South Korea Entry Guidelines: Holiday Visa, K-ETA, Q-code, and more
Everything you need to know and prepare for your entry to Korea!
If you are a foreigner planning to travel to Korea, it is important to understand and know the current entry requirements and COVID-19 regulations. Here is a summary of everything you need to know about entering Korea so that you don't run into problems later!
For Convenience: Q-CODE System
(Updated Sept. 5, 2024)
What is Q-CODE?
Q-CODE is a system established by the KDCA in order to shorten the time for quarantine inspection and provide the conveniences overseas entrants require upon entry to the Republic of Korea.
The Q-CODE system is recommended for all tourists entering Korea as it allows you to upload health information online and receive a QR code for faster entry. The process takes about 15 minutes, and the QR code can be scanned upon arrival. If not completed online, travelers will need to fill out a physical health form upon arrival.
Click on the button below to apply for your Q-code! (Official Website)
***UPDATE (as of Sept. 5, 2024): Q-code Requirements for 2024
Starting from September 1, 2024, travelers entering South Korea who have visited or transited through certain "key quarantine management areas" must submit a Q-CODE or health declaration form. These areas are:
- Asia: Mongolia, Cambodia, China (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Chongqing Municipality)
- Middle East: Lebanon, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait
- Africa: Madagascar, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Americas: United States (Michigan, Colorado, Texas), Mexico
- Europe: United Kingdom
Additionally, anyone showing symptoms like fever after visiting other quarantine management areas must also submit the form.
Here is the official site for more information.
No COVID-19 Requirements for Entry
Credit: Visit Korea Official Site
- No pre-departure or post-arrival negative COVID-19 PCR test results required
- No mandatory 7-day quarantine required
Currently, there are no PCR test or quarantine requirements for foreigners entering Korea, including those that are unvaccinated.
For Convenience: K-ETA
Credit: Ministry of Justice | Korean Immigration Service Official Site
- K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization)
As of April 1st, 2023, K-ETA is no longer mandatory for travelers from the following countries: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden. Other countries still require a K-ETA or a visa. Please be sure to check with your local consulate for specifics.
While a K-ETA is no longer required for many countries, you will still need to fill out 3 documents (Arrival Card, Health Questionnaire, & Customs Declaration Form) upon arrival in Korea to pass through immigration. If you opt to submit a K-ETA, you will only have to fill out the Traveler Declaration Form, which is required for everyone regardless of which country you are entering from. If you want to get through immigration quickly, we highly recommend applying for K-ETA beforehand. You can easily apply for K-ETA here!
What is K-ETA?
K-ETA, or Korean Electronic Travel Authorization, is written approval of a foreign visitor's entry to South Korea. Basically, you submit all your information (passport info, address of accommodation, duration of stay, etc.) to the Office of Immigration and receive manual approval in a digital document. This process is not automatic and requires some time, so if you need it to enter, it is highly recommended that you apply for it beforehand. The approval process takes around 72 hours to a week, and the results are sent to your email address directly. If you have a valid visa to enter Korea, you do not need a K-ETA.
Are you ready for your trip to Korea? Click on the link below to check if you have everything prepared!
We hope this is helpful to you on your upcoming trip to Korea! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!