Quick summary
US and Canadian travelers can enter South Korea without pre-applying for K-ETA through December 31, 2026, eliminating a KRW 10,000 (~USD 7.70) fee and 72-hour advance processing requirement. The exemption covers stays up to 90 days for tourism or business and applies to 22 countries including Australia, the UK, and Japan.
K-ETA becomes mandatory again on January 1, 2027. The full article covers the new e-Arrival Card requirement, optional K-ETA benefits, and how the policy compares to Japan and Australia’s entry systems.
South Korea’s Ministry of Justice extended its temporary suspension of the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) requirement through December 31, 2026, for travelers from 22 countries including the United States and Canada. The move eliminates a KRW 10,000 (~USD 7.70) application fee and 72-hour advance processing window for short-term visitors.
Travelers can enter for tourism or business for up to 90 days without pre-authorization. Simply ensure your passport is valid and prepare for the mandatory e-Arrival Card submission starting in 2026.
The exemption expires January 1, 2027. After that date, all visa-free travelers from the 22 countries must obtain K-ETA approval at least 72 hours before boarding. The extension supports South Korea’s “Visit Korea Year” campaign and goal to attract 30 million international tourists in 2026.
Who qualifies and what changed
The exemption applies to nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States (including Guam), and residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
The Ministry of Justice previously extended the exemption from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2025. The latest extension pushes the deadline to December 31, 2026. This is the second extension since the temporary suspension began in 2023.
Travelers who obtained K-ETA before the exemption can continue using it until expiration. Application fees are non-refundable. Those planning flights to South Korea from North America in 2026 avoid the authorization step entirely.
Optional K-ETA still offers a benefit
Exempt travelers may voluntarily apply for K-ETA during the exemption period. The approval is valid for three years and allows holders to skip the mandatory e-Arrival Card requirement upon arrival. This creates a hedge: pay KRW 10,000 now, use it through 2029, and avoid future policy changes or e-Arrival Card submissions.
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How South Korea compares to Japan and Australia
The K-ETA exemption reflects South Korea’s competitive positioning in Asia-Pacific tourism. While Japan requires advance e-visa registration (JEPPA, launching 2025) and Australia mandates ETA pre-approval, South Korea’s extended exemption for major Western markets removes friction for short-term visitors.
However, the mandatory e-Arrival Card (new in 2026) partially offsets this convenience. Travelers still submit data digitally within three days before arrival, just without a separate authorization step. Those who hold valid K-ETA are exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement.
The January 1, 2027 deadline creates a natural booking inflection point. Travelers planning 2027 trips should budget for K-ETA processing time and fees, while 2026 visitors enjoy streamlined entry. The exemption window makes 2026 an attractive year for multiple visits or extended stays.
What to do
For 2026 travel: Book trips without K-ETA delays. Ensure your passport is valid and prepare for the mandatory e-Arrival Card submission via the official portal three days before arrival.
For 2027+ travel: Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before departure via www.k-eta.go.kr or the mobile app. Budget KRW 10,000 (~USD 7.70) and allow processing time, as the exemption expires December 31, 2026.
Maximize the exemption window: If planning multiple trips, consider visiting in 2026 to avoid K-ETA fees. Those who voluntarily apply for K-ETA in 2026 can use it through 2029 (three-year validity), providing a hedge against future policy changes.
Monitor for extensions: The government has extended the exemption twice (2023, 2025). No official announcement has been made for post-2026, but travelers should assume K-ETA will be required from January 1, 2027 unless officially extended.
Questions? Answers.
Do I still need to fill out an arrival card if I’m exempt from K-ETA?
Yes. Starting in 2026, the e-Arrival Card is mandatory for K-ETA-exempt travelers. However, if you voluntarily obtain K-ETA, you’re exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement. Submit the e-Arrival Card within three days before arrival via the official portal.
What happens if I apply for K-ETA during the exemption period?
You’ll pay KRW 10,000 and receive a three-year approval valid through 2029, allowing you to skip the e-Arrival Card. The fee is non-refundable. This option makes sense for frequent travelers or those hedging against future policy changes.
Will the exemption be extended again after December 31, 2026?
No official announcement has been made. The government has extended it twice (2023, 2025), but travelers should assume K-ETA will be required from January 1, 2027 unless officially extended. Plan accordingly for trips in early 2027.
Can I use K-ETA obtained before the exemption started?
Yes. K-ETA approvals remain valid for three years from the issue date. If you obtained K-ETA in 2024 or 2025, you can use it until expiration and skip the e-Arrival Card requirement. Application fees are non-refundable.
Does the exemption apply to business travel?
Yes. The exemption covers stays up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Business travelers from the 22 exempt countries can enter without K-ETA through December 31, 2026, though the e-Arrival Card remains mandatory unless they hold valid K-ETA.
