Although it was due to end in the next few days, the temporary K-ETA exemption for travelers from 67 visa-exempt countries in South Korea has finally been extended until December 31, 2025.
South Korea has decided to extend until December 31, 2025 the temporary exemption from the K-ETA electronic travel authorization granted to visitors from 67 countries.
This extension of the K-ETA exemption period, originally due to end on December 31, 2024, aims to encourage tourism by facilitating access to the country for travelers from eligible nations.
“The Ministry of Justice has decided to extend the temporary exemption period [of K-ETA] for 1 more year to stimulate the tourism industry in celebration of “Visit Korea Year (2023–2024)”. The exemption will be effective until December 31, 2025 (KST).,” states the official website www.k-eta.go.kr.
The South Korean authorities specify that travelers who wish to benefit from the advantages of electronic travel authorization, such as not having to submit an arrival card, can still apply for a K-ETA. Travelers who have recently applied for a K-ETA can still use it until it expires, and any fees paid are non-refundable, the authorities add.
Travelers from 67 countries can travel to South Korea without K-ETA until December 31, 2025
The K-ETA, introduced in September 2021, is an electronic travel authorization required for travelers from 112 short-stay visa-exempt countries in South Korea. It enables South Korean authorities to assess visitors prior to arrival, enhancing border security and improving the traveler experience.
The K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 (approx. €7 / $7) and, once approved, is valid for three years for multiple tourist or business stays in South Korea. The length of stay, with or without K-ETA, varies according to nationality (90 days for Europeans and Americans, 6 months for Canadians). Visitors aged 17 and under, as well as those aged 65 and over, have been exempt from K-ETA since July 3, 2023.
As of April 1ᵉʳ, 2023, citizens of the following 67 countries and territories are allowed to enter South Korea without applying for a K-ETA prior to travel:
| Africa | South Africa |
| America | Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States |
| Asia | Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates |
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican |
| Oceania | Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu |
