Do Israeli citizens need a visa for South Korea?
The official link goes to k-eta.go.kr. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel. This row comes from a reputable source NUM hasn’t yet confirmed on the official page.
South Korea entry rules for Israeli citizens.
| Verdict | Travel authorisation before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | K-ETA |
| Fee | KRW 10,000 |
| Stay | 90 days |
| Validity | 3 years from approval (applications from 3 Jul 2023) |
| When to apply | At least 72 hours before departure; must be approved before check-in |
| Checked | From a reputable source, not yet verified on the official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an Israeli passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: South Korea entry requirements.
Skip the form. $9.99 a traveller.
A NUM person files the K-ETA on k-eta.go.kr for everyone in your group. NUM’s fee is $9.99 plus the ₩10,000 + card fee government fee at cost. You answer any eligibility questions yourself, the decision goes to your own email, and your passport details are deleted the moment it’s filed. NUM isn’t the government and can’t promise approval.
The details for an Israeli passport.
Visa-free entry, but a K-ETA must be approved before check-in: Israel is not on the official temporary-exemption list (Korean Embassy in Switzerland, updated Dec 2024), and the 2026 extension covers only countries/regions already exempt (Korean embassy notices 29 Dec 2025 and 5 Jan 2026). A complete 2026 list could not be read (k-eta.go.kr blocks automated access), hence 'likely'. Fee KRW 10,000 (card charges extra); valid 3 years from approval for applications made from 3 Jul 2023 (previously 2 years) per the Korean Embassy in Ireland. Processing normally up to 72 hours and can take longer; apply early. Approved K-ETA holders do not need to submit an arrival card. If refused, apply for a visa at a Korean mission. Onward ticket required; no work. Stay: up to 90 days per the Korean Embassy (Oman) visa-exemption list.
How long it must be valid.
Visa-free tourist stays: passport must be valid beyond your departure date from Korea (no fixed minimum; US State Dept: 'no minimum expiration validity requirement'). Long-term visas: at least 6 months from arrival (FCDO). Passport must be undamaged (French MFA). Airlines may apply stricter rules.
Recent changes in South Korea.
- 2025-02-24 — e-Arrival Card launched (submit online within 72 hours before arrival); paper cards still available. Start date from a secondary source; FCDO (updated 14 May 2026) confirms the system, timing and that it is free.
- 2025-03-03 — Korean Embassy in Switzerland notice (posted 3 Mar 2025, updated 13 Dec 2024) lists Switzerland and Liechtenstein as temporarily K-ETA exempt alongside 23 countries/regions (including Guam and Macao), then to 31 Dec 2025.
- 2025-09-29 — Visa-free entry pilot for Chinese nationals on designated group tours (3+ people booked through designated agencies in China) began; official period 29 Sep 2025 to 30 Jun 2026. Not available to Chinese nationals departing from third countries (e.g. Singapore). A secondary source says it runs to 31 Dec 2026; extension not confirmed officially.
The short answers.
Do Israeli citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No visa, but yes to a form: Israeli citizens need the K-ETA approved before they fly for stays of 90 days.
How much does it cost for Israeli citizens?
KRW 10,000. Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can Israeli citizens stay in South Korea?
90 days. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should Israeli citizens apply?
At least 72 hours before departure; must be approved before check-in.
Where do Israeli citizens apply?
On the official site, k-eta.go.kr. NUM links it and never charges for the link. If you’d rather not do the form, NUM can file it for you for $9.99 a traveller.
Does NUM issue South Korea visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.