Korea’s entry rules changed in a way that trips up travelers in 2026, and the catch isn’t a visa — it’s a small digital form. Here’s exactly what you need before you fly this year, the one step almost everyone forgets, and what’s set to change in 2027. Confirm the specifics on the official government sites linked below, since rules can shift.
You probably don’t need a K-ETA in 2026
Korea has extended its temporary K-ETA exemption through December 31, 2026. That means tourists from the listed visa-waiver countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, and Singapore — can enter Korea for short visits this year without applying for a K-ETA at all. If you’ve read older guides telling you to apply, that requirement is currently waived for eligible nationalities.
The step everyone forgets: the e-Arrival Card
Here’s the part that catches people. Since January 1, 2026, the e-Arrival Card is mandatory, replacing the old paper arrival card you used to fill out on the plane. Even if you’re exempt from the K-ETA, you (and everyone in your party, including children and seniors) must submit the e-Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival. It’s free on the official portal at e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Skipping it means sorting it out at the airport on arrival — exactly the delay you don’t want after a long flight.
One useful shortcut: if you do hold a valid K-ETA, you can skip the e-Arrival Card. So the practical rule for 2026 is simple — have one or the other: either a valid K-ETA, or a submitted e-Arrival Card.
Use the official sites only
There are many third-party sites that will “help” you with a K-ETA or arrival card for an added fee. You don’t need them, and they can overcharge or mishandle your data. Apply for a K-ETA only at k-eta.go.kr (or the official K-ETA app), and submit the e-Arrival Card only at e-arrivalcard.go.kr. The e-Arrival Card is free; the K-ETA, when required, carries a modest official fee with multi-year validity — check the current amount on the official site rather than trusting secondary sources.
What changes on January 1, 2027
The exemption is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. From January 1, 2027, the K-ETA is expected to be required again for visa-waiver travelers (unless the government extends the exemption once more, which hasn’t been confirmed). If you’re planning a trip that crosses into 2027, assume you’ll need to apply for a K-ETA at k-eta.go.kr ahead of departure and build in time for processing.
Quick pre-flight checklist
- Check your nationality’s status on k-eta.go.kr — exempt, K-ETA required, or full visa.
- Traveling in 2026 and exempt? Submit the free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 72 hours before you land.
- Hold a valid K-ETA? You can skip the e-Arrival Card.
- Traveling in 2027 or later? Plan to apply for a K-ETA before departure.
- Passport valid for your stay, plus onward/return details handy for the form.
Sort the form a couple of days before you fly and entry itself is quick — most travelers from exempt countries breeze through with nothing more than a passport and that one digital card.
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