guides also say the card is valid for 72 hours from submission. If you do not enter Korea in that time, file a new one, which is free.
How the window works
If you land on the 10th (Korea time), you can file on the 8th, 9th or 10th. Filing a week ahead is not the plan, and a card filed too early will lapse before you arrive. A flight that crosses midnight can change the date, so use the Korea landing date.
Who does not need it
Reported exemptions include registered residents of Korea, holders of a valid K-ETA, airline crew, and some group-tourist and transfer categories. Everyone else, including visa holders, should file. Check the portal’s requirement checker, which one guide describes, if your status is unclear.
Avoid paid look-alikes
The official service is free. A site that charges for the card is not the government’s. Read arrival card scam websites for the warning signs.
After you file
An email notification is sent. Reports say a printed copy is not needed for entry, but a screenshot is a cheap backup. To fix a mistake, see edit or resubmit. For families, see family and group.
Questions and answers
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card free?
Yes. Guides say the service is free and needs no approval. Use e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
How early can I submit the Korea e-Arrival Card?
Up to 3 days before arrival, by Korea Standard Time.
How long is the Korea e-Arrival Card valid?
Guides say 72 hours from submission. If you do not enter Korea in that time, file a new card.
More answers on this topic
Sources
Facts were seen in these sources on 2026-11-01. Where a source is a news report or travel guide and not an official site, we say "reported". Always confirm on the official portal.Published Nov 1, 2026 · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we check facts