Good to know
- Since 1 January 2026 foreign short-stay visitors must submit the e-Arrival Card. You need one per traveller, including children, unless you are in an exempt group.
- Most visa-exempt visitors can stay up to 90 days per entry for tourism. K-ETA is currently waived for many visa-exempt nationalities until 31 December 2026, but it is a separate system from the arrival card.
- Submit up to 3 days before arrival, counted in Korean time. You get a QR code or confirmation to save. Details such as stay information can be edited on the official site before you reach immigration.
- The official Korean government site can load slowly from some countries. If it hangs, wait a few minutes, refresh, or try another browser or network. Do not pay a third-party site instead.
How to submit
- Open the official site from the button on this page, not from a search ad.
- Keep your passport, flight details and accommodation address ready.
- Fill in the form during the allowed window.
- Save the confirmation or QR code as a screenshot, and print it if you can.
- Show the confirmation at check-in or immigration if you are asked.
Common mistakes
- Paying a third-party site. The official form is free.
- Submitting outside the allowed window, which can cause the form to be rejected.
- Typing details that do not match your passport exactly.
- Assuming that no visa means no arrival card. They are separate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the South Korea e-Arrival Card free?
Yes, on the official site it is free. If a website asks you to pay, it is not the official portal.
When should I submit the e-Arrival Card?
Within the 3 days before arrival. Confirm the exact window on the official site, because it can change.
Do I need it if I do not need a visa?
The arrival card is a separate requirement from a visa. Who must submit: Foreign short-stay visitors, one card per traveller including children. Published guidance says holders of a valid residence card, a K-ETA or an e-Group visa are exempt.
Where this comes from
We check the official portal and published government notices where we can reach them. Because rules change, always confirm on the official site.