Korea Entry Checklist for Short Trips: K-ETA, e-Arrival Card and Visa-Free Entry
Entry rules for Korea have changed several times in recent years, and many travel blogs still repeat outdated advice. Do you need a visa? Do you need a K-ETA? What is the e-Arrival Card, and is it the same thing? This checklist explains the three main pieces for short-term visitors (tourism, family visits, short business meetings) in plain language, with links to the official government sites. It is not a substitute for those sites: entry rules depend on your nationality and purpose of visit, and they can change at short notice. Check the official pages before you book and again a few days before you fly. Step 1: Visa, visa-free entry or K-ETA? Your starting point is your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Broadly, travelers fall into three groups: Nationals of countries that need a visa for Korea apply for a visa through the Korea Visa Portal or a Korean embassy or consulate. Nationals of countries with visa-free or visa-waiver arrangements can usually enter for short stay...