Apply for Your South Korea K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Planning a trip to South Korea? Start your K-ETA application online and let our team review your details before submission.

South Korea K-ETA overview:

  • Entry type: Multiple entries
  • Permitted stay: 30 to 180 days per entry
  • Validity: Up to 3 years from approval
  • Processing time: Within 2 days

Start your K-ETA application today and travel with your authorization ready.

Apply for K-eTA

Disclaimer: VisaSyst is a private agency not affiliated with the South Korean government. We provide expert assistance for a service fee.

Based on 12971 reviews

What Is the K-ETA for South Korea?

The K-ETA, or Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, is an online travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors entering South Korea for short stays.

It’s used for trips such as:

  • Tourism
  • Visiting relatives or friends
  • Attending business meetings
  • Joining seminars or short business events

The K-ETA does not allow you to work, study long-term, or live in South Korea. You need a different visa if your trip involves employment, residence, or a long-term stay.

An approved K-ETA can be used multiple times during the validity period, but each stay must follow the visa-free stay limit for your nationality.

form-southkorea

Who Needs a K-ETA

Citizens of more than 100 visa-exempt countries need a K-ETA before traveling to South Korea.

Some travelers are exempt. This includes:

  • Children aged 17 or younger
  • Adults aged 65 or older
  • Nationalities covered by the temporary K-ETA exemption

K-ETA exemption

South Korea has extended the temporary K-ETA exemption for selected visa-exempt nationalities until December 31, 2026. This includes countries such as Spain, Mexico, and the United States.

Even if you’re currently exempt, applying for a K-ETA can still make arrival smoother. Travelers without a K-ETA may need to complete an Arrival Card and spend more time at border control.

Advantages of Applying for Your K-ETA With Us

You can apply directly through the government website, but without expert guidance. Our service is designed for travelers who want extra support, fewer errors, and a simpler process.

  • Expert review before submission

    Small mistakes can cause delays or problems with your authorization. Our team checks your application before it is submitted.

    We review your:

    • Passport details
    • Personal information
    • Travel information
    • Photo upload
    • Email address

    This helps reduce the risk of errors and gives you more confidence before your trip.

  • Photo and document adjustment

    Government systems often have strict upload rules. With our service, you do not need to worry about file size or format.

    Upload your passport-style photo, and our team will adjust it to meet the required specifications.

  • 24/7/365 assistance

    Questions can come up at any time, especially when you’re preparing for an international trip.

    Our support team is contactable 24/7 through our contact form. If anything is missing or unclear, we’ll guide you through the next step.

  • Urgent processing options

    Need your K-ETA quickly? We offer a priority service for urgent travel.

    Add our 1-hour Priority Processing for urgent requests.

  • Clear service fee

    The official government K-ETA application fee is separate from our expert service.

    Our price includes the government fee plus our service fee for review, document adjustment, support, and processing assistance.

What Are the Requirements to Apply for the K-ETA

You only need a few items to complete your South Korea K-ETA application online.

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • Valid passport from a K-ETA eligible country
  • Recent color passport-style photo
  • Valid credit or debit card
  • Active email address

Your approved K-ETA is linked to your passport. For this reason, your passport details must be accurate.

If your passport expires soon, your K-ETA may also expire sooner. The authorization cannot be transferred to a new passport.

How to Apply for Your K-ETA Step by Step

Applying through our online service is quick and simple.

  • simplified_form_icon1. Complete our simplified online form

    Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Our team will check your application before it’s sent for processing.

  • cards_icon2. Confirm and pay securely

    Review your information and pay the fee using our secure payment platform.

  • email_icon3. Receive your approved K-ETA by email

    You’ll receive your approved K-ETA by email within 2 days with standard processing.

FAQs About the K-ETA

How much does the K-ETA for South Korea cost?

Toggle faqs

Our price starts from US$ 109, and varies depending on your nationality and any additional services you choose.

This includes the mandatory government fee and our service fee. Our service fee covers manual review, photo adjustment, processing support, and customer assistance.

What should I do if I make a mistake in my application?

Toggle faqs

Contact us immediately. If we have not submitted your application yet, we can update the incorrect information. Our review process is also designed to catch common mistakes before they become a problem.

Can I extend my K-ETA while in South Korea?

Toggle faqs

No. You cannot extend a K-ETA while you’re in South Korea.

If you want to stay longer than your permitted visa-free period, you must leave the country or contact the relevant embassy about another visa type.

I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use?

Toggle faqs

Use the same passport for your K-ETA application and your trip.

Your approved K-ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. If you travel with a different passport, the authorization may not match your travel document.

Do I need to print my approved K-ETA?

Toggle faqs

Your K-ETA is linked electronically to your passport. Even so, we recommend printing a copy or saving it on your phone before you travel. This gives you easy access to your authorization if an airline or border officer asks to see it.

Can I work in South Korea with a K-ETA?

Toggle faqs

No. The K-ETA is for short visa-free visits.

You cannot use it to work, live, or study long-term in South Korea. You must apply for the correct visa if your purpose is not covered by the K-ETA.