Before submitting your kETA Korea application, it is essential to understand the requirements that must be met. Not every traveler is eligible for kETA, and even eligible applicants must meet certain conditions and submit specific documents. This page outlines the kETA requirements for 2026 in detail, covering eligibility criteria, required documents, and conditions that may lead to a rejection.
Eligibility Requirements for kETA
To apply for kETA Korea, you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
- Passport nationality: Your passport must be from one of the 112 countries with a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea.
- Purpose of visit: Your purpose of travel must be short-term – tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit. kETA does not authorize work or study.
- Stay duration: Your intended stay must not exceed 90 days per visit.
- No immigration violations: You must not have any prior deportation from or denial of entry to South Korea.
- Clean criminal record: Applicants with serious criminal convictions may be denied kETA.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Required Documents for kETA Application
To successfully complete your kETA application, you will need to provide the following:
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid throughout your planned stay in South Korea. The passport number entered in your kETA application must match the passport you use when travelling. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new kETA.
2. Digital Passport-Style Photo
Requirements for the photo:
- Plain white or off-white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Clearly showing your full face, without sunglasses or hats
- JPEG or JPG format
- Minimum size: 500×500 pixels
3. Valid Email Address
A working email address is required to create your account on k-eta.go.kr and to receive your kETA approval or rejection notification.
4. Travel Details
You will need to provide:
- Intended arrival and departure dates
- Name and address of your first accommodation in South Korea
- Purpose of your visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
5. Payment Method
The kETA fee of KRW 10,000 (~$7.50 USD) is paid online. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, and other major international credit and debit cards. The fee is non-refundable.
Conditions That May Lead to Rejection
Your kETA application may be denied if:
- You have been previously deported from South Korea or denied entry
- You have overstayed a previous visit to South Korea
- Your passport is invalid, damaged, or close to expiry
- The photo you upload does not meet the required specifications
- You have a serious criminal record
- Your nationality is currently suspended from kETA eligibility
- There are discrepancies between your application and your passport details
For more information on what to do if your application is denied, see our kETA rejection guide.
Children and Minors
Children traveling to South Korea also need their own kETA if their nationality requires it. Each child must have a separate application and a valid passport. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors through the same k-eta.go.kr portal account.
kETA Exemption 2026
As of 2026, South Korea has temporarily waived the kETA requirement for citizens of major countries including the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Citizens of exempt countries can enter South Korea visa-free without kETA until December 31, 2026. Check our eligible countries page for the latest exemption list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are needed for kETA Korea?
You need a valid passport from a kETA-eligible country, a digital passport photo, a valid email address, your travel details (dates and accommodation), and a credit or debit card to pay the KRW 10,000 fee.
Does my passport need to be valid for 6 months for kETA?
South Korea does not have a strict 6-month passport validity rule for visa-free travelers. Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. However, having at least 6 months of validity is always a good precaution.
Can I apply for kETA with a dual passport?
Yes – if you hold two passports and both nationalities are kETA-eligible, you can apply using either passport. However, you must travel on the same passport used for your kETA application.
Do transit passengers need kETA?
Transit passengers who remain in the international transit zone and do not pass through immigration typically do not need kETA. However, if you will pass through Korean immigration – even in transit – you may need kETA. Check with your airline and Korean immigration authorities for your specific situation.
