
Planning a trip to Korea? Good news: most travelers don't need a visa. With K-ETA exemptions extended through December 2026 and visa-free entry for 67+ countries, getting into Korea has never been easier. Here's exactly what you need to enter.
For most tourists, the answer is no. Korea offers visa-free entry to citizens of 67 countries for stays of 30-90 days. If you're from the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, or most developed nations, you can enter Korea without a visa.

The big change in 2024-2026: K-ETA is currently suspended for citizens of 67 visa-free countries. This exemption runs through December 31, 2026, meaning you don't need to apply for K-ETA before your trip. Just show up with your passport.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online travel permit that normally required for visa-free travelers. Think of it like the US ESTA or EU ETIAS. However, K-ETA requirements are currently suspended until December 31, 2026 for most countries.

| K-ETA Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Status (2024-2026) | Suspended for 67 countries |
| Normal Fee | 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) |
| Validity | 3 years or until passport expires |
| Processing Time | 24-72 hours |
| Official Website | k-eta.go.kr |
When K-ETA resumes after 2026, you'll need to apply at least 72 hours before departure. For now, just bring your passport.
Starting January 2026, all travelers must complete an e-Arrival Card before entering Korea. This replaces the paper arrival card you used to fill out on the plane. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.

Pro Tip
Complete your e-Arrival Card before boarding. Airport WiFi in Korea can be slow, and you'll want to breeze through immigration.
Your visa-free stay length depends on your nationality. Most Western countries get 90 days, while some Asian countries get 30 days. Here's the breakdown:
| Stay Duration | Countries |
|---|---|
| 90 days | USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and most EU countries |
| 60 days | Taiwan (Increased from 30 days in recent years) |
| 30 days | Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, China (Hainan residents only) |
Can't find your country? Check the Korean Immigration website at immigration.go.kr for the complete list. Some nationalities still require a visa regardless of stay length.
Jeju Island has its own visa waiver program. Even if your country isn't on Korea's visa-free list, you may be able to visit Jeju without a visa for up to 30 days. This includes travelers from China who fly directly to Jeju.

Here's everything you need to enter Korea in 2026. Print this list or screenshot it before your trip:
That's it. No visa application, no K-ETA, no quarantine. Just pack your bags and go.
Korea has made entry incredibly simple for tourists. With K-ETA suspended, no COVID requirements, and visa-free access for most nationalities, there's never been a better time to visit. Complete your e-Arrival Card, pack your passport, and get ready to explore!
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