Starting September 1st, 2021, Korean immigration will require visa waiver entrants (traveling for tourism or business) to obtain an electronic travel authorization, known as, K-ETA, at least 24 hours prior to travel. Currently, K-ETA is an optional program but will become mandatory on September 1st.
K-ETA will be valid for 2 years from the date of approval. Similar to the US ETA, K-ETA does not guarantee admission to the Republic of Korea, and the final determination of a traveler's entry will be made by the immigration officer at the time of inspection. A non-refundable fee of approximately $9 to $10 US dollars per applicant will be charged. Applicants are required to apply for a new K-ETA upon its expiration or in the event of any changes to their information (e.g., name, nationality, or a new passport number).
For a full list of countries required to apply for K-ETA, including US passport holders, please see below: K-ETA Guide > K-ETA Application Eligibility Guide > K-ETA. For further details, please see https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do?locale=EN.
K-ETA is intended to facilitate travel since those with a K-ETA will be exempted from submitting the arrival card upon entry.
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This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.
