One of the most common questions about kETA Korea is: how much does it cost? The official kETA fee set by the South Korean government is KRW 10,000 – approximately $7.50 USD or around €7 EUR at current exchange rates. This guide covers everything you need to know about the kETA cost, payment methods, refund policy, and what to watch out for when paying.
Official kETA Korea Fee – 2026
The official kETA application fee is:
- KRW 10,000 (South Korean Won)
- Approximately $7.50 USD
- Approximately €7 EUR
- Approximately £6 GBP
- Approximately $12 AUD
This fee is set by the South Korean government and is paid when you submit your application on the official portal at k-eta.go.kr. There are no additional government fees.
What Does the kETA Fee Cover?
The KRW 10,000 fee covers the processing of your kETA application, including the background and security check conducted by Korean immigration authorities. It covers a single application regardless of the outcome – if your application is denied, the fee is non-refundable.
The fee also covers the full 2-year validity of your kETA, including unlimited multiple entries into South Korea during that period. There is no annual renewal fee – your kETA remains valid for 2 years from issuance (or until passport expiry) with a single payment.
How to Pay the kETA Fee
Payment is made online during the application process on k-eta.go.kr. Accepted payment methods include:
- Visa credit/debit cards
- Mastercard credit/debit cards
- American Express (in some regions)
- Other major international payment cards
Cash payments, bank transfers, and PayPal are not accepted. Make sure your card is enabled for international online transactions before starting your kETA application.
Is the kETA Fee Refundable?
No – the kETA application fee of KRW 10,000 is non-refundable in all circumstances, including:
- Rejected applications
- Cancelled travel plans
- Duplicate applications (accidental resubmission)
- Applications submitted for ineligible nationals
This is why it is important to check your eligibility carefully before applying. Review our kETA requirements page and confirm your nationality is eligible before paying.
Third-Party kETA Services – What to Avoid
Be aware that numerous third-party websites offer to process kETA applications on your behalf for significantly higher fees – sometimes $20-$100 or more. These services are not official and are not endorsed by the South Korean government. They typically charge a large service fee on top of the KRW 10,000 government fee, or in some cases, simply redirect you to k-eta.go.kr after charging you.
Always apply directly at k-eta.go.kr to pay only the official fee of KRW 10,000 and ensure your application is processed by the official system.
Fee for Children and Families
Each traveler – including infants and children – requires a separate kETA application and must pay a separate KRW 10,000 fee. A family of four would therefore pay a total of KRW 40,000 (approximately $30 USD). See our requirements page for details on applying for minors.
kETA Fee Exemptions
As of 2026, citizens of many countries are temporarily exempt from the kETA requirement entirely – meaning they do not need to apply for kETA and therefore do not pay any fee. These include US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens. See the eligible countries page for the full current exemption list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does kETA Korea cost in 2026?
The official kETA fee is KRW 10,000, approximately $7.50 USD or €7 EUR. This is a one-time fee covering a 2-year validity period with unlimited multiple entries.
Is the kETA fee refundable if I change my travel plans?
No – the kETA fee is non-refundable regardless of the reason, including rejected applications and cancelled travel plans.
Can I pay the kETA fee in my local currency?
The fee is charged in KRW on the official portal, but your credit card will automatically convert it to your local currency. Your bank may charge a small foreign transaction fee.
Are there free kETA services?
The official government portal k-eta.go.kr processes kETA applications for the official KRW 10,000 fee only. There are no free services – beware of third-party websites charging excessive fees.
