South Korea ETA application, requirements, price, and processing time

South Korea Visa Policy

South Korea has an active immigration policy that regulates the immigration of foreign nations coming for short or long-term visits and residency. Under the current policy, visitors coming from other countries require visas unless otherwise stated. The country has visa waiver agreements with a host of countries which allows their citizens to visit South Korea for short trips without needing visas. However, those not from visa-exempt countries or all visitors coming for study, employment, diplomatic missions, and residency must obtain a visa before entering the country.

There are two ways to apply for legal entry into the country. One option is to visit the South Korean consulate in your country to apply for a long-stay visa. This option is immigration visas that last for one year or more. The second option is to apply for electronic travel authorization if you are coming for a short visit that will last for six months or less.

The South Korean Electronic Travel Authorization

South Korea has an online travel authorization called the South Korean ETA. This program. It was introduced in 2017 by the government for visa-free visitors, and it became mandatory in September 2021 for all visitors from visa-exempt countries coming for tournaments, business, and transit. Currently, there are more than 110 countries on the visa-exempt list, and these nationals are eligible for K- ETA, as it is popularly called.

This travel document is valid for 2 years from the day it is issued and it is a multiple entry visa.  This means that you can travel to South Korea multiple times as long as the ETA is valid but note that it will expire once the passport it is attached to expires.

The number of days you can stay in the country depends on your nationality.  While Canadians can stay for up to 180 days, other nationalities vary from 30 days to 90 days.

Note: South Korea ETA list is ever evolving as new countries are added and some taken out. Always consult the eligibility list before applying.

Temporary Visa Exemptions for South Korean ETA

Starting from April 1st, 2023, until 31st December 2024, the South Korean government has removed the mandatory requirements for selected nationalities to require ETA before entering the country. This exemption is specially put in place for visitors coming to celebrate the Visit Korea Year. The eligible nationalities who can visit South Korea can enter the country without ETAs to celebrate the national feast but after this period, this document will be requested for entry.

Key Information About South Korea ETA

It is Not A Visa: First and foremost, you should know that this travel document is not a visa and should not be treated as such. It is simply a permit that allows eligible visitors to enter the country without the need to visit the embassy for a consular visa. This permit was designed to decongest embassies and ease travel.

Only For Visa Exempt Nationals: The ETA program is designed for nationals who come from recognized countries under the visa waiver program. Although they are visa exempt, they still need an ETA before they can enter the country. If you are still determining your eligibility, consult the eligibility list at the top of this page to be sure.

Not For Residency: Note that, unlike consular visas like work, study, and residency visas, ETAs are nonresidential visas issued for only short visits. If you wish to stay for more than the approved days or you wish to work or study, you should get a Consular visa instead.

Use Approved Routes: South Korea ETA can only be used to rent the country through approved airports. As for the transit visa, international travelers must use Incheon International Airport only, as this is where the document is recognized. You will likely be denied entry if you use a different airport.

Not Transferable: The ETA can’t be used by more than one person. The standard rule is one person per ETA. Minors are also expected to have their own authorizations before they can be allowed into the country. Parents must provide Civil Status documents like a birth certificate to prove their parental status, while guardians must provide a proof of parental consent letter signed and verified by authorities in their countries that they have the permission of the child’s parents to bring them for the trip. These documents are required to combat child trafficking.

Not For Work: The South Korean ETA is not for employment, so you are not allowed to work during your time in the country. This document is only for short-term, tourist, business, or transit visitors. If you want to work in South Korea or have secured employment with an employer in the country, you should apply for a work visa instead by visiting the embassy or consulate in your country. Your employer may also assist you with the process.

Leave Before Your Visa Expires: Make sure you leave before your visa expires. To be on the safe side, mark the date of your visa or the last day of grace for visits and endeavor to leave the country on or before the day. It is a gross violation to overstay, and violators will be fined before they can leave or, in the worst cases, banned from entering the country outright.

Linked To Passport: Your ETA is linked to your passport so endeavor to travel to South Korea with the same passport you used for the application. Your passport number and biometric details is what will be used to generate your ETA data at the port of entry. If you travel with a different passport you will not be allowed into the country on grounds of not having a valid entry document. So make sure you travel with the same passport and if yours will expire soon apply for a new passport before the ETA.

South Korea Visa Online – Get your South Korea e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you looking to travel to South Korea anytime soon? Do you want a stress-free visa application method? VisaHQ is exactly the platform you need for your online visa applications. If you are eligible for an online visa or electronic authorization, you don’t have to visit the South Korean embassy in your country; from the comfort of your home, you can fill out and submit an online application form, and you are good to go.

How To obtain A Visa With VisaHQ

ETA applicants can apply for an electronic travel authorization for South Korea with Visa in a few steps as outlined below.

Fill out The Form: The first thing you must do is navigate to the application page, select the visa you want, and fill out the form appropriately. This form contains sections for travel Itinerary information, passport, and personal information. Endeavor to complete the form with accurate information.

Upload Documents: Since it is an online application form, you don’t have to submit hard documents, as only soft copies will be required. Upload all the required documents, pay the application fee with your card, and submit for approval.

Get The Visa: The process can take 24-72 hours before you receive it in your inbox.

Why Use VisaHQ?

VisaHQ is the best option if you are looking for a smooth and secure platform for your online visa and ETA applications. As long as you are from an eligible country and your documents are up to date, you can get your application approved. Our platform is

• User friendly
• Secure
• A great option for applying for multiple visas
• A source of technical support when required

We are present in 6 countries across two continents and have the experience to ensure your application is successful. Visit our application page now to submit yours now.