Citizens from 22 countries (USA, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, etc.) can enter Korea without K-ETA until December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, K-ETA becomes mandatory for all visa-free travelers.
This guide covers everything foreign tourists need to know about K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): what it is, current exemption status, eligible countries, application process, and important requirements. All information is based on official announcements from the Korea Ministry of Justice, Korea Immigration Service, and U.S. Department of State.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization system that allows visa-free travelers to obtain pre-approval online before entering Korea. According to the Korea Immigration Service, K-ETA was introduced in September 2021. This system requires travelers to submit passport information, email address, and a facial photo to verify their eligibility for visa-free entry to Korea before departure.
3 years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first)
Processing Time
Typically within 72 hours
Permitted Stay
Varies by nationality (up to 90 days for most countries)
Application Method
Official website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or mobile app only
As stated on the official K-ETA website, K-ETA is NOT a visa and does not guarantee entry into Korea. The final decision on entry is made by Korea Immigration Service officers at the port of entry.
What Is the K-ETA Exemption Status for 2026?
Citizens from 22 countries/regions can currently enter Korea without K-ETA until December 31, 2026.
The Korea Ministry of Justice extended the K-ETA temporary exemption period for one additional year to stimulate the tourism industry. According to official announcements from the U.S. Embassy in Korea and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta, this exemption is effective from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time).
Background of the Exemption Extension
The Korean government decided to extend the K-ETA exemption at the 10th National Tourism Strategy Meeting to boost inbound tourism. This measure aims to simplify entry procedures and encourage more foreign tourists to visit Korea.
Important Dates to Remember
Until December 31, 2026: K-ETA exemption in effect
Starting January 1, 2027: K-ETA becomes mandatory (including previously exempt countries) The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory clearly states: “Starting January 1, 2027, you will need a K-ETA before traveling to South Korea.”
Which Countries Are Exempt from K-ETA?
A total of 22 countries/regions benefit from the 2026 K-ETA exemption.
According to official announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the following countries are temporarily exempt from K-ETA:
22 countries/regions
Region
Countries/Regions
Asia (5)
Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan
Americas (2)
Canada, United States (including Guam)
Europe (13)
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
Oceania (2)
Australia, New Zealand
When applying on the official K-ETA website, travelers who select a nationality that is exempt will receive a pop-up message indicating their exemption status.
FAQ
Q
What is K-ETA?
A
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization system that allows visa-free travelers to obtain pre-approval online before entering Korea. It was introduced in September 2021 by the Korea Immigration Service.
Q
Do I need K-ETA to visit Korea in 2026?
A
If you are from one of the 22 exempt countries (including USA, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia), you do NOT need K-ETA until December 31, 2026. The Korean government extended the temporary exemption to boost tourism.
Q
Which countries are exempt from K-ETA in 2026?
A
22 countries/regions are exempt: Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan), Americas (Canada, USA including Guam), Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, UK), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).
Q
When does K-ETA become mandatory again?
A
Starting January 1, 2027, K-ETA will become mandatory for all visa-free travelers, including citizens from the currently exempt 22 countries.
Q
Does K-ETA guarantee entry into Korea?
A
No, K-ETA is NOT a visa and does not guarantee entry into Korea. The final decision on entry is made by Korea Immigration Service officers at the port of entry.
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Useful Korean Phrases
Tap to hear pronunciation or show to locals
여기 어떻게 가나요?Yeo-gi eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?How do I get here?
입구가 어디예요?Ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the entrance?
출구가 어디예요?Chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the exit?
입장료 얼마예요?Ip-jang-ryo eol-ma-ye-yo?How much is admission?
무료예요?Mu-ryo-ye-yo?Is it free?
학생 할인 있어요?Hak-saeng hal-in i-sseo-yo?Is there a student discount?
외국인 할인 있어요?Oe-guk-in hal-in i-sseo-yo?Is there a discount for foreigners?
단체 할인 되나요?Dan-che hal-in doe-na-yo?Is there a group discount?
표 어디서 사요?Pyo eo-di-seo sa-yo?Where do I buy tickets?
온라인 예매 가능해요?On-la-in ye-mae ga-neung-hae-yo?Can I book online?
몇 시에 문 열어요?Myeot si-e mun yeo-reo-yo?What time do you open?
몇 시에 문 닫아요?Myeot si-e mun da-da-yo?What time do you close?
쉬는 날이 언제예요?Swi-neun na-ri eon-je-ye-yo?What day are you closed?
점심시간 있어요?Jeom-sim-si-gan i-sseo-yo?Do you close for lunch?
마지막 입장이 몇 시예요?Ma-ji-mak ip-jang-i myeot si-ye-yo?What time is the last entry?
영어 안내 있어요?Yeong-eo an-nae i-sseo-yo?Do you have an English guide?
오디오 가이드 있어요?O-di-o ga-i-deu i-sseo-yo?Do you have an audio guide?
지도 있어요?Ji-do i-sseo-yo?Do you have a map?
영어 팸플릿 있어요?Yeong-eo paem-peul-rit i-sseo-yo?Do you have an English brochure?
가이드 투어 있어요?Ga-i-deu tu-eo i-sseo-yo?Do you have guided tours?
해설 프로그램 있어요?Hae-seol peu-ro-geu-raem i-sseo-yo?Are there any commentary programs?
사진 찍어주세요Sa-jin jji-geo-ju-se-yoPlease take a photo for me
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?Yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?Can I take photos here?
플래시 사용해도 돼요?Peul-lae-si sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo?Can I use flash?
동영상 촬영 가능해요?Dong-yeong-sang chwal-yeong ga-neung-hae-yo?Can I record video?
사진 명소가 어디예요?Sa-jin myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the best photo spot?
화장실 어디예요?Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the restroom?
짐 보관소 있어요?Jim bo-gwan-so i-sseo-yo?Is there a luggage storage?
물 마실 데 있어요?Mul ma-sil de i-sseo-yo?Is there a water fountain?
유모차 대여 가능해요?Yu-mo-cha dae-yeo ga-neung-hae-yo?Can I rent a stroller?
휠체어 이용 가능해요?Hwil-che-eo i-yong ga-neung-hae-yo?Is it wheelchair accessible?
엘리베이터 있어요?El-li-be-i-teo i-sseo-yo?Is there an elevator?
와이파이 되나요?Wa-i-pa-i doe-na-yo?Is there WiFi?
충전할 곳 있어요?Chung-jeon-hal got i-sseo-yo?Is there a place to charge my phone?
카페나 식당 있어요?Ka-pe-na sik-dang i-sseo-yo?Is there a cafe or restaurant?
기념품 가게 어디예요?Gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the souvenir shop?
다 둘러보려면 얼마나 걸려요?Da dul-leo-bo-ryeo-myeon eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?How long does it take to see everything?
꼭 봐야 할 것 뭐예요?Kkok bwa-ya hal geot mwo-ye-yo?What is a must-see here?
근처에 뭐 있어요?Geun-cheo-e mwo i-sseo-yo?What is nearby?
여기서 가장 유명한 게 뭐예요?Yeo-gi-seo ga-jang yu-myeong-han ge mwo-ye-yo?What is the most famous thing here?
일몰 명소가 어디예요?Il-mol myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the best sunset spot?
야경이 예뻐요?Ya-gyeong-i ye-ppeo-yo?Is the night view pretty?
밤에도 열어요?Bam-e-do yeo-reo-yo?Is it open at night?
비 와도 볼 수 있어요?Bi wa-do bol su i-sseo-yo?Can I visit even if it rains?
반려동물 데려갈 수 있어요?Bal-lyeo-dong-mul de-ryeo-gal su i-sseo-yo?Can I bring my pet?
편의점 어디예요?Pyeon-ui-jeom eo-di-ye-yo?Where is a convenience store?
ATM 어디예요?ATM eo-di-ye-yo?Where is an ATM?
환전소 어디예요?Hwan-jeon-so eo-di-ye-yo?Where is a currency exchange?
우체국 어디예요?U-che-guk eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the post office?
충전기 빌릴 수 있어요?Chung-jeon-gi bil-lil su i-sseo-yo?Can I borrow a charger?
관광안내소 어디예요?Gwan-gwang-an-nae-so eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the tourist information center?
와이파이 어디서 쓸 수 있어요?Wa-i-pa-i eo-di-seo sseul su i-sseo-yo?Where can I use WiFi?
유심 어디서 사요?Yu-sim eo-di-seo sa-yo?Where can I buy a SIM card?
Summary of Key Points
K-ETA is Korea's electronic travel authorization system introduced in September 2021 for visa-free travelers.
2026 Exemption: Citizens from 22 countries (including USA, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia) do NOT need K-ETA until December 31, 2026.
2027 Change: Starting January 1, 2027, K-ETA becomes mandatory for all visa-free travelers.
K-ETA Details: Costs 10,000 KRW (~$7-8), valid for 3 years, processing takes up to 72 hours.
Important: K-ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into Korea.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your nationality on the 22-country K-ETA exemption list before planning your trip.
Traveling in 2026? No K-ETA needed if you're from an exempt country—just bring your valid passport.
Planning for 2027 or later? Bookmark the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) and apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Verify your permitted stay period based on your nationality (most countries: 90 days, Canada: 6 months).
Stay updated by checking official government sources for any policy changes before your trip.
