1. From August 4th, most short-term overseas residents can enter Korea without issuing a visa.
- Countries excluded from visa-free entry: 5 countries in Oceania (Micronesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Kiribati, Tonga), China, India, etc.
- Japan, Taiwan, and Macau are granted temporary visa-free entry from August 4 to October 31
2. AS OF 2022, all VISA-FREE entries by foreign personnel REQUIRE PRIOR online applications and APPROVALS by Korean government. This NEW VISA-FREE ENTRY PROCEDURE is called K-ETA. We strongly caution THOSE WHO HAVE ENTERED KOREA IN THE PAST PRIOR TO THIS NEW PRACTICE.
- The application to K-ETA should be made at least 48 hours prior to the boarding and preferably 72 hours prior to the advent of the boarding day in your time zone.
- Full guide on how to apply for K-ETA - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uniP4VL3m6w
* Below is a summary of the YouTube English guide video above.
Stage 1:
1) Visit the website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/ (https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do)
Click to apply for K-ETA (or download the app from mobile to apply)
2) Enter the visitor's continent/nationality, passport number, and email
3) Upload a copy of your passport, register your passport information
4) Enter the purpose of visit and residence
5) Upload your own photo
6) Pay 10,000 won
Step 2:
1) Ministry of Justice document review (takes about 24 hours)
Step 3:
1) Notification of approval by e-mail (* valid for 2 years if approved)
* There is no need to fill out an immigration card on the plane, and immigration is faster.
