Travelling to Korea with children: no K-ETA up to age 17, but an arrival card

K-ETA: exempt by age

Since 3 July 2023, travellers aged 17 or under — and 65 or over — on the day they enter Korea are exempt from the K-ETA requirement. What counts is the age on the entry date: a teenager who turns 18 before arrival needs their own K-ETA (unless their nationality is under the temporary exemption until 31 December 2026).

Source: K-ETA — notice on the age exemption (Korean)

The arrival card still applies

Because they do not hold a K-ETA, exempt children must submit an arrival card — online through the e-Arrival card, or on paper. Children under 14 cannot be the lead filer, so a parent files for the family; group filing for more than 9 people only works on a PC.

The official K-ETA notice says age-exempt travellers may still apply (and pay the fee) if they want K-ETA benefits such as skipping the arrival card.

Source: Ministry of Justice — who must file the e-Arrival card

At immigration

• Children under 17 do not give fingerprints or a facial photo on entry
• The arrival e-gates are for visitors aged 17+ — families typically split, adults at the gate and children at a staffed desk

On the plane home

Baby items for a child aged 6 or under — milk, water, juice, baby food, wet wipes — may go in the cabin above the 100 ml limit, in the amount needed for the flight.