After a pilot test period that began on 3 May 2021, South Korea's K-ETA officially came into force on 1 September 2021. The online K-ETA application procedure is similar to that of any other electronic travel authorisation (eTA). It was first discussed in 2018 at a meeting on the country's foreign policy (South Korea). Held on 12 February, the session was chaired by South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-Yeon.
Claiming a K-ETA in South Korea: when can it be done?
Since 1st September 2021Citizens of France, Europe and other continents do not need a short-stay visa to enter South Korea. Before their departure, and even before they buy their plane ticket, they must apply for a K-ETA South Korea electronic travel authorisation. From that date onwards, they will need to have a K-ETA, which they can order online, with or without a visa, depending on the length of their stay and/or their nationality.
K-ETA South Korea: what exactly is it?
The K-ETA is not a travel visa. Rather, it is online travel authorisation for South Korea. This electronic travel authorisation system applies to nationals of countries currently enjoying visa-free travel to South Korea. An ETA means Electronic Travel Authorization. This is a travel authorisation granted to foreign nationals wishing to enter a country that implements the ETA, without a visa. Like South Korea, the ETA policy is also implemented in other countries such as :
- the United States (ESTA),
- Australia (ETA and e-Visitor),
- Canada (AVE),
- Sri Lanka (ETA),
- New Zealand (NZeTA).
The European Union also plans to introduce this online travel authorisation system from 2022.
Which nationalities are exempt from visa requirements in South Korea?
International travellers who are citizens of 112 countries/territories can enter South Korea without a visa for a specific period. In total, there are 8 African countries, 32 American countries, 8 Asian countries, 43 European countries, 14 Oceania countries and 7 Middle Eastern countries. The exempted nationalities are classified as 4 categories according to the authorised length of stay with K-ETA, without a visa.
In the 180-day category, only one country is included: France. Canada. There is also the 90-day visa-free category. This is the category used by France, Japan, Belgium, Spain, the United States and over fifty other countries. The category for 60 days' stay with K-ETA includes two countries: Russia and Lesotho. The final category is for a 30-day visa-free stay. It includes more than 30 countries, including South Africa, the Vatican, Botswana, Qatar and Argentina.
⚠️ Please note that this list is subject to change with Covid and its restrictions!
How do I obtain a K-ETA to visit South Korea?
The South Korean K-ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until the passport expires if the validity of the passport ends within 2 years of authorisation. To obtain it, you must provide a number of documents and information.
What are the documents required to apply for the South Korean K-ETA ?
To obtain a K-ETA electronic travel authorisation for South Korea, you must provide a passport and a passport photo. This is a scanned copy of your passport's biometric data page, in full colour and in optimum quality. This copy must show your photograph and contain your personal details.
The passport photo is also a scanned copy and must be of superior quality. The background must be completely blank, white or very light, with no shadows. The passport photo must also show your full face from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. It must also show your front view, with your eyes open and without glasses.
What information do I need to obtain a K-ETA to visit South Korea?
To claim your South Korean K-ETA, you must provide your detailed address with postcode during your stay in South Korea. Your profession and contact number in South Korea are also required. You must answer the question ''Have you ever visited South Korea?''. You must also indicate the purpose of your stay. This may be tourism, business, training, medical treatment, a sporting event, a religious event, an exhibition or other.
The procedure has been simplified and the number of questions asked has been reduced on certain authorised application platforms to make it easier for you to obtain the document. The ministerial fees for issuing the South Korean K-ETA are as follows KRW 10,000 (7 €). The time limit for issuing the K-ETA to visit South Korea is a maximum of 72 hours after submission of a complete application.
* The authorities have announced that 22 nationalities will be exempt from the K-ETA until the end of 2024 as part of the "Visit Korea Year". I'll let you read our article.
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