Arriving passengers pass three checks run by three different agencies. They ask about different things, and the paperwork for each is separate.
1. Immigration
- How long you are staying and where
- Whether you have an onward or return ticket
- The purpose of the visit
- Fingerprints and a facial photo for most arriving travellers
This is where your permitted stay is set. A valid K-ETA — or a valid exemption — gets you to this desk; it does not decide the outcome.
2. Quarantine
Korea checks arriving travellers for animal and plant material. This is not a formality: failing to declare can bring a fine of up to KRW 5 million under the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.
3. Customs
Everyone submits a declaration of personal effects. You must declare goods above the duty-free allowance of US$800.
Have this ready before you land
- Your accommodation address in Korea, written out
- Your onward flight details
- An honest answer about food and plant items in your bag
Source: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency — Rules for overseas travellers
If you are unsure whether something needs declaring, declare it. There is no penalty for declaring an item that turns out to be allowed.
More about K-ETA
After you land
K-ETA gets you on the plane. What comes after — arrival card, e-gates, cash, tax refunds, transport, healthcare, emergencies — checked with official sources.
Arrival card and e-gates
Without a K-ETA you file an arrival card (online from 3 days before). Since 16 March 2026, visitors aged 17+ from 42 countries can register for e-gates.
Bringing medicines
Ordinary medicines: up to 6 bottles or 3 months' supply. ADHD drugs, codeine, sleeping pills and other controlled medicines need approval first.
Quarantine
Failing to declare animal or plant products on arrival in Korea can bring a fine of up to KRW 5 million under the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.
Customs allowances
The general allowance is US$800, with separate limits for alcohol, tobacco and perfume. Travellers under 19 do not get the alcohol and tobacco exemptions.
If you are exempt
Many nationalities do not currently need a K-ETA at all. Applying anyway costs money and gives you nothing. Here is how to check, and what still applies.