The exemption currently in place is temporary, and the announced end date is 31 December 2026. If your trip falls near that date, plan on the basis that the requirement returns rather than that it will be extended again.
Which date matters
What counts is the date you arrive in Korea, not the date you booked or the date you departed home. A flight that lands after the exemption period needs the permission even if it took off before.
If you are travelling around the changeover
- Apply anyway if your arrival is close to the date. It is valid for 3 years, so an unnecessary application is not a loss.
- Do not rely on the airline to tell you. Carriers check on the day of departure, which is too late to fix.
- Check the official portal shortly before you travel — extensions and changes are announced there first.
Exemption lists have been revised more than once, and the countries covered have changed each time. Treat any list you read elsewhere, including summaries like this one, as a pointer to the official page rather than a substitute for it.
Source: K-ETA official portal
More about K-ETA
If denied
A denial does not automatically mean you cannot travel, but it does mean the online route is closed. What the next step actually is.
Which one do I need?
Similar names, very different rules. Which scheme applies to which destination, what each costs, and the mistakes that come from mixing them up.
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.
Liquids and power banks
Carry-on liquids: 100 ml containers in one sealed 1 litre bag. Since 20 April 2026, at most 2 power banks per person, and no charging on board.
Money and tipping
Cards are widely accepted, markets may want cash, and tipping is not expected. Cash and cheques over US$10,000 in total must be declared on arrival.