KoreaClear · Travel answer

I have a US passport. Do I need a visa or K-ETA for Korea?

Short answer

For a short visit such as tourism, a US passport allows a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. Until 31 December 2026, a temporary K-ETA exemption applies to designated countries. If it covers you, you can enter without K-ETA, but you must submit the free e-Arrival Card before you arrive.

A K-ETA exemption does not exempt you from the e-Arrival Card.

What to do

Check that your passport is valid for your whole stay.
Start an application on the official K-ETA site (k-eta.go.kr) and scan your passport's photo page. If the temporary exemption covers you, a K-ETA exemption pop-up appears.
If you are exempt, submit the e-Arrival Card free on e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days before arrival (Korea time). If you hold an approved K-ETA, you do not need the arrival card.
Travelling in 2027 or later? Check the K-ETA notices for whether the exemption has been extended.

Check before relying on this

Use only k-eta.go.kr and e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Lookalike and agency sites charge high fees.
Work, study or long stays may need a visa. Check with a Korean embassy or consulate in the US.
Travellers aged 17 or under or 65 or over do not need to apply for K-ETA, but may still need the e-Arrival Card.

More details and examples Expand

How long can I stay?

The official K-ETA country list shows a 90-day visa-free stay for the United States.

Can I apply for K-ETA even if I am exempt?

Yes. If you would rather skip the arrival card, you can apply for K-ETA and pay the fee (KRW 10,000, about USD 7–8). A K-ETA you already hold stays valid until it expires, and fees are not refunded.

Sources and provider examples

External sources may use another language.

Sources last checked: 2026-10-22. Rules, hours and services can change.