Korea e-Arrival Card 2026: Official Website, Who Needs It & 3-Day Rule

Flying to Korea and not sure whether you need an e-Arrival Card?

Check this first:

Valid K-ETA holder: normally exempt from the arrival declaration.
Temporarily K-ETA-exempt traveler: generally still needs an arrival declaration.
Valid Korean Residence Card holder: normally exempt.
Entering Korea with a valid Korean visa: generally subject to the arrival declaration.
Not sure: use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator.

The official e-Arrival Card is free. Use only www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr.

You can submit it starting 3 days before arrival in Korea, based on Korea Standard Time. If you submit electronically, you do not need to complete a separate paper arrival card.

Korea e-Arrival Card eligibility check for K-ETA visa and residence card holders

Do You Need an e-Arrival Card?

The easiest way to check is by the document you will use when entering Korea.

Usually subject to the arrival declaration

Travelers entering with a valid Korean visa
Travelers from countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA
Other foreign travelers who are not in an excluded category

Usually excluded

Korean citizens
Holders of a valid Korean Residence Card, Permanent Resident Card, or Overseas Korean Resident Card
Holders of a valid approved K-ETA
Certain officially excluded group travelers and airline crew

If your situation is unclear, use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator instead of guessing.

K-ETA Exempt Is Not the Same as Having a Valid K-ETA

Korea’s temporary K-ETA exemption for eligible countries and regions has been extended through December 31, 2026.

Temporarily K-ETA exempt
→ You do not have to apply for K-ETA.
→ You may still need an arrival declaration.

Valid K-ETA already approved
→ You are normally excluded from the arrival declaration requirement.

There is one important exception: if you have a K-ETA but enter Korea using a visa, the official guide says you must complete the arrival declaration. Check the latest details on the official K-ETA website and the e-Arrival Card eligibility guide.

Difference between K-ETA exemption and holding a valid K-ETA for Korea arrival declaration

When Should You Submit It?

The official e-Arrival Card website accepts submissions starting 3 days before your arrival in Korea, based on Korea Standard Time.

After submission, the e-Arrival Card remains valid for 72 hours. If 72 hours pass before you complete immigration inspection, the declaration loses validity and you must submit it again.

Simple rule: do not submit too early. Check the available arrival dates on the official site before submitting.

The Official e-Arrival Card Is Free

Do not pay an e-Arrival Card submission fee.

The Korean Ministry of Justice has warned about fake websites impersonating the official service. The only official website is www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr.

If a website asks for payment information to submit an e-Arrival Card, it is not the official service.

Official Korea e-Arrival Card website and fake website warning

What Do You Need?

Prepare:

Valid passport
Email address you can access
Arrival date and flight or ship information
Accommodation information in Korea
Departure information, if available
Entry purpose and occupation information when requested

The official process is:

Email → Passport → Travel information → Check → Submit

A verification-code step has also been used for e-Arrival Card submission since May 6, 2026, so use an email account you can access during the application.

After You Submit

Your e-Arrival Card issue number can be sent to your email.

You do not need to carry a printed e-Arrival Card for immigration inspection, although keeping the email or issue number can help if you need to check the declaration.

Before immigration inspection, you can use the official website to check or edit permitted information such as your purpose of entry, stay information, or departure date.

Korea e-Arrival Card submission checklist for foreign travelers

Quick Decision Guide

I have a valid K-ETA
→ Normally exempt.

My country is temporarily K-ETA exempt
→ Do not assume you are arrival-card exempt. Check the official Navigator.

I have a valid Korean Residence Card
→ Normally exempt.

I am entering with a Korean visa
→ Generally subject to the arrival declaration.

I am not sure
→ Use the official e-Arrival Card Navigator.

A website asks me to pay
→ Stop and check that the address is e-arrivalcard.go.kr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Korea e-Arrival Card free?

Yes. The official Korean government e-Arrival Card service is free.

Do K-ETA-exempt travelers need an arrival card?

Generally, yes unless another exemption applies. Temporary exemption from applying for K-ETA is different from already holding an approved, valid K-ETA.

Do valid K-ETA holders need it?

Normally no. Valid K-ETA holders are listed among those excluded from the arrival declaration requirement. However, a K-ETA holder entering with a visa must complete the declaration.

How early can I submit?

Starting 3 days before arrival in Korea, based on Korea Standard Time.

How long is it valid?

The submitted e-Arrival Card loses validity 72 hours after submission or after immigration inspection.

Do I need to print it?

No. The official guide says you do not need to carry the e-Arrival Card for entry inspection.

Official Information

Last checked: September 18, 2026. Immigration requirements and procedures can change, so verify the official information again before traveling.