A K-ETA — or the temporary exemption that covers many nationalities until 31 December 2026 — settles one question: whether you can board a flight to Korea without a visa. It says nothing about what happens at the airport, what you can carry, how to pay, how to get around or what to do if something goes wrong. These pages do. Each one is checked against the Korean authority responsible and links to it.
At the border
Arrival card and e-gates
Without a K-ETA you file an arrival card (online from 3 days before). Since 16 March 2026, visitors aged 17+ from 42 countries can register for e-gates.
At the border
Immigration, quarantine and customs are three separate checks. Knowing which one asks what is the difference between ten minutes and an hour.
Quarantine
Failing to declare animal or plant products on arrival in Korea can bring a fine of up to KRW 5 million under the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.
Customs allowances
The general allowance is US$800, with separate limits for alcohol, tobacco and perfume. Travellers under 19 do not get the alcohol and tobacco exemptions.
Bringing medicines
Ordinary medicines: up to 6 bottles or 3 months' supply. ADHD drugs, codeine, sleeping pills and other controlled medicines need approval first.
Travelling with children
Children aged 17 or under on the day they enter need no K-ETA, but they do need an arrival card. What else differs for families at the border and on the plane.
Passport and details
The K-ETA is linked to the passport you applied with. A renewed passport ends it early, and mismatched details stop you at check-in.
Money
Money and tipping
Cards are widely accepted, markets may want cash, and tipping is not expected. Cash and cheques over US$10,000 in total must be declared on arrival.
Tax refund
Visitors get VAT back on purchases of KRW 15,000+ at tax-free shops. On-the-spot refunds: under KRW 1,000,000 per purchase, KRW 5,000,000 per trip.
Getting around and staying connected
Transport cards
One prepaid card works on almost all public transport. Many buses take no cash, and since 1 October 2026 Seoul's Climate Card passes cover Seoul only.
Driving in Korea
A foreign licence alone is not enough. Visitors drive on an International Driving Permit for one year from entry. Drive on the right; alcohol limit 0.03%.
Phones and SIM cards
Korean mobile carriers must verify your identity, and for visitors that means a passport. Where to get a prepaid SIM or eSIM, and the 2026 changes.
Plugs and voltage
Korean sockets take plugs with two round pins and supply 220 volts at 60 hertz. What to check on your charger before you plug in.
Public holidays
Korea's official holiday dates for late 2026 and all of 2027, including Seollal, Chuseok and the substitute holidays — and two holidays added in 2026.
Health and safety
Healthcare
Tourists are not covered by Korea's national health insurance. Where to get treatment with an interpreter, which number to call, and why insurance matters.
Emergency numbers
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Which lines offer interpretation, the Emergency Ready App, and the English text alerts on your phone.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco are sold from the year you turn 19. Smoking or vaping in a non-smoking area costs KRW 100,000. Drink-driving starts at 0.03%.
Flying home
Liquids and power banks
Carry-on liquids: 100 ml containers in one sealed 1 litre bag. Since 20 April 2026, at most 2 power banks per person, and no charging on board.
Leaving and returning
A K-ETA covers multiple entries for 3 years, so you do not reapply for each trip. What resets on re-entry is your permitted stay, not your right to enter.
How long you can stay
A K-ETA does not set your permitted stay. The number comes from the visa-waiver arrangement with your country, and it ranges from 30 to 90 days.
What we did not write a separate page about: passport validity. Korean law requires a valid passport, and we found no official minimum period of remaining validity for visa-free visitors — airlines and transit countries may have their own rules. See the page on your passport and K-ETA details.
More about K-ETA
At the border
Immigration, quarantine and customs are three separate checks. Knowing which one asks what is the difference between ten minutes and an hour.
Quarantine
Failing to declare animal or plant products on arrival in Korea can bring a fine of up to KRW 5 million under the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.
Customs allowances
The general allowance is US$800, with separate limits for alcohol, tobacco and perfume. Travellers under 19 do not get the alcohol and tobacco exemptions.
Arrival card and e-gates
Without a K-ETA you file an arrival card (online from 3 days before). Since 16 March 2026, visitors aged 17+ from 42 countries can register for e-gates.
Liquids and power banks
Carry-on liquids: 100 ml containers in one sealed 1 litre bag. Since 20 April 2026, at most 2 power banks per person, and no charging on board.
Money and tipping
Cards are widely accepted, markets may want cash, and tipping is not expected. Cash and cheques over US$10,000 in total must be declared on arrival.