Understanding the latest updates to ensure a smoother arrival experience from the start.
Korea has announced two significant travel policy updates that will make visiting the country even more accessible and smoother for international travellers in 2026.
First and foremost, the temporary exemption from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) for visa-exempt visitors has been extended until 31 December 2026. This means that citizens of eligible visa-free countries will continue to enjoy hassle-free entry without needing to apply for K-ETA in advance for another year, supporting the country’s tourism recovery and growth ambitions.
Who benefits from the K-ETA exemption?
The extended exemption applies to travellers from countries already eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea. These major markets span the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Oceania, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others.
If your nationality is on the exempt list, you do not need to apply for a K-ETA before travel. Please note that nationals of exempt countries will not be able to submit an application via the online platform, as access will be restricted
What’s changing from 1 January 2026: The e-Arrival Card
From 1 January 2026, South Korea is implementing a mandatory electronic arrival declaration – the e-Arrival Card – for all foreign visitors, including tourists, business travellers and other short-stay visitors. The digital form replaces the traditional paper disembarkation card and must be completed within three days prior to your arrival.
The process is simple, done online via the official portal, and includes submitting basic travel details such as your passport information, accommodation address and planned travel dates. Once completed, you will receive a digital confirmation that can be shown to immigration authorities on arrival.
The e-Arrival Card must be completed individually by each traveller and submitted prior to arrival.
Who needs to complete the e-arrival card:
Starting in 2026, most foreign nationals entering South Korea will be required to submit the e-Arrival Card before travel. This includes:
- Travellers exempt from the K-ETA
- Short-term visa holders
- Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card
- U.S. military personnel under the SOFA agreement
- UN passport holders under SOFA
- Holders of a valid K-ETA approval
- Registered residents of South Korea (including permanent residents)
- Certain special travel groups (depending on status)
- Airline crew members
These exemptions ensure that frequent travellers and specific categories of visitors already subject to other checks are not required to duplicate information.
Note: Even if you are exempt from K-ETA, you will still need to complete the e-Arrival Card unless you hold a valid K-ETA approval. Applying for a K-ETA can thus be useful for travellers who prefer to skip the e-Arrival Card process entirely.
How to submit the e-arrival Card:
- Visit e-arrivalcard.go.kr
- Upload a copy of the passport’s photo page
- Enter flight details, travel dates and accommodation information
- Submit the form
Travellers will receive a confirmation email once submitted. While it’s not necessary to present proof upon arrival, we recommend saving a screenshot or PDF for peace of mind.
Practical tips for travellers:
- Timing: The e-Arrival Card should be submitted up to three days before arrival in South Korea.
- K-ETA remains optional: For exempt travellers, applying for a K-ETA is still possible and can make arrival even quicker.
- Keep digital proof: Save your e-Arrival Card confirmation (PDF or screenshot) as immigration may request it on arrival.
As South Korea continues to evolve its entry procedures for the benefit of global travellers, these changes reflect a move towards more streamlined, digital travel experiences, ensuring that your journey begins as smoothly as possible.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 