Visa and entry rules change often and depend on your nationality. This is general information, not immigration advice — always confirm with an official source before you book.
1. Do you need a visa?
South Korea has visa-free or visa-waiver arrangements with many countries for short tourist stays, typically 30, 60, or 90 days. Travelers from the United States, Canada, most of the EU, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan generally do not need a visa in advance for tourism, while some nationalities must apply first. Because the list and the allowed stay length vary by passport, check the official visa portal for your specific case before booking flights.
2. K-ETA — currently waived, returning in 2027
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online pre-arrival approval that visa-free visitors normally apply for. To boost tourism, Korea has temporarily waived K-ETA for many nationalities through 31 December 2026, and it is scheduled to be required again from 1 January 2027. If it applies to your trip, apply at least 72 hours before departure, use the official site (avoid look-alike paid agents), and note the approval is valid for multiple entries over a period of years. Being K-ETA-exempt does not exempt you from the e-Arrival Card.
3. The e-Arrival Card (required)
Since 2026, the paper arrival card has been replaced by an online e-Arrival Card. Complete it within 3 days before you land, with your passport details, flight, and the address where you'll stay (a hotel booking confirmation is enough). It takes a few minutes and saves you filling out forms on the plane.
4. At immigration
Have your passport (valid for the duration of your stay), proof of onward or return travel, and your accommodation address ready. Foreign visitors aged 17+ are photographed and fingerprinted on arrival. Keep a digital or printed copy of your K-ETA (if applicable) and e-Arrival Card confirmation. Do not overstay — fines and future entry bans apply.
Where to check — official sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit South Korea as a tourist?
Many nationalities (including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan) can enter visa-free for short tourist stays of 30–90 days depending on the country. Others must apply for a visa in advance through visa.go.kr or a Korean embassy. Always confirm your own nationality on the official visa portal.
What is K-ETA and do I need it?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-travel approval for visa-free visitors. It is currently WAIVED for many nationalities through the end of 2026 and is scheduled to be required again from 1 January 2027. Check k-eta.go.kr for your dates.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
As of 2026, the e-Arrival Card is an online form that replaces the old paper arrival card. Complete it within 3 days before arrival at e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Even travelers who are exempt from K-ETA still need to submit it.
How long can I stay visa-free?
It depends on your nationality — commonly 30, 60, or 90 days for tourism. Overstaying carries fines and future entry bans, so confirm your limit and do not exceed it.
We deliberately do not list every per-country rule here because they change frequently. Verify your specific case on the official government sites above. This is general information, not immigration advice.