Travel & getting around

Entering Korea in 2026: K-ETA and e-Arrival Card

As of: October 2026 · Leben in Korea

Before you fly to Korea, two questions come up: do you need a K-ETA? And how does the arrival card work? Here's the current situation for German citizens.

K-ETA: not needed for Germans in 2026

The temporary exemption from the electronic travel authorization K-ETA has been extended by one year and applies from 1 January to 31 December 2026.

German citizens can therefore enter South Korea without a K-ETA for short stays under 90 days until the end of 2026.

From 1 January 2027 the K-ETA may be required again, as things stand. If you travel in 2027, check the current information on the official website first.

Apply for a K-ETA voluntarily?

You can still apply for the K-ETA voluntarily. Then you don't have to fill in an arrival card. The fee isn't refunded, though.

The e-Arrival Card

Instead of the paper card there's the electronic arrival card e-Arrival Card on www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr. You fill it in on a computer, on your phone or via QR code. It's free.

You can submit it no earlier than 3 days before arrival (Korean time). If you don't enter within 72 hours of submitting, it becomes invalid and you have to fill it in again.

Who doesn't need an arrival card?

Among others, these people don't need an arrival card:

everyone already registered as a foreigner in Korea (Residence Card)
everyone with a valid K-ETA

Beware of fake websites

Only use the official websites. The e-Arrival Card costs nothing. If a website wants money for it, you're in the wrong place.

Checklist

Trip in 2026, under 90 days: no K-ETA needed
Fill in the e-Arrival Card no earlier than 3 days before arrival
Only use www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr, it's free
Trip from 2027: check the K-ETA rules again

Sources

As of: October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. No guarantee; the official authorities have the final word.