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ARRIVAL · GUIDE
Check your passport on the official K-ETA portal, use the free e-Arrival Card navigator if required, and never pay a website that imitates the government e-Arrival Card service.
USE IT ON THE TRIP
QUICK ANSWER
WHAT TO DO
Use the official K-ETA and visa resources for your nationality and travel purpose. Do not copy another traveler's answer.
Watch out Temporary exemptions and eligible-country lists can change; this page does not decide your legal eligibility.
Travelers covered by the 2026 temporary exemption may still be allowed to apply voluntarily and receive associated benefits. Read the current official notice before paying.
Watch out A K-ETA application has its own official fee; the e-Arrival Card does not.
On the government portal, select the valid documents you hold and follow the navigator to see whether a declaration is required.
Look for e-arrivalcard.go.kr
Watch out A valid K-ETA holder is among the groups the official arrival-card guidance lists as exempt.
Have a valid passport, email address, arrival and departure details and the Korean accommodation address ready before starting.
The official e-Arrival Card can be completed within three days before arrival in Korea, based on Korea Standard Time. Review every field before submitting.
Watch out Submitting too early is not the same as completing the form in advance.
Save the confirmation or issue number offline. If permitted trip or stay information changes, use the official check/edit route before immigration inspection.
COMPARE OPTIONS
| Option | Best for | Cost | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official K-ETA check or application | Travelers whose passport and trip require K-ETA, or eligible exempt travelers who deliberately choose to apply. | Current official K-ETA fee when an application is made · Check current processing guidance | Use only the official portal and recheck the eligible-country list. |
| Official e-Arrival Card | Travelers whom the official navigator says must submit an entry declaration. | Free · Submit within 3 days before arrival | Payment requests are a scam warning; use the .go.kr site only. |
| Paper arrival card where accepted | Travelers eligible to use the paper alternative under current immigration guidance. | Free · Complete during the arrival process | Confirm current availability and your own requirement before relying on it. |
AVOID THESE MISTAKES
Do this instead The official e-Arrival Card is free and uses e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
Do this instead Run your own passport and document combination through official government resources.
Do this instead Use the official Korea-time window shown for your arrival date.
Do this instead They are different systems; the official e-Arrival Card requires no fee.
TRAVELER FAQ
No single answer covers every passport. A temporary exemption applies to designated eligible countries and regions through December 31, 2026, so check the official K-ETA list for your passport.
Yes. The official Korean government portal explicitly says no fee is required and warns about fake paid websites.
Within three days before arrival in Korea, based on Korea Standard Time.
The official e-Arrival Card guidance lists foreign nationals holding a valid K-ETA among the exempt groups. Recheck the navigator for your current documents.
A valid passport, email, arrival and departure itinerary, and stay information including the Korean accommodation address.
Every changing rule stays attached to the organization responsible for it.
Last checked August 22, 2026. Korea Era edits these guides from official sources and does not decide eligibility, fares or schedules on your behalf.
