Travel To South Korea: What Americans Need To Know

South Korea is a trendy destination for tourists, with Seoul being a popular choice for its modern cityscape, sightseeing spots, quirky museums, and food scene. Busan, Jeju Island, and Gyeongju are also sought-after destinations in South Korea. As of 2025, Americans need a travel permit to enter South Korea. From January 1, 2025, the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) has been reinstated, which was previously suspended to boost international tourism. The K-ETA is not a visa but an online form that can be completed in 10-20 minutes. It is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.

Travel documents required for US citizens

US citizens can travel to South Korea, but they need to ensure they have the correct documentation. Here are the travel document requirements for US citizens travelling to South Korea:

Passport

A valid US passport is required to enter South Korea. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned entry date and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

Visa or Visa Waiver

US citizens travelling to South Korea for tourism or business purposes can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must have a valid passport and may need a South Korean visa waiver, known as the K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization). The K-ETA is an online application that usually takes four business days to be approved. It is valid for two years from the date of issue and includes a multiple-reentry permit for short-term stays.

Until December 31, 2024, the K-ETA is not required for US citizens, but it is recommended as it exempts travellers from submitting an arrival card and speeds up border checks. From January 1, 2025, the K-ETA will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the US.

For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens will need to obtain a visa from a Korean Government diplomatic office, such as an embassy or consulate, before travelling. The specific documentation required will depend on the type of visa being applied for.

US citizens can stay for up to 90 days

US citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. However, they must have a valid passport and meet the country's entry requirements, which may include having the correct documentation. US citizens can apply for a South Korean visa waiver (K-ETA) online, which is valid for three years or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. The K-ETA allows US citizens to avoid filling out an arrival card and speeds up border checks thanks to pre-screening.

The K-ETA is not a visa; it is an online form that typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Applicants are required to provide a colour photo of their face, passport details, personal background and character information, and travel plans. The form consists of simplified 'yes or no' questions, and at the end, applicants are directed to a payment page. The fee for a K-ETA is 10,000 South Korean won, or approximately $7.27.

Once the payment is processed and the form is submitted, applicants should receive a response within 24 hours. This could be a confirmation of the travel permit being issued, a request for additional information, or a denial. US citizens with no criminal background or history of visa denials should not expect any issues with their application. However, it is important to apply in advance, as authorities may take up to a full day to review applications.

It is worth noting that the K-ETA exemption was only temporary. From January 1, 2025, South Korea will reinstate the K-ETA requirement for US citizens, which had been suspended since April 1, 2023, to boost international tourism.

US citizens must apply for a K-ETA

US citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter South Korea if they are visiting for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days. However, they do need to apply for a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). The K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue and includes an automatic re-entry permit. It should be applied for at least 12 hours before travelling but can take up to four business days to be approved. It is available online and costs $10. US citizens will need a valid passport with at least six months left before it expires and one to two empty pages.

The K-ETA is not required for travellers who transit through South Korea and stay in the airport transit area without going through immigration control. Travellers aged 17 and under and 65 and older are also exempt from requiring a K-ETA but may apply to receive the benefit of not having to complete an arrival card upon entry.

US citizens who plan to stay in South Korea for longer than 90 days, or who wish to work, study, or teach English in the country, will need to apply for the appropriate South Korean visa through the Korean Embassy or Consulate.

The K-ETA is not a visa

Americans can travel to South Korea, but they must meet the country's entry requirements. This may include having the correct documentation, such as a visa or visa waiver. US citizens can visit South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with just their passport.

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization that visa-free foreign visitors need to obtain before entering South Korea. It is not a visa, and K-ETA approval does not guarantee admission to the country. The final determination is made by a Korea Immigration Service officer at the port of entry. The K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of authorization and costs 10,000 KRW (approximately $9-10).

The K-ETA is not required for all travellers. The following travellers are exempt from the K-ETA requirement:

• UN passport holders
• ABTC holders
• USFK service members
• Aircraft and ship crew members
• Transfer passengers
• Diplomatic or official passport holders
• Those aged 17 and under, and 65 and older (exempt from July 3, 2023)
• Citizens of countries exempt from the K-ETA requirement

Additionally, the K-ETA is not mandatory for travellers who are transiting through South Korea and staying in the airport transit area without going through immigration control. While the K-ETA is not a visa, it does provide some benefits to travellers, such as exemption from submitting an arrival card at the port of entry.

The K-ETA costs $7.27

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization that visa-free foreign visitors need to obtain before entering South Korea. The K-ETA costs $7.27 (approximately 10,000 KRW). This fee is lower than the price of an embassy visa for South Korea. The K-ETA application fee is payable online via credit card.

The K-ETA is not a visa, and approval does not guarantee admission to South Korea. The K-ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of authorization. From January 1, 2025, travelers are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before travelling to South Korea.

The K-ETA is available to US citizens, who are eligible to enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days with just their passport. With the K-ETA, US citizens can avoid completing an arrival card.

The K-ETA application process can be done online and applicants typically receive a response within 72 hours. The application must be submitted at least 72 hours to 1 week before travelling.

Frequently asked questions