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South Korea entry requirements: visa, documents & travel tips

South Korea entry requirements: visa, documents & travel tips
Arrival at Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) | March 2023
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If you are planning a trip to South Korea, it is essential to know the requirements and procedures for a smooth arrival. Many countries are eligible for visa-free entry into South Korea, with the specific rules and length of stay varying. Generally, travelers from the European Union (such as Italy, France, Germany, Spain, etc.), North America, and parts of Asia, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter visa-free for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. Most nationalities are also required to obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure, and starting in 2026, the e-Arrival Card will also be mandatory.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide on what it takes to entry into South Korea, including clear information on visa, K-ETA, vaccines, health insurance, and more.

Discover the details and steps needed for a safe and smooth entry, ensuring a better travel experience.

What documents are needed to enter Korea?

  • Passport: for short-term visitors, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry, and it should cover your entire stay in South Korea. For those applying for a long-term visa, the passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.
  • K-ETA (not mandatory for a few countries until December 31, 2025): if you do not need a visa to enter South Korea, you are generally required to apply only for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). This online application requires personal information, a passport photo, passport details, your accommodation in Korea, and other travel data. However, from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, 22 countries are exempt from applying for the K-ETA before entering South Korea as part of a tourism promotion measure (see official details here). If your country is on the exemption list, you can enter simply with your passport during this period. If you are a citizen of countries not included in the visa-free program — for example, the Philippines, India, or Indonesia — you will also need to apply for a visa. Since visa types and procedures vary by nationality and purpose of travel, it is essential to check the latest requirements with the South Korean embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Vaccinations: South Korea has very high health standards, and no vaccines are required for entry. However, certain groups of travelers may be advised to consider vaccinations depending on their health conditions or travel plans. For example, those spending extended periods in rural areas may be recommended vaccines against Hepatitis B, typhoid, or Japanese encephalitis (the latter mainly for children). Always consult your doctor and check your country’s official TravelSafe or Foreign Ministry website for updated guidance.
  • Travel Health Insurance: while not mandatory, taking out travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all international trips. Coverage can also include lost luggage, flight delays, and other unforeseen events. Investing a small amount in insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of medical emergencies abroad.

Forms to fill out on the plane or upon arrival

  • Arrival Card: this is a yellow form that is usually handed out on the plane. It must be completed with your personal details and the address of the accommodation where you will be staying (if you are staying in more than one hotel, you only need to indicate the first one). From 2026 it will become mandatory to fill out the e-Arrival Card, the online version, which is already available as an alternative to the printed form.
  • Customs Declaration Form (one form per family): this is a blue form that is usually delivered together with the Arrival Card. As of May 1, 2023, travelers with nothing to declare are no longer required to fill out a customs declaration form when entering South Korea. If required, the form must be submitted upon arrival at the airport, just before leaving the immigration area, where you must choose between the “Nothing to declare” or “Goods to declare” lanes. In most cases, travelers choose “Nothing to declare,” which corresponds to checking “No” on all items in the form. However, if you are unsure and want to avoid fines, it is always advisable to check the official website of the Korea Customs Service for updated information on what needs to be declared. For example, you must declare if you are carrying the equivalent of at least USD 10,000 in cash, or goods such as alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, or luxury items above certain limits. On the other hand, typical travel accessories and personal belongings in normal quantities do not need to be declared.

K-ETA: Korean Electronic Travel Authorization

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a basic requirement for most foreign visitors traveling to South Korea for tourism or business. For citizens of the European Union included in the exemption list, as well as for nationals of 22 selected countries, the K-ETA is not mandatory until December 31, 2025. However, applying for it in advance can be convenient, as it allows you to skip filling out the Arrival Card upon entry and ensures a faster immigration process in South Korea. Here’s what you need to know to request it correctly:

  • Who needs it: travelers visiting South Korea for up to 90 days are normally required to obtain a K-ETA, unless they are traveling under specific visa categories that are exempt. The same rule applies to many other nationalities eligible for visa-free entry.
  • Application procedure: the application for the K-ETA must be completed online through the official Korean government website. You will need to fill out an application form with your personal information and trip details, upload a passport photo, and provide your accommodation address. Make sure all data is entered correctly, as mistakes or missing details may cause problems upon arrival.
  • Required documentation: make sure you have a valid passport, provide your arrival and departure flight details, and include the address of your accommodation in South Korea. It is recommended to keep a digital or printed copy of your passport and travel documents with you during your trip.
  • Processing time: the K-ETA should be requested at least 72 hours before departure. In most cases, it is approved within a few hours after completing the online application. However, applying well in advance is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute delays or inconveniences.
  • Validity: once approved, the K-ETA remains valid for 3 years from the date of issue and can be used for multiple entries into South Korea during that period, as long as your passport is still valid.
Although 22 nationalities are exempt from the K-ETA requirement until December 31, 2025, you may still choose to apply for it to benefit from advantages such as skipping the Arrival Card at immigration. The cost of the K-ETA is 10,000 KRW, and it can only be requested through the official website. Do not rely on third-party services offering to act as intermediaries. If you decide to apply, make sure to submit your application well before your departure—while it must be completed at least 72 hours in advance, applying earlier is always safer.

Useful Links

Before leaving for your trip to South Korea, make sure you meet all the bureaucratic requirements for entry into the country. This is not an official page, so I strongly recommend checking the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in your country for the latest updates on entry procedures. Below you will find a selection of useful links to help you prepare for your entry into South Korea: