K-ETA Application Guide: How to Apply Step by Step

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) application is a straightforward online process that takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. You apply through the official website at k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA mobile app, provide your passport details and a facial photo, pay the 10,000 KRW fee (~$7-8 USD), and receive your approval within 72 hours. This guide walks you through every step so you can submit a successful application the first time.

What Is K-ETA and Who Needs It?

K-ETA stands for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. It is a mandatory pre-travel screening system for citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to enter South Korea without a visa. Launched on September 1, 2021, K-ETA is managed by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice.

If you are from one of the over 100 visa-exempt countries, you need K-ETA approval before boarding your flight or ship to South Korea. However, note that K-ETA requirements have been temporarily suspended for travelers from 22 countries through December 31, 2026. Children aged 17 and under and adults aged 65 and over are also exempt from K-ETA since July 3, 2023.

For a full breakdown of what K-ETA covers and how it differs from a visa, see our guide on what is K-ETA.

K-ETA Application Requirements

Before you start your application, make sure you have the following ready:

Important: The K-ETA fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately USD $7-8), and an additional online payment processing fee is charged separately. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

How to Apply for K-ETA: Step-by-Step

The K-ETA application is completed entirely online. You can apply through either the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or the K-ETA mobile app, available on both iOS and Android.

Step 1: Agree to Terms and Conditions

Visit k-eta.go.kr and select your language. Click “Apply” to begin. You will first need to read and agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy. Check all required agreement boxes and click “Next.”

Step 2: Email Verification

Enter your email address. The system will send a verification code to your inbox. Enter the code within the time limit to confirm your email. This email will also be used to notify you of your K-ETA result.

Tip: Use an email address you check regularly. Hotmail and Outlook addresses may experience delays in receiving the verification code. Gmail delays have also been reported recently.

Step 3: Enter Passport Information

Fill in your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport:

• Full name (as printed on passport)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Passport number
• Passport expiration date
• Nationality
• Country of birth

You can either type in the information manually or scan the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport’s photo page using your device’s camera. Double-check every field before proceeding – any mismatch between your K-ETA application and your passport could result in denial or entry problems.

Step 4: Enter Application Information

This section collects your travel details:

• Purpose of entry: Tourism, business, visiting family, conference, etc.
• Accommodation in Korea: Hotel name and address, or your host’s address
• Contact information in Korea: Phone number (hotel or local contact)
• Expected date of arrival: Your planned arrival date in South Korea
• Expected date of departure: Your planned departure date
• Accompanying persons: If family members are traveling with you, add their details

If your travel information changes after you submit your application, you must update it through the “Update Travel Information” page on the K-ETA website. Failure to update could result in entry denial.

Step 5: Upload Your Photo

Upload a recent color photo of your face. The photo must meet these specifications:

The photo should show your full face from the front. Selfies are acceptable as long as they meet all the specifications above.

Step 6: Make Payment

Pay the application fee of 10,000 KRW using an accepted international credit card. Only credit card payments are accepted – debit cards and bank transfers are not supported. A separate processing fee will be added to the total.

After payment, review your entire application carefully. Once submitted, you cannot make changes (except travel information updates).

Step 7: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application and payment, the Korea Immigration Service will review your request. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours, but during peak travel seasons or periods of high application volume, it may take longer.

You will receive the result via email. You can also check your application status on the official website by entering your application number and passport details. For detailed instructions, see our K-ETA status check guide.

K-ETA Processing Time and Validity

The standard K-ETA processing time is 72 hours or less. Most applicants receive a decision within 24 hours. However, during busy periods (summer, Korean holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year), processing may exceed 72 hours.

When to apply: You can submit your K-ETA application up to 2 months before your travel date. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to allow buffer time. Airlines will check for valid K-ETA at check-in and may deny boarding if you do not have one.

The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval (applications submitted before July 3, 2023 were valid for 2 years). However, if your passport expires before the 3-year period, the K-ETA validity ends when your passport expires. You can use K-ETA for multiple trips within the validity period.

Keep in mind that K-ETA validity is separate from your visa-free stay period. For example, if your country allows a 90-day visa-free stay, that is the maximum per visit, even though your K-ETA is valid for 3 years.

K-ETA Application Fee

The K-ETA application fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately USD $7-8). This is the official fee charged by the Korean government. An additional online payment processing fee is added when you pay by credit card.

Beware of unofficial websites that charge significantly higher fees (sometimes $50-$100+) for K-ETA applications. Only the official website (www.k-eta.go.kr) and the official mobile app (K-ETA) are authorized channels. Third-party websites may complete your application but charge inflated prices, and some are outright scams.

For a complete breakdown of costs and tips on avoiding overcharges, see our K-ETA cost guide.

After K-ETA Approval: What You Need to Know

Once approved, your K-ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print anything – immigration officers can verify your K-ETA using your passport number. However, it is wise to save a screenshot or PDF of your approval email as a backup.

K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry into South Korea. The final decision is made by a Korea Immigration Service officer at the port of entry. You may still be refused entry if you fail to meet other entry requirements (health screening, customs declarations, etc.).

With a valid K-ETA, you can pass through immigration more conveniently and are exempt from submitting the arrival card when entering South Korea.

When You Need to Reapply

You must submit a new K-ETA application if:

• Your passport has been reissued or renewed
• Your criminal record has changed since your last application
• Your infectious disease information has changed
• Your K-ETA has expired (after 3 years)

Common K-ETA Application Mistakes to Avoid

Many K-ETA applications are denied due to preventable errors. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Incorrect passport information – Even a single wrong digit in your passport number can cause denial. Double-check every field.
2. Poor quality photo – Blurry, dark, or incorrectly formatted photos are a leading cause of rejection. Follow the photo specifications exactly.
3. Applying too late – Waiting until the last minute risks flight delays if processing takes longer than expected. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
4. Using unofficial websites – Third-party sites charge inflated fees and may mishandle your personal information. Always use k-eta.go.kr or the official app.
5. Not updating travel information – If your hotel, arrival date, or purpose of visit changes, update the information on the K-ETA website. Failure to update could result in entry denial.
6. Submitting false information – Providing false or inaccurate information will result in refusal or cancellation of K-ETA and may lead to penalties or entry restrictions under Korean law.

K-ETA Application Tips for a Smooth Process

• Apply well in advance – at least 2 weeks before your trip, ideally 1-2 months ahead.
• Use a desktop or laptop computer for the application to make photo uploads and form-filling easier.
• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from your arrival date.
• Save your application number immediately after submission so you can check your status.
• Keep your credit card ready before starting – you cannot save and resume a partially completed application.
• If traveling with family, each person (including children who are not exempt) needs a separate K-ETA application.

FAQs About K-ETA Application