Applications are made on the official portal at k-eta.go.kr. There is one form, one fee, and no faster paid track.
Before you start
- Your passport, open at the photo page.
- A photograph of the passport photo page (taken flat, no glare).
- A recent passport-style photo of your face.
- Your address in Korea for the first night.
- A payment card.
- An email address you can open during the trip.
The steps
- Confirm you are not exempt.
- Complete the form in one sitting — a part-finished form is not saved indefinitely.
- Pay KRW 10,000.
- Wait for the result by email.
Where people get stuck
Two things account for most failed submissions: an image of the passport page that is cropped or reflective, and a name entered differently from the passport. Enter names exactly as printed, including middle names.
Apply well before departure. The official guidance is a decision within 72 hours, but that is a typical case, not a guarantee.
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.
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.
Validity
How long a granted K-ETA lasts, what ends it early, and when you have to apply again.