South Korea entry requirements: K-ETA, e-Arrival Card, Q-CODE
Until 31 December 2026, passports from 22 countries and regions, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia, don't need a K-ETA, but you fill in an arrival card.
By Simvito · Reviewed and updated
Do you need a K-ETA?
South Korea has suspended the K-ETA requirement for 22 countries and regions until 31 December 2026 (Korea time): Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK and the US. Other visa-free passports, such as Malaysia, Ireland or Portugal, still need a K-ETA.
Nothing has been announced for 2027 yet. The last two extensions were both announced in December, so check the K-ETA site before you travel.
e-Arrival Card
If you're exempt from K-ETA, you fill in an arrival card. You can do it free online from three days before arrival. If you choose to get a K-ETA anyway, you don't need an arrival card.
If you need a K-ETA
- Apply only on the K-ETA website or official app. The fee is about USD 7 to 8.
- The K-ETA site warns about agents charging large fees for “assisted” or “express” applications.
- Results usually come within 72 hours, so apply at least three days ahead.
Q-CODE
Q-CODE is a health declaration. Only travellers who were recently in areas listed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency need it.
You'll want data on arrival
Taxis, maps and KakaoTalk all need data. Most South Korea eSIMs start counting at first connection, so you can install one before you leave and switch it on when you land.