Arriving passengers pass three checks run by three different agencies. They ask about different things, and the paperwork for each is separate.
1. Immigration
- How long you are staying and where
- Whether you have an onward or return ticket
- The purpose of the visit
- Fingerprints and a facial photo for most arriving travellers
This is where your permitted stay is set. A valid K-ETA — or a valid exemption — gets you to this desk; it does not decide the outcome.
2. Quarantine
Korea checks arriving travellers for animal and plant material. This is not a formality: failing to declare can bring a fine of up to KRW 5 million under the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.
3. Customs
Everyone submits a declaration of personal effects. You must declare goods above the duty-free allowance of US$800.
Have this ready before you land
- Your accommodation address in Korea, written out
- Your onward flight details
- An honest answer about food and plant items in your bag
Source: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency — Rules for overseas travellers
If you are unsure whether something needs declaring, declare it. There is no penalty for declaring an item that turns out to be allowed.
More about K-ETA
What is K-ETA
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-free travellers to South Korea. What it is, who it applies to, and why many nationalities do not need it right now.
Do I need K-ETA?
Many nationalities are temporarily exempt from K-ETA. How to check your own passport, and what applies if you are not exempt.
How to apply
Applying for K-ETA on the official site: what you need in front of you, where people get stuck, and what happens after you submit.
Cost
What K-ETA actually costs on the official site, why third-party sites charge more, and when the cost is zero.
What you need
What you must have ready to complete a K-ETA application, and the photo and name rules that cause most rejections.
Processing time
Official guidance on K-ETA processing, what makes it slower, and why no paid service can speed it up.