South Korea's electronic travel authorization explained in three minutes
Quick answer
K-ETA is South Korea's electronic travel authorization for passport holders who may enter without a visa; approval must be obtained before boarding. Thai passport holders do need K-ETA, because the temporary exemption extended to 31 December 2026 covers only 22 jurisdictions and Thailand is not among them. Apply only at www.k-eta.go.kr or in the K-ETA app.
K-ETA launched in 2021 under Korea's Ministry of Justice. Its purpose is to screen travellers before boarding rather than doing all checks at the immigration counter. It is not a visa; it is permission to travel to the border and be assessed there.
It applies to passport holders from visa-waiver jurisdictions travelling short-term for tourism, family visits, meetings or medical services that do not require a dedicated visa. Anyone already holding a valid Korean visa does not need K-ETA on top of it.
The temporary exemption is a tourism-stimulus measure. The Ministry of Justice extended it by another year to 31 December 2026 for 22 jurisdictions including Japan, Singapore, Australia and several Western European countries. Thailand is not on that list, so Thai travellers still file a K-ETA for every visa-free trip.
The biggest pitfall is lookalike websites. Many agent sites charge several times the real fee. The only official channels are www.k-eta.go.kr and the K-ETA app, and the genuine fee sits at roughly USD 7–8.
An approved K-ETA does not guarantee entry. The immigration officer at the airport still makes the final decision, so keep accommodation proof, a return ticket and an itinerary ready.
You need a valid K-ETA for every visa-free trip, but one approval covers multiple entries within its validity period, so you do not refile for each trip.
No. A valid Korean visa is used on its own and K-ETA is not required.
K-ETA is an online pre-boarding screening for short visa-free stays, while a visa is issued by an embassy or consulate for longer or more specific purposes.
Each passport is filed individually, including infants, unless an official notice sets an age-based exemption — check the current rule on the official site before applying.
Only www.k-eta.go.kr and the K-ETA app. Other sites charging high fees are agents or scams.
3 points • reviewed 2026-09-15
Reviewed and last updated: 2026-09-15
2 sources • every claim is traceable
https://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do
https://www.mohw.go.kr/eng/
Last updated: 2026-09-15 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.
Back to categories