South Korea launched an electronic arrival card system (e-Arrival Card, or EAC) in 2025, allowing foreign travelers to submit their entry information before departing for the country.
Available online, the system is intended to gradually replace the paper arrival cards traditionally distributed to passengers on airplanes or at the airport. Travelers can complete their arrival declaration in advance and present the submitted information to immigration authorities upon arrival.
When the system was introduced, the Korean Immigration Service indicated that a transition period would remain in place until the end of 2025, during which passengers could choose between the paper format and the electronic version.
Paper arrival cards have not yet been eliminated
Since the beginning of 2026, several reports have claimed that the electronic version had become mandatory and that the paper card had been discontinued.
Asked about this issue, the government service responsible for the e-Arrival Card within South Korea’s Ministry of Justice confirmed to VisasNews that both formats are currently still in use.
Arrival reporting for South Korea can be completed using either a paper arrival card or an electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card). Until an official announcement regarding the complete abolition of the paper arrival card is made, we will continue to use both the paper arrival card and the e-Arrival Card in parallel.
e-Arrival Card Service, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea
In other words, the definitive removal of paper forms has not yet been officially announced.
Recent accounts shared by several travelers on social media also suggest that it remains possible to complete the arrival card either on paper or online upon arrival at certain airports.
QR codes and tablets available in South Korean airports
Although the paper card remains an option, Korean authorities are clearly encouraging travelers to use the digital format.
At the country’s international airports, QR codes displayed in arrival areas and tablets made available to travelers provide direct access to the official e-Arrival Card portal: e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
To ensure a convenient experience, tablet PCs are available at the arrival area to complete the Electronic Arrival Card (EAC). Additionally, QR codes are displayed throughout the area for quick and easy access to the official EAC website.
e-Arrival Card Service, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea
K-ETA holders exempt from arrival card
It should also be noted that travelers holding a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) are exempt from completing an arrival card, whether paper or electronic.
This exemption also applies to nationals of countries currently exempt from the K-ETA requirement until December 31, 2026. However, these travelers may still choose to voluntarily apply for and pay for a K-ETA if they wish to benefit from the exemption from arrival formalities.
In such cases, no e-Arrival Card is required when entering South Korea.
