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Do I need K-ETA, an e-Arrival Card, or both?

Short answer

K-ETA is pre-travel authorisation for eligible visa-free travellers; the e-Arrival Card is an arrival declaration. A traveller entering visa-free with valid K-ETA approval is exempt from the arrival card; someone entering with a visa must still submit it unless another exemption applies, while a traveller exempt only from applying for K-ETA generally still files it unless another exemption applies.

What to do
  1. Check the official K-ETA site for your passport, age and arrival date.
  2. If an arrival card is required, submit it free on e-arrivalcard.go.kr within the site’s three-day window before arrival, using Korean time.
  3. Have your passport, arrival/departure details and Korean stay address/contact ready.
Check before relying on this
  • The temporary K-ETA exemption for designated countries currently runs through 31 December 2026; recheck for travel in 2027.
  • Smart Entry Service registration does not itself replace an arrival declaration.
More details and examples Expand

More detail

The same distinction applies at Busan as at Incheon. Registered foreign residents and airline crew are among other arrival-card exemptions; use the official navigator for your exact status.

Sources and provider examples

External sources may use another language.

Sources last checked: . Rules, hours and services can change.