Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

[Important] Electronic Travel Authorization requirement for U.S. citizens to enter the ROK without a visa starting Sept. 2021

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The Ministry of Justice plans to launch the Electronic Travel Authorization system for visa-free entry of foreign nationals.

The Electronic Travel Authorization is a travel permission granted to foreign nationals intending to enter the Republic of Korea without a visa*. Traveler(s) will need to provide personal and travel-related information through the ETA website in advance.

* U.S citizens can visit the Republic of Korea without a visa for duration of up to 90 days or less if the purpose of the trip is for tourism, business meeting, attendance at a conference or visiting families or relatives.

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The ETA system will be completed by April 2021 followed by its pilot launch test and supplementation period between May to August 2021 and will be fully implemented in September 2021.

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Taking into consideration the current COVID-19 situation, the eligible persons for ETA will be nationals of 21 countries (United States included) that can currently enter the Republic of Korea without a visa.

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U.S. citizens intending to enter the Republic of Korea without a visa are required to apply for the ETA through the Republic of Korea’s ETA homepage website or the mobile app at least 24 hours before boarding the flight once the system has been fully implemented in September 2021.

*Website URL: www.k-eta.go.kr
*Mobile App: m.k-eta.go.kr

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Beginning in September 2021, travelers must have the ETA to be issued a boarding pass with the destination to the Republic of Korea, and the ETA will be valid for up to two years. Additionally, foreign nationals with the ETA will be exempt from submitting arrival cards enabling them to through entry immigration swiftly. ETA Application fee will be 10,000KRW and the application result will be sent via email.

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During the pilot launch test May-August 2021, the ETA will be optional and the application fee will be waived during this period.

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