European Union citizens planning a trip to South Korea in 2026 will be happy to learn that all 27 EU member state nationals are currently exempt from kETA. South Korea’s temporary kETA exemption, extended through December 31, 2026, covers every EU country – from Germany and France to Croatia and Malta. This guide explains what EU travelers need to know about visiting South Korea in 2026, including the new e-Arrival Card requirement.
Do EU Citizens Need kETA for South Korea in 2026?
No – citizens of all 27 European Union member states are covered by South Korea’s temporary kETA exemption, which runs until December 31, 2026. EU passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free and without kETA for stays of up to 90 days.
This exemption covers nationals from: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Malta.
EU-South Korea Visa Waiver Agreement
The European Union and South Korea have a bilateral visa waiver agreement that allows citizens to travel freely for short stays. This agreement predates the kETA system and remains in force independently. EU citizens can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days per visit for tourism, business, family visits, and transit.
Work and formal study require a separate Korean work or student visa, applied for at a Korean embassy or consulate. For information on visas vs. kETA, see our kETA vs. Korean visa guide.
Mandatory e-Arrival Card for EU Travelers
Although kETA is not required, all travelers to South Korea – including EU citizens – must complete the mandatory K-ETA e-Arrival Card digitally before their flight arrives in Korea. This digital declaration form was introduced to replace the paper arrival cards previously distributed on board aircraft.
The e-Arrival Card collects personal details, flight information, accommodation in South Korea, and a brief health and travel history. It must be completed before departure and takes about 5-10 minutes. Visit our Korea entry requirements 2026 page for full instructions.
Schengen vs. Individual EU Country Passport
While EU citizens benefit from freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, travel to South Korea is governed by individual bilateral agreements between South Korea and each EU member state. However, in practice, all EU nationals currently have the same visa-free entry rights to South Korea, regardless of whether their country is in the Schengen Area.
After the Exemption Ends – kETA for EU Citizens
The temporary exemption is set to expire on December 31, 2026. If it is not renewed, EU citizens will need to apply for kETA before traveling to South Korea from 2027. The process is simple and costs approximately $7.50 USD. See our kETA application guide for what to expect, and monitor our kETA updates page for announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EU citizens need a visa or kETA for South Korea in 2026?
No – all EU citizens can enter South Korea visa-free and without kETA through December 31, 2026. The only requirement is completing the K-ETA e-Arrival Card before arrival.
Which EU countries can enter South Korea without kETA?
All 27 EU member states are covered by the temporary exemption: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Malta.
How long can EU citizens stay in South Korea?
EU citizens can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days per visit under the visa-waiver agreement.
Is the e-Arrival Card free for EU citizens?
Yes – the K-ETA e-Arrival Card is free. It is submitted online before your flight and is not the same as kETA.
