Frequently asked questions for South Korea

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How far in advance of my trip should I request the K-ETA?

What do I need to apply for the K-ETA to South Korea?

I have requested the K-ETA, how long does it take to process?

What is the cost of the K-ETA to South Korea?

How long is the K-ETA for South Korea valid, and what is the permitted stay with it?

Can the K-ETA be extended?

Is there a transit visa? Is it required for South Korea?

I already have my K-ETA to South Korea, what should I do next?

I have made a mistake in my application, how can I change it?

Permitted stay by nationality

How far in advance of my trip should I request the K-ETA?

The South Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) can be requested up to 4 days before travel, but it is recommended to apply at least 10 days in advance to avoid unforeseen issues and ensure timely approval.

What do I need to apply for the K-ETA to South Korea?

To apply for the K-ETA you must meet the following specific requirements: 

• Eligible Nationality: You may apply for the eTA if your nationality is listed below: 
  
  AFRICA: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia.
  
  AMERICA: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
  
  ASIA: Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
  
  EUROPE: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
  
  OCEANIA: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu.
  
  
• Passport: You must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months after your intended date of entry to Kenya. It is crucial to have a clear image of the biographic data page of the applicant's passport. It is the page that features all personal information (names, surnames, birth date, passport number, etc.) to attach during the application process. 
  
  
• Recent photograph: To include in your application, you must a square photograph of the applicant taken within the last 6 months in the highest quality possible.

I have requested the K-ETA, how long does it take to process?

The processing time for the eTA may vary depending on the accuracy of the information and documentation provided; eTA applications are typically processed within 3 days; however, many receive a response sooner.

You can check the status of your application by clicking this link.

What is the cost of the K-ETA to South Korea?

The total cost of the K-ETA for South Korea is €86, which includes the government fee of €7 and a service fee of €79. This service fee covers application review, 24/7 support, and a simplified process to prevent errors and delays. 

How long is the K-ETA for South Korea valid, and what is the permitted stay with it?

An approved K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new K-ETA. During this 3 year period you can enter South Korea multiple times, but each visit must not exceed the permitted stay for your nationality. Check here
Being in possession of an approved K-ETA does not ensure your entry into the country, as the final decision on entry will always be made by immigration officials.

Can the K-ETA be extended?

The K-ETA cannot be extended. If your current authorization is about to expire or has already expired and you wish to enter South Korea, you must submit a new K-ETA application. 
You can submit a new application by clicking on this link.

Is there a transit visa? Is it required for South Korea?

In general, travelers in transit do not require a visa to transit through South Korea if:

• It is for less than 24 hours (for Incheon Airport) or when departing on the same calendar day (for all other airports) as long as they stay within the transit area. 
  
  
• If your transit starts in any of the 32 european countries, Australia, Canada, USA, or New Zealand, or you hold a visa to enter or are a permanent resident in one of them and you are travelling there after your transit through South Korea.
    

If you are leaving the airport area you will need an approved K-ETA. If you are not elegible for the K-ETA you will need to apply for a visa at the embassy.

I already have my K-ETA to South Korea, what should I do next?

Once you have received your authorization approved, the next steps will depend on your travel plans and the purpose of your trip. Below, we have outlined some of the usual steps: 

• Check your entry requirements. 
  Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including your passport, flight tickets (both inbound and outbound) and any other document that can support your visit.
  
  
• Travel plans: 
  Confirm your travel itinerary, including flight details, accommodation, and transportation within the country.
  
  
• Currency and finances: 
  Consider your needs and plan accordingly, make sure you have sufficient funds for your stay. It is advisable to have some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival. 
  
  
• Contact information: 
  Keep the contact information of your accommodation, embassy or local consulate, and any emergency contacts readily available.
  
  
• Travel insurance: 
  Consider taking out travel insurance to cover any unexpected event or emergency during your trip. 
  
  
• Local traditions and laws: 
  Familiarize yourself with the traditions, laws, and cultural norms of the country to ensure a respectful and pleasant visit. 
  
  
• Stay informed: 
  Stay informed about any updates or changes to travel advisories, entry requirements, as well as local conditions before your trip.
  
  

Following these steps will help ensure you have a peaceful and enjoyable trip

I have made a mistake in my application, how can I change it?

Before making any changes to your application, please consider the following points:

1. If your application has been processed and confirmed, no changes can be made.
   
   
2. If your application is still being processed, no changes can be made.
   
   
3. You will only be able to modify your application if you have pending documentation or data on your application form. Please note that once you confirm your application, an automated system starts to make checks and connections with our databases. This is why you should thoroughly check all your application details and documentation before confirming the registration of your application.

If you wish to modify the information and/or documentation of your order, please click in our chat button; we will check if it is possible to do it and, if that is the case, we will give you the necessary instructions.

Permitted stay by nationality