South Korea is still accepting paper arrival cards despite e-Arrival Card rollout

Both formats remain in use until an official announcement is made on the removal of paper forms

South Korea continues to accept paper arrival cards despite the rollout of its electronic arrival card system. According to VisasNews, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that both formats are currently being used in parallel.

"Arrival reporting for South Korea can be completed using either a paper arrival card or an electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card). Until an official announcement regarding the complete abolition of the paper arrival card is made, we will continue to use both the paper arrival card and the e-Arrival Card in parallel."

The definitive removal of paper forms has not yet been officially announced.

Background on the e-Arrival Card

South Korea launched the electronic arrival card system in 2025, allowing foreign travelers to submit their entry information online before departing for the country. The system is intended to gradually replace paper forms traditionally distributed on airplanes or at airports.

When the system was introduced, the Korean Immigration Service indicated a transition period would remain in place until the end of 2025, during which passengers could choose between paper and electronic formats. Since the beginning of 2026, some reports have claimed the paper card was discontinued, but authorities have now clarified this is not the case.

Digital options at airports

Although paper cards remain an option, Korean authorities are encouraging travelers to use the digital format. At international airports, QR codes displayed in arrival areas and tablets made available to travelers provide direct access to the official e-Arrival Card portal.

Who is exempt from the arrival card

Travelers holding a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) are exempt from completing an arrival card, whether paper or electronic.

This exemption also applies to nationals of countries currently exempt from the K-ETA requirement until December 31, 2026. However, these travelers may still voluntarily apply for and pay for a K-ETA if they wish to skip arrival formalities altogether.