K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
Prices starting from $70.99
Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle. It's fast and secure. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit, our simplified South Korea visa application process and expert support make it easier from start to finish.
How to apply for your South Korea ETA with iVisa
Answer a few simple questions to find out whether you need a South Korea K-ETA, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, e-Arrival Card, or another South Korean document. Then, upload your documents and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.
We’ll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.
The South Korea visa system is known for being a bit picky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.
Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays. One of our experts checks everything for errors or missing information to make sure it’s ready to go. This review is quick but thorough.
We’re not the government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.
We’ll email your approved ETA and let you know how to use it for your trip.
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt passport holders visiting South Korea for tourism or business. It is valid for three years and allows multiple entries, with each stay capped at 30 days.
The K-ETA cannot be extended, and a new application is required once the three-year period ends.
The South Korea e-Arrival Card is an electronic immigration form required for most foreign travelers entering the country, except residents and K-ETA holders.
It serves as an entry declaration and must be completed online within three days (72 hours) before arrival. Each card is valid for a single entry and applies only to the trip submitted. The e-Arrival Card is mandatory at all ports of entry in South Korea.
Purpose: The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is for visa-exempt travelers visiting for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or events.
When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least one week in advance, though the official minimum is 72 hours.
Duration and extensions: Validity is typically 3 years (or until your passport expires). It allows stays of 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your nationality. It’s generally non-extendable; you must depart before your stay expires.
Entries: The K-ETA is issued for multiple entries within its validity period.
Ports of entry: Holders can enter through all international airports (like Incheon, Gimhae, and Jeju) and major seaports.
Delivery format: The approval is electronically linked to your passport. You’ll receive an email notification, and you're advised to carry a digital or printed copy of the approval notice.
Purpose: The South Korea e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital entry declaration. It replaces the traditional paper arrival form and is required for all travelers who don’t hold a valid K-ETA (including those from K-ETA-exempt countries and visa holders).
When to apply: You must submit it within 3 days (72 hours) before your scheduled arrival in South Korea.
Duration and extensions: It’s strictly for a single entry and is valid for 72 hours from the time of submission. It doesn't grant a specific length of stay; that is determined by your visa or visa-exempt status.
Entries: This is a single-use form required for every individual trip to South Korea.
Ports of entry: It's accepted at all international checkpoints. As of January 1, 2026, paper forms aren't accepted at major airports like Incheon (ICN).
Delivery format: After submission, you’ll receive a digital confirmation with a card number. You should save a PDF or screenshot on your mobile device to show immigration officers upon arrival.
This is for travelers visiting for tourism (C-3-9), business meetings/market research (C-3-4), or general purposes like conferences and medical treatment (C-3-1). It's for nationals of non-visa-exempt countries or those ineligible for K-ETA. It’s typically a single-entry visa valid for 90 days.
*We currently don’t offer this visa.
This is for individuals performing temporary paid work such as modeling, lectures, or seasonal entertainment. It’s for workers with a contract from a Korean entity and is valid for a stay of up to 90 days.
*We currently don’t offer this visa.
This allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to live in Korea while working for their overseas employer. It’s for individuals earning over KRW 85 million annually (approx. $65,000) with at least one year of experience. It’s valid for 1 year and can be extended for an additional year.
*We currently don’t offer this visa.
The D-2 Visa is for students pursuing full-time degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) at universities. The D-4 Visa is for language trainees or those in general training programs. Validity is tied to the enrollment period, typically granted in 1-year or 2-year increments.
*We currently don’t offer these visas.
The F-1 Visa is for visiting family or housekeepers of diplomats. The F-3 Visa is for the accompanying spouse and minor children of D or E-series visa holders. Validity usually matches the primary visa holder's status.
*We currently don’t offer these visas.
This group covers various professional roles: E-1 (Professors), E-2 (Language Instructors), E-3 (Researchers), and E-7 (Special Ability/Skilled Workers). These require local sponsorship and are valid for 1 to 5 years, renewable as long as the contract remains active.
*We currently don’t offer these visas.
Most foreign nationals must obtain either a visa or a K-ETA before traveling to South Korea for tourism, business, study, or work. South Korea doesn't offer a traditional Visa on Arrival (VoA) service.
Travelers entering South Korea who don't hold a valid K-ETA are required to complete a mandatory digital e-Arrival Card within three days before departure.
General South Korea visa requirements are:
Passport valid at the time of entry (at least six months recommended)
Recent digital passport photo
Travel details (such as flight information and a specific South Korean accommodation address)
Additional supporting documents depending on visa type (e.g., business invitation letter, university admission certificate, or employment contract)
Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a mandatory electronic travel permit required for nationals of visa-exempt countries when visiting South Korea for tourism, business, or family visits. Travelers must apply online and receive approval before boarding their flight.
The K-ETA is typically valid for two years from the approval date or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Depending on your nationality, it allows multiple short-term stays of up to 90 days per visit.
If you want an expert-guided process, you can apply for a K-ETA through the iVisa platform. To complete the application, you will need a valid passport, a recent photograph, and a working email address.
No, you cannot extend your stay if you entered South Korea using a K-ETA. If you must stay longer, leave the country and apply for an appropriate visa from a Korean consulate or embassy.
South Korea offers several short-term visas, including the C-3 visa for tourism, business, and short-term family visits, as well as other categories like the C-4 short-term employment visa. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements and permitted activities.
Some travelers may transit through South Korea without a visa if they meet specific criteria, such as holding a confirmed onward ticket and coming from or going to specific countries. However, others may require a transit visa (B-2) depending on their nationality and travel plans.
The South Korea transit visa (B-2) allows travelers to stay in the country for a limited period while connecting to a third country. Nationals of some countries are eligible for visa-free transit entry under specific circumstances, while others must apply for the B-2 visa in advance.
South Korea offers various visas for employment and education, such as the E-2 visa for foreign language instructors, the D-2 visa for students attending Korean universities, and the E-7 visa for skilled workers. Each visa has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
You must apply for other South Korean visas through the official Hi Korea website or at a South Korean embassy or consulate in your country. The application process includes submitting required documents such as a passport, application form, photo, and proof of your travel purpose.