The K-ETA fee is one of the most affordable travel authorizations in the world, but there are important details about costs, refunds, and payment methods that every applicant should know before starting the process.
This guide covers the complete breakdown of K-ETA fees in 2026, including the base cost, processing surcharges, refund policy, and how to avoid overpaying through scam websites.
Official K-ETA Fee
The K-ETA application fee is set by the Korean Ministry of Justice and is the same for all nationalities:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 10,000 KRW (~$7–8 USD) |
| Online processing surcharge | ~3% of base fee |
| Total per person | Approximately 10,300 KRW (~$8 USD) |
The fee is charged per person. If you are applying for a family of four, the total cost is approximately 40,000 KRW (~$32 USD).
Children and infants are charged the same fee as adults. There are no reduced rates for minors or seniors.
Refund Policy
The K-ETA fee is non-refundable in all cases:
- Application denied — No refund
- Application withdrawn — No refund
- Duplicate application — No refund
- Passport error (your mistake) — No refund
- Travel plans cancelled — No refund
The only exception is if a payment processing error results in a double charge. In that case, contact the K-ETA Center through the “Ask Us” portal with your transaction details.
Accepted Payment Methods
The K-ETA payment gateway supports international credit and debit cards:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- JCB
- American Express
- Diners Club
- Discover
- UnionPay
- Alipay+
The gateway requires 3D Secure authentication. If your card is declined:
- Confirm your card is enabled for international online transactions
- Check that 3D Secure is activated with your bank
- Try a card from a different bank
- Contact your bank to authorize the transaction
- Charge $50–$100+ instead of the official $8
- Offer no faster processing or higher approval rates
- Sometimes mishandle or sell your personal data
- May not actually submit your application
- Website: www.k-eta.go.kr
- Mobile app: Search “K-ETA” in the App Store or Google Play
- 3-year validity from the date of approval (or until passport expiry)
- Unlimited entries into South Korea during the validity period
- Skip the arrival card — K-ETA holders are exempt from filling out the e-Arrival Card
- Faster immigration — Your information is pre-verified, reducing time at the immigration counter
- Third-party service fees — $50–$100+ if you use a non-official website (avoid these)
- Photo retakes — If you need a new passport-style photo, drugstores and photo shops charge $5–$15
- Card foreign transaction fees — Your bank may charge 1–3% for international transactions. Using a card with no foreign transaction fees saves money.
The most common payment failure is due to banks blocking unfamiliar international transactions. A quick call to your bank usually resolves this.
Beware of Scam Websites
This is the most important section of this guide. Numerous third-party websites charge inflated fees for K-ETA applications. These sites:
The only official K-ETA channels are:
Any other website claiming to process K-ETA applications is a third-party service. They cannot speed up approval, cannot guarantee acceptance, and charge many times the official fee.
Cost Comparison with Other Travel Authorizations
To put the K-ETA fee in perspective, here is how it compares to similar electronic travel authorizations worldwide:
| Country | Authorization | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | K-ETA | ~$8 USD | 3 years |
| United States | ESTA | $21 USD | 2 years |
| Canada | eTA | CAD $7 (~$5 USD) | 5 years |
| Australia | ETA | AUD $20 (~$13 USD) | 1 year |
| United Kingdom | ETA | £10 (~$13 USD) | 2 years |
| European Union | ETIAS | €7 (~$8 USD) | 3 years |
K-ETA is one of the most affordable electronic travel authorizations globally, especially considering its 3-year validity with unlimited entries.
K-ETA Value: What You Get for $8
For the 10,000 KRW fee, you receive:
If you visit South Korea multiple times over 3 years, the per-trip cost drops to just a few dollars.
Total Cost of K-ETA: Hidden Fees to Watch For
The only legitimate cost is the 10,000 KRW application fee plus the ~3% processing surcharge. There are no additional government fees.
However, be aware of these potential extra costs:
K-ETA Fee for Group Applications
When submitting a group application (up to 30 people), the fee is charged per person. The payment is made in a single transaction by the primary applicant.
| Group Size | Approximate Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$8 |
| 2 people | ~$16 |
| 4 people (family) | ~$32 |
| 10 people | ~$80 |
| 30 people (max) | ~$240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was I charged more than 10,000 KRW?
The ~3% online processing surcharge is added to the base fee. If you were charged significantly more (e.g., $50+), you likely used a third-party website. Check your receipt — if it does not say “k-eta.go.kr,” you overpaid.
Can I get a refund if my K-ETA is denied?
No. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. This policy is stated clearly on the official website before payment.
Do I need to pay again if I renew my passport?
Yes. A new K-ETA application requires a new payment. Your previous K-ETA is tied to your old passport number and becomes invalid when you get a new passport.
Is there a family discount?
No. The fee is per person with no discounts for families, children, or seniors.
Can I pay in my local currency?
The fee is denominated in KRW. Your bank converts it to your local currency at the prevailing exchange rate. Your bank may also add a foreign transaction fee.
Last updated: July 2026. Fees are set by the Korean Ministry of Justice. Always apply through www.k-eta.go.kr to avoid overpaying.
