Traveling to South Korea in 2026? Depending on your entry status, you may need to submit a Korea e-Arrival Card before going through immigration.
The e-Arrival Card is South Korea’s official electronic arrival declaration. The government service is free, and you can submit it starting three days before your scheduled arrival in Korea.
The most important thing to understand is this:
K-ETA and the Korea e-Arrival Card are different systems. A K-ETA exemption does not automatically remove the arrival-declaration requirement.
Here is what you need to know before your trip.
Korea e-Arrival Card 2026: Quick Answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Korea e-Arrival Card free? | Yes |
| When can I submit it? | Starting 3 days before arrival in Korea |
| How long is a submitted declaration valid? | Up to 72 hours, or until immigration inspection is completed |
| Is the e-Arrival Card the same as K-ETA? | No |
| Do valid K-ETA holders normally need it? | Generally no |
| Do K-ETA-exempt travelers automatically skip it? | No |
| Can I submit it online? | Yes |
| Do I need to print it? | No |
| What is the official website? | www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr |
Important: The Korean government e-Arrival Card service is free. Use only www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr for the official government submission process.
The official service warns travelers about impersonation websites. Do not enter payment details just to submit the government arrival declaration.
Some private travel or document-assistance companies may charge separate service fees, but those charges are not Korean government e-Arrival Card fees.
What Is the Korea e-Arrival Card?
The Korea e-Arrival Card is an electronic immigration arrival declaration for foreign travelers entering South Korea.
South Korea introduced the electronic system on February 24, 2025. During the transition period, eligible travelers could use either an electronic or paper arrival declaration through the end of 2025.
For travel in 2026, travelers who are required to file an arrival declaration should use the current e-Arrival Card system.
The e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa.
It also does not replace K-ETA.
Instead, it provides Korean immigration authorities with information such as your passport details, travel information, purpose of entry, and accommodation in Korea.
Who Needs a Korea e-Arrival Card in 2026?
Whether you need an e-Arrival Card depends on the status under which you are entering South Korea.
Travelers who may need to submit one include:
- certain travelers entering Korea with a visa
- travelers using the temporary K-ETA exemption
- some travelers who are exempt from K-ETA for another reason
- certain diplomatic or official passport holders
- other foreign travelers required to submit an arrival declaration
There are also important exemptions.
If you are unsure about your individual status, use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator before traveling.
If You Are Temporarily Exempt From K-ETA
South Korea’s temporary K-ETA exemption for eligible countries and regions is currently extended through December 31, 2026.
However, K-ETA exemption and arrival-declaration exemption are not the same thing.
If you are traveling under the temporary K-ETA exemption and do not hold a valid K-ETA, you will generally need to submit an e-Arrival Card unless another arrival-declaration exemption applies, such as holding an eligible Korean residence document or qualifying e-Group visa.
This is one of the most important rules for visa-free travelers to understand in 2026.
If You Already Have a Valid K-ETA
Travelers with a valid K-ETA are generally exempt from submitting an arrival declaration.
This means a traveler from a country or region currently covered by the temporary K-ETA exemption can still choose to obtain a K-ETA and receive the benefits associated with holding an approved authorization.
K-ETA is a separate paid travel authorization, while the official e-Arrival Card is free.
If You Hold Both a Visa and a K-ETA
Do not assume that holding a K-ETA automatically determines your arrival-declaration requirement if you are entering Korea under a visa.
If you hold both a visa and a K-ETA, use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator to confirm which status applies to your entry.
Korean immigration guidance indicates that travelers entering under a visa may still need to complete an e-Arrival Card even if they also hold a valid K-ETA.
If You Have a Korean Residence Document
Travelers holding eligible Korean residence documents, including qualifying residence or permanent-residence documentation, may be exempt from the arrival declaration requirement.
Because residence status can vary, confirm your specific document through the official eligibility guidance before departure.
Korean Citizens
South Korean citizens do not submit an e-Arrival Card.
Dual nationals who hold Korean nationality should follow Korean immigration guidance for entering Korea with their Korean passport.
K-ETA vs. Korea e-Arrival Card: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common sources of confusion for travelers preparing to visit South Korea.
| K-ETA | e-Arrival Card |
|---|---|
| Electronic travel authorization | Electronic arrival declaration |
| Applies to relevant visa-free travelers when required | Applies to travelers required to submit an arrival declaration |
| Separate application process | Separate immigration declaration |
| May require a fee | Official government service is free |
| Obtained before travel when required | Submitted during the permitted pre-arrival window |
| Valid K-ETA generally removes the arrival-declaration requirement | Does not replace K-ETA when K-ETA is required |
A simple way to think about it:
K-ETA concerns authorization to travel to South Korea without a visa.
The e-Arrival Card provides arrival and stay information to Korean immigration.
They serve different purposes.
If your immigration status is not straightforward, use the official K-ETA website and the e-Arrival Card Navigator rather than relying on unofficial eligibility calculators.
When Should You Submit the Korea e-Arrival Card?
You can submit the e-Arrival Card starting three days before your scheduled arrival in South Korea, based on Korea Standard Time (KST).
Do not submit it weeks in advance.
For example, if you are scheduled to arrive on January 31, the submission window begins on January 29.
There are two separate time rules to remember:
The three-day rule is the earliest submission window.
The 72-hour rule is how long your submitted declaration remains valid after you send it.
They are not the same countdown.
After submission, the declaration remains valid for up to 72 hours.
It also loses validity once you complete immigration inspection in South Korea.
If more than 72 hours pass after submission and you have not entered Korea, submit a new declaration.
What Do You Need Before Filling It Out?
Prepare the following before starting:
- a valid passport
- a valid email address
- your planned arrival date
- flight or transportation information
- your accommodation or address in Korea
- your departure date
- departure transportation information, if available
Having your hotel or accommodation booking available while completing the form can make the process easier.
How to Submit the Korea e-Arrival Card
The submission process is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Go to the Official Korean Government Website
Use:
The Korean government does not charge a fee for the official e-Arrival Card.
Step 2: Enter Your Email and Complete Verification
The system asks for an email address during submission.
Since May 6, 2026, the e-Arrival Card submission process has included a verification-code step for user authentication.
Use an email address you can access while completing the form.
Step 3: Enter Your Passport Information
Enter your passport details carefully.
Make sure your:
- name
- passport number
- nationality
- date of birth
- other passport information
match your travel document.
Step 4: Enter Your Travel Information
Provide the requested travel details.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- arrival information
- accommodation in Korea
- purpose of entry
- planned departure information
Step 5: Review Your Information
Check everything carefully before submitting.
Pay particular attention to:
- passport details
- arrival date
- accommodation
- travel purpose
- departure information
Step 6: Submit the Declaration
After successful submission, an issue number is sent to your email.
You normally do not need to present a printed copy during immigration inspection.
Keeping the confirmation email or issue number accessible on your phone is still useful.
Can You Edit an e-Arrival Card After Submission?
Yes.
Certain information can be reviewed and modified through the official website before you complete immigration inspection.
If your:
- accommodation
- purpose of entry
- departure date
- other editable travel information
changes before immigration, review and update the declaration.
The arrival date has additional restrictions and can only be changed within the period permitted by the original declaration.
If more than 72 hours pass after submission, file a new declaration.
What If Your Flight or Hotel Changes?
A minor travel change does not always mean you need to start the entire process again.
If your accommodation, purpose of entry, or departure date changes before immigration, use the official website to review and modify your declaration where permitted.
If the declaration expires because more than 72 hours have passed since submission, submit a new one.
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card Free?
Yes.
The official Korean government e-Arrival Card service is 100% free.
This distinction is important because websites that resemble official immigration services may appear in search results.
If a website asks you for payment in order to submit the government e-Arrival Card, you are not using the free Korean government submission service.
Private travel-assistance companies may separately charge for optional assistance, but that is not a government fee.
Beware of Fake Korea e-Arrival Card Websites
The official Korean e-Arrival Card website warns travelers about impersonation websites.
Because the form requires sensitive passport and travel information, verify the domain before entering personal details.
For the Korean government submission process, use only:
A useful rule to remember:
Government e-Arrival Card = free.
Do You Need to Print the Korea e-Arrival Card?
No.
If your declaration has been successfully submitted, you normally do not need to present a physical printout during immigration inspection.
Your issue number is sent to your email.
Keeping the confirmation accessible on your phone is still a sensible precaution.
Can Families Submit Together?
The official service supports both individual and group submission flows.
For a family trip, prepare each traveler’s passport and travel details in advance, then follow the group-submission instructions shown in the official system.
Whether an e-Arrival Card is required must still be determined for each traveler individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need a Korea e-Arrival Card in 2026?
It depends on the status under which you enter South Korea.
If you are traveling under the temporary K-ETA exemption and do not hold a valid K-ETA, you will generally need an e-Arrival Card unless another arrival-declaration exemption applies.
Use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator to confirm your individual situation.
Is the e-Arrival Card the same as K-ETA?
No.
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization.
The e-Arrival Card is an immigration arrival declaration.
They are separate systems.
Do I need an e-Arrival Card if I have K-ETA?
Valid K-ETA holders are generally exempt from the arrival declaration requirement.
However, travelers entering South Korea under another status, such as a visa, should confirm their individual requirement using the official e-Arrival Card Navigator.
How early can I submit the Korea e-Arrival Card?
Starting three days before your planned arrival in South Korea, based on Korea Standard Time.
Is the three-day rule the same as the 72-hour rule?
No.
The three-day rule determines when you are first allowed to submit.
The 72-hour rule determines how long the declaration remains valid after submission.
How long does the e-Arrival Card remain valid?
Up to 72 hours after submission, unless you complete immigration inspection earlier.
If it expires before you enter South Korea, submit a new declaration.
How much does the Korea e-Arrival Card cost?
Nothing.
The Korean government e-Arrival Card service is free.
Do I need to print the e-Arrival Card?
No.
A printed copy is normally not required.
Can I change my hotel after submitting the form?
Certain stay and travel information can be modified before immigration inspection.
Use the official website to review and update your declaration if relevant details change.
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card the same as Q-Code?
No.
The e-Arrival Card is an immigration arrival declaration.
Q-Code is a separate health and quarantine-related declaration system that may apply to travelers arriving from designated quarantine-inspection areas.
Check the current Korean health-entry requirements before your flight, particularly if you are traveling from or through an area subject to quarantine procedures.
Before You Fly to Korea
Before leaving for the airport:
- Confirm whether you need a visa, K-ETA, or qualify for a K-ETA exemption.
- Use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator to verify whether you must submit an arrival declaration.
- If required, submit it within the three-day window before arrival.
- Make sure the declaration will still be valid when you enter Korea.
- Use only official Korean government websites for immigration procedures.
Entry and health requirements can change, so verify your status again shortly before departure.
The key point to remember is simple:
K-ETA and the Korea e-Arrival Card are different systems. A K-ETA exemption does not automatically remove the arrival-declaration requirement.
Official Sources & References
Korea Ministry of Justice — Official e-Arrival Card Website
Official government service for the Korea e-Arrival Card, including the submission process, submission window, no-fee policy, and official notices.
Korea e-Arrival Card — Official Guide
Official guidance on submission timing, validity, modification rules, and arrival-declaration procedures.
Korea e-Arrival Card — Official Eligibility Navigator
Official tool for checking whether your individual entry status requires an e-Arrival Card.
Korea e-Arrival Card — Eligibility & Exemption Guidance
Official information on travelers who are required to submit an arrival declaration and those who may qualify for an exemption.
K-ETA — Official Temporary Exemption Notice
Official K-ETA notice confirming the temporary exemption for eligible countries and regions through December 31, 2026.
Korea e-Arrival Card — 2026 Verification Update
Official notice covering the verification-code procedure introduced for e-Arrival Card submissions in 2026.
VISITKOREA — Entry Procedures & Traveler Information
Official Korea Tourism Organization guidance covering traveler-facing arrival procedures, e-Arrival Card information, and related entry requirements.