Starting from April 1st, 2023, South Korea will temporarily exempt the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement for citizens of 22 countries, making it easier for them to visit the country for tourism or event attendance. This exemption will be in place until December 31st, 2024. In this blog post, we'll provide detailed information on the exemption, the affected countries, and other changes to South Korea's visa policies.
K-ETA Temporary Exemption: Key Takeaways
- The K-ETA temporary exemption applies to citizens of 22 countries with visa-free agreements or visa-free entry to South Korea.
- Countries eligible for exemption include Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macao, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- Citizens of these countries can visit South Korea without prior authorization until the end of 2024.
Additional Visa Policy Updates
- South Korea plans to resume its Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program as early as May, which was previously suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Group travelers from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia will receive relaxed group e-visa issuance requirements for one year.
- South Korea will introduce new visa types, including a Digital Nomad Visa for high-income foreigners and a K-Culture training visa for foreign youth.
Reduction in e-Visa Issuance Time
The e-visa issuance period will be significantly reduced from the current 7 days to 1-2 days.
Traveler's Declaration Form Abolition
Starting from May 1st, the obligation to fill in and submit a traveler's declaration form upon entry to South Korea will be abolished.
Exempted Countries & Regions
The temporary K-ETA exemption applies to citizens of the following countries and regions:
Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Denmark, Germany, Macao, United States (including Guam), Belgium, Sweden, Singapore, United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Japan, Canada, Poland, France, Finland, Australia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
FAQs
What is K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)?
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization system operated by the South Korean Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Policy Division. It is designed for foreigners who wish to enter South Korea visa-free.
How do I apply for K-ETA?
Applications should ideally be submitted 72 hours before boarding an airplane or ship. If not, you may not receive authorization before boarding. The application fee is 10,000 KRW (additional fees may apply), and accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express.
Who is eligible for K-ETA?
As of September 2022, citizens of around 110 visa-free countries planning to visit South Korea for tourism, visiting relatives, attending events, participating in meetings, or conducting non-profit business purposes must apply for K-ETA before traveling.
What is the validity period for K-ETA?
The K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of issuance or until the expiration date of the passport used for the application, whichever comes first. If there are any changes to your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, criminal record, or infectious disease information during this period, you must reapply for a new K-ETA as the existing one will no longer be valid.
Are there any exceptions to the K-ETA requirement?
Yes, certain individuals are exempt from applying for K-ETA, such as United Nations passport holders, APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders, active-duty US military personnel in South Korea, flight and ship crew members, transit passengers, South Korean visa holders, and registered foreigners. Moreover, diplomatic and official passport holders, US military personnel, and their families in South Korea with special permission from relevant agencies are also exempt.
What happens if I don't apply for K-ETA and I'm not exempt?
If you're a foreign national visiting South Korea for short-term stays of 90 days or less without satisfying specific conditions and you don't apply for K-ETA, you may be denied entry into the country. Make sure to verify your eligibility and apply for K-ETA if required.
Conclusion
The temporary K-ETA exemption for citizens of 22 countries, along with other visa policy updates, aims to make travel to South Korea more accessible and convenient for eligible travelers. If you're planning to visit South Korea, make sure to check the updated visa policies, K-ETA requirements, and ensure you have the necessary authorizations for a smooth travel experience.