Travel authorization · checked 3 Nov 2026

K-ETA (South Korea): who needs it and how to apply

The short answerThe K-ETA is an online pre-travel authorization that visa-free nationals get before boarding for Korea. It isn’t a visa. Go to the official site.

The official link goes to k-eta.go.kr. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.

Checked by Dre Darville, founder of NUM, on 3 Nov 2026 against k-eta.go.kr. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service.

At a glance

The K-ETA in brief.

Fee	KRW 10,000 plus a payment fee, non-refundable
Valid for	Three years, or until your passport expires
Stay	The visa-free period for your nationality
When to apply	Before boarding, allowing at least 72 hours
Decision	Usually within 72 hours, with no expedited service

Who it’s for

Do you need it?

Nationals of countries that can enter Korea without a visa. Some, including travelers from the US and UK, are temporarily exempt through December 31, 2026. Check the official site for your passport and for trips in 2027.

Num files it for you

Skip the form. $9.99, done in minutes.

Fill in one short form for everyone in your group and a NUM person files each K-ETA on k-eta.go.kr for you. NUM’s fee is $9.99 per traveller plus the ₩10,000 + card fee government fee at cost. Private visa services charge far more. 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 or speed it up. You can always apply yourself on the official site for KRW 10,000 plus a payment fee, non-refundable.

Have Num file it Apply myself

Before you fly

Data the moment you land in South Korea

A NUM eSIM on SKTelecom, LG Uplus: install on wifi before you go, switch it on when you land, keep your own number. Your NUM concierge comes with it.

Get my South Korea eSIM All plans and networks

Prices on 4 Nov 2026; the shop shows today’s, and the price on the pay button is the price you pay. Full refund if we can’t issue it.

Before you start

What to have ready.

Your passport details.
Your travel details, address of stay and flight number.
An email address.
A way to pay.

Step by step

How to get the K-ETA.

Check it applies to you. Nationals of countries that can enter Korea without a visa. Some, including travelers from the US and UK, are temporarily exempt through December 31, 2026. Check the official site for your passport and for trips in 2027.
Pick your moment. Before boarding, allowing at least 72 hours.
Get these ready. Your passport details; Your travel details, address of stay and flight number; An email address; A way to pay.
Apply on the official site only. That’s k-eta.go.kr. The government fee is KRW 10,000 plus a payment fee, non-refundable.
Wait for the answer. Usually within 72 hours, with no expedited service. Don’t travel until it arrives.
Keep it with your passport. It’s valid for three years, or until your passport expires, for the visa-free period for your nationality.

Watch outApply only on the official K-ETA site or app. Unofficial agencies charge high fees for express service that doesn’t exist.

Not sure your passport needs the K-ETA? See the full South Korea entry requirements for 33 passports, including passport validity and what to show at the border.

Questions

The short answers.

What is the best eVisa for South Korea?

The K-ETA is an online pre-travel authorization that visa-free nationals get before boarding for Korea. It isn’t a visa. Apply on the official site, unless you want to pay a private service for help.

Who needs the K-ETA?

Nationals of countries that can enter Korea without a visa. Some, including travelers from the US and UK, are temporarily exempt through December 31, 2026. Check the official site for your passport and for trips in 2027.

How much does it cost?

KRW 10,000 plus a payment fee, non-refundable. Fees change, so confirm it on the official site before you pay.

When should I apply?

Before boarding, allowing at least 72 hours.

How long does the K-ETA take?

Usually within 72 hours, with no expedited service.

How long is the K-ETA valid?

Three years, or until your passport expires. Each visit: the visa-free period for your nationality.

Is the K-ETA a visa?

No. It’s a travel authorization: permission to board and travel for people who don’t need a visa. If you need a visa, the K-ETA doesn’t replace it.

What do I need to apply?

Your passport details; Your travel details, address of stay and flight number; An email address; A way to pay.

Does NUM issue the K-ETA?

No. Only the government issues it. NUM can file the application for you for $9.99 per traveller plus the KRW 10,000 plus a payment fee, non-refundable government fee, but the decision is the government’s alone. You can also apply yourself on the official site.

The rest of the trip

Land connected.

Get your data ready before you fly with a South Korea eSIM. Need anything else? Text NUM.

Sources

Where this comes from.

By passport

Do you need a visa for South Korea?

The rule for your passport, with the fee, the stay and the official link.