Exemption from K-ETA clearance to South Korea is extended until the end of 2025

Great news for travelers! The South Korean government has officially confirmed the extension of the temporary K-ETA exemption until December 31, 2025 for citizens from 67 visa-free countries.

Under the “Year of Visiting Korea (2023-2024)” program, citizens from these countries were exempted from obtaining K-ETA until the end of 2024.

As early as January 2025, K-ETA processing was to become mandatory again. However, South Korea decided to extend the program for one more year as part of a drive to boost tourism by simplifying travel requirements.

The K-ETA or Korean Electronic Travel Authorization is a mandatory requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries to enter South Korea starting Sept. 1, 2021. Travelers holding regular passports from eligible countries and territories must obtain a K-ETA before their departure to South Korea.

Recall that visa-free entry to South Korea is granted to citizens of more than a hundred countries around the world, but the K-ETA exemption under the program has been approved by 67 states, including the UK, Canada, the US, Germany and other European countries.

South Korean authorities clarify that travelers who wish to take advantage of the benefits of electronic travel authorization, such as not having to provide an arrival card, can still apply for K-ETA.

It is also worth noting that anyone who has recently applied for K-ETA can use the permit before its expiration date, and any e-permit fees previously paid are non-refundable.

Find out about current changes to visa requirements in a timely manner and get useful travel tips on our website Buch-dein-Visum.de.