South Korea’s kETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) system covers citizens of 112 countries with a visa-waiver agreement with the Republic of Korea. However, not all of these nationals currently need to apply for kETA – South Korea has issued a temporary exemption for many nationalities through December 31, 2026. This page provides the complete, up-to-date kETA eligible countries list and explains the current exemption status.
How kETA Country Eligibility Works
kETA eligibility is determined by South Korea’s network of visa-waiver agreements. Citizens of countries with these agreements can enter South Korea visa-free, but are (in principle) required to obtain kETA before travel. The Korean government can grant temporary exemptions from this requirement, as it has done for many countries since 2021.
As of 2026, the kETA requirement has been temporarily waived for citizens of numerous countries, including all EU member states, the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Citizens of these countries can enter Korea without kETA until December 31, 2026. Learn more about the latest changes on our kETA Korea 2026 changes page.
Countries Currently Exempt from kETA (Temporary Exemption Until Dec 2026)
The following countries are temporarily exempt from the kETA requirement through the end of 2026 (no kETA needed, visa-free entry permitted):
Americas
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Europe
All 27 European Union member states (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, Malta), plus United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City.
Asia-Pacific
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan (must present a valid visa for entry to a third country, or a valid permanent resident card), Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia.
Middle East and Africa
Israel, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tunisia.
Countries That Still Require kETA
Citizens of some kETA-eligible countries may not be covered by the temporary exemption and must obtain kETA before traveling to South Korea. Additionally, South Korea suspended kETA eligibility for citizens of some countries in 2023 due to high rates of visa overstaying. The suspended countries include several from Asia and Africa. Citizens of these countries may need to apply for a standard Korean visa instead of kETA.
Always verify the current status of your nationality at the official k-eta.go.kr portal before booking flights. Check our kETA requirements page for the full eligibility criteria.
Country-Specific kETA Guides
We have dedicated guides for the most commonly searched nationalities:
- kETA Korea for US Citizens
- kETA Korea for UK Citizens
- kETA Korea for EU Citizens
- kETA Korea for Australian Citizens
How to Check Your kETA Eligibility
The most reliable way to confirm your kETA status is to visit k-eta.go.kr and start an application. The system will indicate whether your nationality requires kETA or is currently exempt. You can also contact the Korean embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries are kETA eligible?
South Korea’s kETA system covers citizens of 112 countries with visa-waiver agreements. As of 2026, many of these countries are temporarily exempt from the kETA requirement until December 31, 2026.
Are EU citizens exempt from kETA in 2026?
Yes – all 27 EU member state citizens are covered by South Korea’s temporary kETA exemption through December 31, 2026. EU citizens can enter South Korea visa-free without kETA. See our EU citizens guide for more.
Which countries had their kETA suspended?
South Korea suspended kETA eligibility for citizens of some countries (mainly in Asia and Africa) in 2023 due to concerns about visa overstaying. Citizens of suspended countries must apply for a regular Korean visa through an embassy. Check k-eta.go.kr for the current list.
Do I need to apply for kETA if my country is on the exemption list?
No – if your country is on the temporary kETA exemption list, you can enter South Korea without kETA through December 31, 2026. However, you must still complete the mandatory K-ETA e-Arrival Card before arrival.
