Before you start your K-ETA application, you need to know exactly what documents and information are required. Missing even one item can force you to abandon the form midway, and the system does not save your progress reliably.
This guide covers every K-ETA requirement for 2026 — from passport validity rules to photo specifications, payment methods, and the supporting information you must have ready.
Passport Requirements
Your passport is the most critical document for the K-ETA application. The following rules apply:
- Valid passport from an eligible country — Your passport must be issued by one of the 112+ visa-waiver countries recognized by South Korea
- Sufficient remaining validity — While South Korea does not specify a strict minimum validity period beyond your stay, having at least 6 months of remaining validity is strongly recommended and often required by airlines
- Machine-readable zone (MRZ) — Your passport must have the standard MRZ code on the bio page, which is present on all modern passports
- Name must match exactly — Enter your name exactly as it appears in the MRZ, including hyphens, apostrophes, and the order of given and family names
If you have recently renewed your passport, you must apply for a new K-ETA with the new passport number. An existing K-ETA linked to your old passport is no longer valid.
Photo Requirements
The K-ETA photo must meet specific standards. Poor photos are one of the top reasons applications get flagged for manual review.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain, light-colored (white or light gray preferred) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Face | Clearly visible, centered, looking straight at camera |
| Headwear | None, except for religious reasons |
| Sunglasses | Not allowed |
| Lighting | Even lighting, no shadows on face or background |
| Format | Digital image (JPEG or similar) |
| Expression | Neutral expression or natural smile |
Important: The AI system compares your uploaded photo to your passport photo. Significant differences in appearance (new hairstyle, glasses vs. no glasses, weight change) can trigger manual review but will not necessarily cause rejection.
Email Address
You need a working email address that you can access during the application session. The system sends:
- A one-time verification code during registration
- Application status updates
- Approval or denial notification
Known issue: Korean government emails sometimes experience delays reaching Gmail accounts. If you do not receive the verification code within a few minutes, check your spam folder. You can also use an alternative email provider.
Korean Accommodation Information
You must provide:
- Address in Korea — Hotel name and address, Airbnb address, or host’s residential address
- Contact phone number in Korea — Your hotel’s phone number or your Airbnb host’s number
Do not use your home country phone number. The system expects a Korean contact number. If you are staying at a hotel, use the hotel’s main phone number. You can find this on the hotel’s website or booking confirmation.
Tip: Use the zip code search tool on the application form instead of typing the address manually. Applications with manually typed addresses are more likely to be flagged for verification.
Travel Details
You need to provide:
- Purpose of visit — Tourism, business, visiting family, transit, attending a conference, medical treatment, etc.
- Arrival date — Expected date of entry into South Korea
- Departure date — Expected date of departure from South Korea
Exact flight numbers are not required, but having your travel dates ready helps. If your dates change after approval, you can update them on the “Update Travel Information” page without reapplying.
Payment Method
The K-ETA fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately $7–8 USD) plus a ~3% processing fee. You need a credit or debit card that supports international online transactions.
Accepted cards:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- JCB
- American Express
- Diners Club
- Discover
- UnionPay
- Alipay+
The payment gateway requires 3D Secure authentication. If your card is declined, ensure it is authorized for international e-commerce. Trying a card from a different bank often resolves the issue.
Health and Background Declarations
The application includes mandatory questions about:
- Health status — Any infectious diseases or health conditions relevant to public safety
- Criminal history — Past convictions or pending criminal charges
Answer these questions honestly. False declarations can result in denial of entry, deportation, and future bans from entering South Korea.
Documents NOT Required
To clarify common misconceptions, you do NOT need:
- A return flight ticket (though having travel dates is required)
- Proof of accommodation booking (just the address)
- Bank statements or proof of funds
- Travel insurance documents
- Invitation letters
- Passport-sized physical photos (everything is digital)
Exemptions: Who Does Not Need K-ETA
The following groups do not need to apply for K-ETA:
- Registered foreign residents holding an Alien Registration Card or Residence Card
- Valid Korean visa holders (any visa type)
- USFK (United States Forces Korea) service members
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders
- UN passport holders
- Transit passengers who do not pass through Korean immigration
- Citizens of the 67 countries currently exempt through December 31, 2026
If you are exempt, you may still apply voluntarily. Holding a valid K-ETA exempts you from filling out the e-Arrival Card, which can speed up your immigration process at the airport.
Document Checklist
Here is a quick-reference checklist of everything you need before starting your application:
- Valid passport from an eligible country
- Working email address
- Digital photo (recent, plain background, face clear)
- Credit or debit card (international transactions enabled)
- Korean accommodation address
- Korean contact phone number
- Travel dates (arrival and departure)
- Honest answers for health and background questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must my passport be valid for K-ETA?
South Korea does not specify a strict minimum passport validity for K-ETA beyond the duration of your stay. However, airlines commonly require at least 6 months of remaining validity. Check with your airline before traveling.
Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?
No. K-ETA requires a full passport book with a machine-readable zone. Passport cards are not accepted.
Do children need their own K-ETA?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own K-ETA approval. Children must have their own passport, and a parent or guardian can include them in a group application.
What if my name has special characters?
Enter your name exactly as it appears in the MRZ of your passport. The MRZ uses a limited character set — accents and special characters are typically converted. For example, “José” may appear as “JOSE” in the MRZ.
Can I apply without a confirmed hotel booking?
Yes. You need to provide an address in Korea, but it does not need to be a confirmed booking. You can enter the address of a hotel you plan to book. If your accommodation changes, you can update the information later.
Last updated: July 2026. Verify current requirements on the official K-ETA website at www.k-eta.go.kr.
