South Korea To Launch Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

The South Korean government is expected to implement an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system for foreigners entering South Korea without a visa from May 3, 2021.

Those who hold a foreign passport from the visa-exempt countries can freely travel to Korea for tourism, family visits, or business (non-profit) purposes.

The K-ETA system works the same as the ESTA which means it must be applied in advance before entering the country.

Currently, there are 112 countries that concluded a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea and designated visa-free entry countries.

But due to the coronavirus, South Korea is only opening its borders to 21 countries to enter visa-free, with the 14-day quarantine.

The 21 countries are the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Venezuela, Saint Vincent, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Malta, Ireland, Guyana, Monaco, the Vatican, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Slovenia, Guam, New Caledonia, and Palau.

Although Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and more, previously enjoyed visa-free access to South Korea, they are not included in the first list. When the pandemic improves and national borders are opened, it's expected that the regulations for K-ETA will apply to the original 112 visa-free countries.

During the trial operation period from May 3rd to August, it will not be necessary to pay the 10,000 won processing fee for the online application.

The countries listed above must apply for K-ETA at least 24 hours before boarding a flight to South Korea and a copy of the approved K-ETA will be sent by email.

The K-ETA is valid for two years, so after it's been approved, there is no need to apply again for the next two years.

Countries that currently implement this type of electronic travel visa include Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, New Zealand, and more.

The European Union also plans to implement ETA from 2022.

Citizens of visa waiver countries will be required to pre-register for the K-ETA before entering the country.