Korea e-Arrival Card, K-ETA & Q-CODE 2026
Visa-exempt visitors from the K-ETA exemption list do not need K-ETA until 31 December 2026, but must submit a free e-Arrival Card (from 3 days before arrival) unless they hold a K-ETA. A Q-CODE health declaration is needed only if you arrive from a designated quarantine area.
ConditionalArrival card
e-Arrival Card
- Who
- Foreigners with a Korean visa, nationals of K-ETA-exempt countries, and certain other groups. Not required: K-ETA holders, registered foreign residents, group e-visa holders, and aircrew.
- When
- From 3 days before arrival (Korea Standard Time) until immigration inspection.
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- One submission per entry.
Steps
- Open www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr on a PC or mobile browser.
- Check whether you must file using the site's eligibility guide.
- Enter passport details.
- Enter flight, purpose of visit and address in Korea.
- Submit (mobile web allows up to 9 people in one submission).
Have ready
- Passport
- Flight number
- Address in Korea
- Purpose of visit
Watch out
- The e-Arrival Card is free; ignore sites that charge.
- If you already hold an approved K-ETA, you do not need an arrival card at all.
- The online and paper arrival cards have the same legal effect.
ConditionalTravel authorisation
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Who
- Visa-exempt nationals not on the temporary exemption list. Nationals of exempt countries/regions do not need it from 1 January to 31 December 2026, but may apply voluntarily (e.g. to skip the arrival card).
- When
- Before boarding; assessment usually takes up to 72 hours.
- Fee
- ₩10,000
- Validity
- 3 years, multiple use.
- Processing
- Usually within 72 hours; may take longer at peak times.
Steps
- Go to www.k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app.
- Check whether your nationality is on the temporary exemption list.
- Fill in the application and upload your photo and passport details.
- Pay KRW 10,000 (plus online payment fee).
- Wait for the result by email or on the site before boarding.
Have ready
- E-passport
- Facial photo
- Email address
- Card for payment
Watch out
- Fees are non-refundable, even if denied or if you later learn you were exempt.
- Apply only at k-eta.go.kr; agency sites charge several times the official fee.
- An existing K-ETA stays valid until its expiry date.
ConditionalHealth declaration
Q-CODE health declaration
- Who
- Travellers arriving from or via designated quarantine-inspection areas, or those with infectious-disease symptoms. Others do not need it.
- When
- Before arrival; paper health questionnaire on arrival is the alternative.
- Fee
- Free
Steps
- Check the KDCA list of quarantine-inspection areas for the countries you visited.
- If listed, enter your details on the Q-CODE site.
- Show the QR code at the quarantine station on arrival.
Have ready
- Passport
- Flight number
- Countries visited before arrival
Watch out
- The quarantine-area list changes; check it shortly before travel.
Get an eSIM · South Korea
FAQ
Do I need K-ETA in 2026?
Not if your country is on the temporary exemption list, which runs from 1 January to 31 December 2026 (KST). Check your nationality on k-eta.go.kr.
Do I need both K-ETA and the e-Arrival Card?
No. K-ETA holders are exempt from the arrival card. Without K-ETA, submit the e-Arrival Card (or a paper card).
Is the paper arrival card still accepted?
The official FAQ says online and paper cards have the same effect.
Do I need Q-CODE?
Only if you come from a designated quarantine-inspection area or have symptoms.