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The South Korea ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a visa waiver that grants US citizens the possibility to visit the Republic of Korea visa-free for up to 90 days each time.
The K-ETA can be obtained by Americans by applying online from the comfort of their home or office. They only need to abide by the Korean visa waiver requirements and have a stable internet connection to complete an electronic application form.
Do United States Citizens Need a Visa to Visit South Korea?
No, US nationals do not need a visa to visit South Korea. However, they must either have an approved K-ETA or queue at the border to complete an arrival card to enter the country.
The K-ETA visa waiver for American citizens is quick and easy to get online. It avoids having to go through the lengthier application process for a Korean visa at a diplomatic mission or waste time waiting in line to get entry authorization on arrival.
Americans with a K-ETA can visit South Korea for a maximum of 90 consecutive days without a visa.
The K-ETA for Americans can be used to enter South Korea visa-free for the following reasons:
- Leisure
- Visiting friends or family
- Attending meetings and events
For trips to South Korea longer than 90 consecutive days and/or for purposes other than the ones mentioned above, it is necessary to have a Korean visa for US travelers. This can be done by inquiring at the nearest Korean consulate or embassy.
South Korea ETA Requirements for US Citizens
In order to complete the simple Korean Electronic Travel Authorization application process, United States passport holders must meet a few basic visa waiver requirements.
Currently, American applicants need to meet certain criteria, which includes having the following:
- United States passport, which is valid for a minimum of 6 months
- Passport-sized photograph of the American citizen
- Active email address, which will be used for K-ETA correspondence
- Credit or debit card to pay the ETA Korea fee
In addition to these documents, US nationals must share information about their trip (e.g., travel plans, proof of onward travel and accommodation), and their current occupation, and answer a few health and security-related questions.
Since the US passport is automatically linked to the K-ETA once this is granted, American travelers must carry the same passport used during the application process on their trip to the Republic of Korea.
Important: We advise you to check the general visa conditions for US citizens in case they have further questions about the application process and the eligibility criteria when traveling abroad.
How to Apply for South Korea K-ETA from the United States?
The South Korea ETA online application for US nationals is quite easy, simple, and straightforward. Usually, it does not take more than 20 minutes to be completed.
American visitors must submit the following information when applying online for the K-ETA:
- Basic information about the traveler, such as full name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship
- Contact details, such as a home address, email address, and phone number
- Travel details, such as trip itinerary, proof of onward travel & accommodation
- Passport information, such as country, number, expiry date, and issue date
The application form may have some additional questions about health, security, and other aspects.
Then, US travelers have to complete the payment of the Korea visa waiver processing fee. This can be done with a debit card or a debit card. All major bank cards are accepted.
American applicants are advised to make sure that the information provided matches the US passport and any other data submitted. Small errors and inconsistencies can lead to issues processing the visa waiver. Double-check your answers before submitting the form.
K-ETA processing time for US visitors
Citizens of the United States will receive approval of the K-ETA in up to 48 hours. In many cases, you will get your visa waiver even sooner.
The K-ETA travel permit is sent to your email address as an attached document in PDF format.
Traveling from the US to South Korea
When arriving in South Korea, nationals from the United States must show their US passport along with the K-ETA. Once the border and immigration officials have checked all the information, they will grant entry to all eligible passengers.
Although the document can be presented in digital format once in South Korea, we recommend that you print a hard copy to have it with you during the entirety of the trip.
American citizens must note they are not allowed to overstay a Korean visa waiver. If this happens, you can be denied entry in future trips to the country.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online application
STEP 2
Confirm Payment
STEP 3
Receive approved Visa
ETA South Korea Processing time
1 - 2 days
South Korea government fee
9 usd
Our service fee
40 usd
TOTAL
49 usd
Service fee includes
Fast processing time
Expert application review
Online support 365 days a year
99% application success rate
Covid Update for South Korea
Last update: 14/12/2023
International travelers can apply for a South Korea ETA to visit the country. All COVID-19 entry restrictions for South Korea were lifted on 11 March 2023. Check the requirements for travelers of different nationalities to enter the country according to the South Korea visa policy.
Country policy
Familiarize yourself with the visa policy South Korea and discover the visa requirements for your nationality.
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Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article related to the South Korea ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for US citizens:
-
South Korea ETA Overview:
- The South Korea ETA is a visa waiver that allows US citizens to visit the Republic of Korea visa-free for up to 90 days.
- The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) can be obtained online, eliminating the need for a traditional visa application.
-
Visa Requirement for US Citizens:
- US citizens do not need a visa to visit South Korea but must either have an approved K-ETA or complete an arrival card at the border.
-
K-ETA Validity and Purpose:
- The K-ETA allows Americans to visit South Korea for leisure, visiting friends or family, attending meetings and events, for a maximum of 90 consecutive days without a visa.
- For longer stays or other purposes, a traditional Korean visa is required.
-
South Korea ETA Requirements for US Citizens:
- Requirements include a valid US passport (with at least 6 months validity), a passport-sized photograph, an active email address, and a credit or debit card for payment.
- Travel information, proof of onward travel and accommodation, current occupation, and health and security-related questions must also be provided.
-
Application Process:
- The online application process is straightforward, taking approximately 20 minutes to complete.
- Required information includes basic details, contact information, travel plans, passport details, and additional questions related to health and security.
-
K-ETA Processing Time:
- The processing time for US citizens is up to 48 hours, with many applicants receiving approval even sooner.
- The approved K-ETA is sent to the applicant's email address in PDF format.
-
Arriving in South Korea:
- US citizens must present their US passport along with the K-ETA upon arrival.
- It's recommended to carry a printed copy of the K-ETA, although a digital format is accepted.
-
Caution Against Overstaying:
- It is emphasized that US citizens must not overstay the Korean visa waiver, as this could lead to denial of entry in future trips.
-
Application Steps and Fees:
- The application involves three steps: completing the online form, confirming payment, and receiving the approved visa.
- The total fees include a government fee and a service fee, with optional services such as embassy registration, fast processing time, expert application review, and online support.
-
COVID-19 Update:
- As of the latest update, all COVID-19 entry restrictions for South Korea were lifted on March 11, 2023.
- Travelers are advised to check the South Korea visa policy for the most up-to-date information.
This comprehensive overview provides a clear understanding of the South Korea ETA application process for US citizens, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.