South Korea brings back K-ETA: important changes for travelers in 2025

On January 1, 2025, an important change for travelers to South Korea will come into effect: the temporary exemption will be eliminated and citizens from 67 countries will once again need to apply for the K-ETA electronic entry permit. Without this document, passengers will not be allowed to board flights and will be denied entry into the country. These countries are now exempt from obtaining K-ETA under the Korea Visit Year (2023-2024) program.

What you need to know about K-ETA in 2025

• Filing deadline: at least 72 hours prior to arrival
• Validity period: 3 years or until passport expires
• Time of stay: 30 to 180 days (depends on nationality)
• Issued for short-term stays (tourism, business, family visit, etc.).

The system offers important advantages: simplified immigration control and no need to fill out a traveler's card. Passengers under 17 and over 65 are exempted from paying the permit fee.

K-ETA will be mandatory for citizens of most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and other countries that now enjoy visa-free entry.

The electronic permit system, which has been in place since 2021, allows South Korean authorities to pre-screen travelers, increasing security and speeding up procedures at entry points. Authorities recommend not delaying K-ETA processing if you plan to visit the country after December 31, 2024.

Follow the news on Buch-Dein-Visum.de to keep up to date with all changes in visa policy and to receive up-to-date travel planning advice.