K-ETA Cost: How Much Does Korea Electronic Travel Authorization Fee in 2026

The official K-ETA fee is KRW 10,000 (approximately USD 7-8) per person, paid online by credit card at k-eta.go.kr. This is the only legitimate government charge for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization – any site charging more is a third-party agency adding service fees. Below you will find exact costs in multiple currencies, payment details, refund rules, and how to avoid overpaying.

If you are still gathering basic information about K-ETA, start with our K-ETA Complete Guide for a full overview of the program.

How Much Does K-ETA Cost?

The K-ETA government fee is KRW 10,000 per applicant. In major world currencies, this equals approximately:

Exchange rates fluctuate, so the exact amount in your currency may vary slightly at the time of payment. The fee is charged in Korean Won, and your credit card issuer handles the conversion.

Key facts about the K-ETA fee:

• The fee is per person – every traveler needs their own K-ETA
• The same fee applies regardless of nationality
• The fee covers one application (approval or denial)
• Payment is required at the time of application submission
• The fee has remained KRW 10,000 since the program launched in 2021

For details on how long the approval process takes after payment, see our K-ETA Processing Time guide.

What Does the K-ETA Fee Include?

Your KRW 10,000 payment covers the mandatory government travel authorization assessment conducted by South Korea’s Ministry of Justice. Here is what you get:

The K-ETA is a travel authorization, not a visa. It pre-screens travelers before they arrive in South Korea. Once approved, your K-ETA is valid for two to three years from the date of approval and allows multiple entries during that period.

There are no additional government fees beyond the initial KRW 10,000. If a website asks you to pay extra for “processing,” “expedited service,” or “government surcharges,” those are third-party service fees – not official charges.

How to Pay the K-ETA Fee

Payment happens during the online application process at the official portal k-eta.go.kr. You cannot apply without paying – the fee is mandatory and collected at submission.

Accepted payment methods:

• Visa credit or debit card
• Mastercard credit or debit card
• American Express (AMEX)
• JCB cards

Payment process:

1. Complete the K-ETA application form at k-eta.go.kr
2. Review your information before submission
3. Enter your credit card details on the secure payment page
4. Confirm the charge of KRW 10,000
5. Receive payment confirmation and application reference number

Important payment notes:

• You may need to complete 3D Secure verification (Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode) during payment
• If your card is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction
• The charge appears as a purchase from the Korean government on your statement
• Mobile payments through the K-ETA app follow the same process

If you have not yet started your application, our K-ETA Application Guide walks you through every step.

K-ETA Fee Refund Policy

The K-ETA fee is non-refundable. This applies in all scenarios:

If your application is denied, you lose the KRW 10,000 fee and must submit a new application with a new payment if you want to try again. Before reapplying, review the K-ETA Rejection Reasons to understand why your application was denied and fix any issues.

There is no appeal process for a denied K-ETA application. The only option is to reapply with corrected or updated information.

Official Fee vs. Third-Party Agencies

This is where many travelers get confused – and overcharged. The official K-ETA fee is KRW 10,000 (~USD 7-8). However, dozens of private websites and travel agencies offer to “process your K-ETA” for significantly higher prices.

Red flags that indicate a third-party site:

• The URL is NOT k-eta.go.kr
• The site charges more than KRW 10,000 / USD 8
• The site promises “guaranteed approval” (no one can guarantee this)
• The site offers “express processing” (the government sets the timeline)
• The site asks for more personal information than the official form requires
• The site does not have a .go.kr domain

Some legitimate travel agencies do offer K-ETA assistance as part of broader travel packages, and they disclose their service fees separately. The problem is with sites that disguise themselves as official or charge inflated fees without clear disclosure.

Always apply directly at k-eta.go.kr to pay only the government fee. If you need help with the application process, check our K-ETA Requirements page before applying.

K-ETA Fees for Families and Groups

Every traveler entering South Korea needs their own K-ETA, including children and infants. The fee is the same for all ages.

Key points for families:

• Each family member needs a separate application and separate payment
• Children cannot be included on a parent’s K-ETA
• Infants and toddlers also require their own K-ETA and fee
• You can submit multiple applications from the same account
• Each application gets its own reference number and approval status

For a family of four, the total K-ETA cost is approximately USD 28-32 – still far cheaper than traditional visa applications.

K-ETA Fee vs. Other Travel Authorizations

How does the K-ETA fee compare to similar electronic travel authorizations around the world?

The K-ETA is one of the most affordable electronic travel authorizations globally. It costs less than the US ESTA and is comparable to the EU ETIAS and UK ETA.

For travelers from countries that need a full visa instead of K-ETA, the cost difference is significant. A South Korea tourist visa can cost USD 50-80 or more, plus embassy visit fees and processing time. The K-ETA at USD 7-8 is a fraction of that cost.

To check whether you need K-ETA or a visa, see K-ETA Required Countries.

K-ETA Fee Exemptions and Free Entry

As of 2026, 22 or more countries are temporarily exempt from K-ETA requirements. Travelers from exempt countries do not need to pay the K-ETA fee or apply for authorization.

Key exemption facts:

• The K-ETA exemption has been extended through December 31, 2026
• K-ETA is expected to become mandatory again on January 1, 2027
• Exempt travelers save KRW 10,000 per person
• The exemption applies to the K-ETA requirement only – all other entry rules still apply

Even if your country is currently exempt, you can still voluntarily apply for K-ETA to avoid potential delays when the exemption ends. Your K-ETA will be valid for 2-3 years, covering you well into the mandatory period.

For the complete list of exempt and required nationalities, visit our Korea Visa Exemption page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)