South Korea: 'Visit Korea Year' Temporarily Exempts 22 Countries from K-ETA
December 19, 2024
Update December 19, 2024: The Ministry of Justice has extended the exemption until December 31, 2025. Applicants from eligible countries or regions will see a pop-up notification on the K-ETA website when selecting their nationality.
March 31, 2023: From April 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024, the South Korean government will temporarily exempt nationals from 22 countries/regions, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the United States (including Guam), from the need to obtain a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for entry. Currently, foreign nationals from visa waiver and visa-free countries must obtain a K-ETA before entering South Korea. Despite the exemption, however, travelers from these countries may still choose to apply for a K-ETA, in which case they will be exempt from the requirement to complete an arrival card at the time of entry. The application fee for a K-ETA is KRW 10,000 (the current exchange rate is 1 KRW = 0.00077 USD). The government will not refund the application fee to those who have already applied for the K-ETA. This temporary K-ETA exemption for the 22 countries/regions is in line with the government’s goal of reviving the tourism industry, which has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.