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Electronic travel authorization · Asia

Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

U.S. citizens can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. Korea has temporarily waived K-ETA for U.S. passport holders, but the waiver is renewed year by year — confirm on the official K-ETA site before you fly.

Official application site Check my requirements

Short answer

Who needs the K-ETA?

U.S. citizens flying to Korea for tourism, business or transit. While the temporary waiver is in force no K-ETA is needed; if it lapses, every traveler needs one before boarding.

Key takeaways

  • Government fee: about $8. 10,000 KRW plus a small card fee when a K-ETA is required. Nothing is charged while the waiver applies.
  • Typical processing: Decisions usually arrive within 24 hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure.
  • Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit.
  • Passport validity: Valid for the duration of your stay; six months is recommended.
  • When to apply: Any time before travel, no earlier than the passport you will use is issued.

Forms and official links

Step by step

  1. 1

    Check whether the waiver still applies

    The K-ETA site publishes the list of temporarily exempt nationalities. If the U.S. is listed, you need nothing extra.

  2. 2

    Apply on k-eta.go.kr if required

    The form takes about 10 minutes and asks for your itinerary and employment.

  3. 3

    Carry proof of onward travel

    Airlines routinely ask for a return ticket before boarding for Korea.

What to have ready

  • A valid U.S. passport book
  • A digital passport photo
  • Your first night's accommodation address in Korea
  • Return or onward ticket details

Watch out for

  • The U.S. K-ETA exemption is temporary and has been extended one year at a time. Re-check within a month of departure.

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