K-ETA is Korea’s electronic travel authorization for travellers who can enter the Republic of Korea without a visa. It sits alongside visa-free entry and does not replace a visa. If Korea asks you for one, that confirms you do not need a visa. What visa-free, visa on arrival, e-visa and ETA each mean covers the terms that get confused.
The official guidance puts assessment at generally within 72 hours, so apply before you travel. An application on the day of the flight is too late.
Where to apply
Apply only at www.k-eta.go.kr or in the official K-ETA mobile app. The service warns about lookalike agency and phishing sites that charge high fees and claim to submit applications for you. The official fee is approximately 7 to 8 US dollars, so a much larger charge means you are on the wrong site.
Questions
The K-ETA Center states that it does not, in principle, provide telephone or face to face consultations. Send questions through the “Ask Us” enquiry form on the site. Do not look for a phone number on the morning of a flight.
Entry notices
When we checked this guide, the official portal carried a special entry procedure notice requiring all foreigners wishing to enter to report their entry beforehand. Notices like this change without warning, so read the portal’s announcements on the day you book.