South Korea has extended its temporary K-ETA exemption through December 31, 2026, allowing travelers from 67 countries and territories to enter without applying for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. This exemption was originally introduced as part of the “Visit Korea Year” initiative to boost international tourism.
This guide provides the complete list of K-ETA exempt countries for 2026, explains what the exemption means for your trip, and clarifies who still needs to apply.
What Does the K-ETA Exemption Mean?
If your country is on the exemption list, you do not need to apply for or pay for a K-ETA before traveling to South Korea. You can board your flight and enter the country with just your valid passport.
However, there is one important difference: without a K-ETA, you will need to fill out the e-Arrival Card before entering South Korea. This digital arrival form can be completed online at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr up to three days before arrival.
K-ETA holders are exempt from the e-Arrival Card, which means faster immigration processing. If you travel to South Korea frequently, applying for K-ETA voluntarily can save time on each visit.
Complete List of K-ETA Exempt Countries (2026)
The following 67 countries and territories are exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026:
Americas
| Country | Usual Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Canada | 6 months |
| Chile | 90 days |
| Colombia | 90 days |
| Mexico | 90 days |
| United States | 90 days |
Asia
| Country/Region | Usual Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Brunei | 30 days |
| Hong Kong | 90 days |
| Japan | 90 days |
| Macao | 90 days |
| Singapore | 90 days |
| Taiwan | 90 days |
Europe
| Country | Usual Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Austria | 90 days |
| Belgium | 90 days |
| Bulgaria | 90 days |
| Croatia | 90 days |
| Cyprus | 30 days |
| Czech Republic | 90 days |
| Denmark | 90 days |
| Estonia | 90 days |
| Finland | 90 days |
| France | 90 days |
| Germany | 90 days |
| Greece | 90 days |
| Hungary | 90 days |
| Iceland | 90 days |
| Ireland | 90 days |
| Italy | 90 days |
| Latvia | 90 days |
| Liechtenstein | 90 days |
| Lithuania | 90 days |
| Luxembourg | 90 days |
| Malta | 90 days |
| Monaco | 90 days |
| Netherlands | 90 days |
| Norway | 90 days |
| Poland | 90 days |
| Portugal | 90 days |
| Romania | 90 days |
| San Marino | 90 days |
| Slovakia | 90 days |
| Slovenia | 90 days |
| Spain | 90 days |
| Sweden | 90 days |
| Switzerland | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | 90 days |
| Vatican City | 90 days |
Middle East
| Country | Usual Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Bahrain | 90 days |
| Israel | 90 days |
| Kuwait | 90 days |
| Oman | 90 days |
| Qatar | 90 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 90 days |
| United Arab Emirates | 90 days |
Oceania
| Country/Region | Usual Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| Australia | 90 days |
| Fiji | 30 days |
| Kiribati | 30 days |
| Marshall Islands | 30 days |
| Micronesia | 30 days |
| Nauru | 30 days |
| New Caledonia | 30 days |
| New Zealand | 90 days |
| Palau | 30 days |
| Samoa | 30 days |
| Solomon Islands | 30 days |
| Tonga | 30 days |
| Tuvalu | 30 days |
Africa
| Country | Usual Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 30 days |
Countries NOT Exempt: Who Still Needs K-ETA
If your country is not on the exemption list above, you still need to apply for K-ETA before traveling to South Korea visa-free. This includes countries that have visa-waiver agreements with South Korea but are not part of the temporary exemption.
Check your eligibility on the official K-ETA website at www.k-eta.go.kr.
Exemption History and Timeline
The K-ETA exemption has been extended multiple times since it was first introduced:
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | K-ETA mandatory for all visa-free travelers |
| April 2023 | Temporary exemption introduced for 22 countries |
| Through December 2024 | Exemption extended |
| Through December 2025 | Exemption extended again |
| Through December 2026 | Current extension (67 countries) |
The South Korean government has signaled that the exemption may become permanent or be replaced by a different system, but no official decision has been announced beyond 2026.
Should You Apply for K-ETA Even If Exempt?
Even if your country is exempt, there are advantages to applying voluntarily:
- Skip the e-Arrival Card — K-ETA holders do not need to fill out the arrival form
- Faster immigration — Pre-verified information means quicker processing at the gate
- 3-year validity — One application covers multiple trips over 3 years
- Peace of mind — No risk of exemption status changing before your trip
The cost is just 10,000 KRW (~$8), and if you plan to visit South Korea more than once in the next three years, it pays for itself in convenience.
The e-Arrival Card: What You Need Without K-ETA
If you are traveling without K-ETA under the exemption, you must complete the e-Arrival Card:
- Where: www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr
- When: Up to 3 days before arrival
- What you need: Passport details, flight information, Korean address, purpose of visit
- Cost: Free
The e-Arrival Card is becoming mandatory from 2026, replacing the paper arrival forms previously distributed on flights.
Groups Exempt from e-Arrival Card
Even without K-ETA, the following groups are exempt from the e-Arrival Card:
- Registered residents in Korea (permanent residents, those with domestic residence reports)
- Group tourists with C-3-2 visa (Chinese, Vietnamese, Philippine, Indonesian group tourist e-visa holders)
- Certain transfer passenger categories
- Airline crew members
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the K-ETA exemption permanent?
No. The current exemption runs through December 31, 2026. It has been extended multiple times, but there is no guarantee it will be extended again. Check the official K-ETA website for the latest status before traveling.
What if my country is not on the exemption list?
You must apply for K-ETA through www.k-eta.go.kr before your trip. The standard fee is 10,000 KRW and processing takes 15 minutes to 72 hours.
Can the exemption be revoked before December 2026?
While unlikely, the Korean government reserves the right to modify the exemption list. Always check the latest status on the official K-ETA website before traveling.
Do I need K-ETA for a layover in South Korea?
If you are transiting through South Korea and do not pass through immigration, you do not need K-ETA regardless of your nationality. If you plan to leave the airport, check whether your country is exempt or requires K-ETA.
Will I need K-ETA after 2026?
The Korean government has not announced plans beyond December 31, 2026. Monitor official announcements from the Korea Immigration Service for updates on the post-2026 policy.
Last updated: July 2026. Exemption status and country lists are subject to change. Verify on the official K-ETA website at www.k-eta.go.kr before traveling.
