
Everything you need to know about Korea’s e-Arrival Card—who needs it, how to fill it out online, submission rules, K-ETA differences, and exemptions for smooth immigration.
What is the Korea e-Arrival Card?

Korea e-Arrival Card Source: theseoulguide
The Korea e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital entry declaration form launched on February 24, 2025, replacing traditional paper arrival cards . It allows foreign visitors to submit their entry information online in advance, streamlining immigration procedures at Korean airports and ports. Here are some key things to know:
- It’s 100% free (beware of third-party sites charging fees), and you don’t need to print it—immigration accesses it electronically.
- You can submit it up to 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival in Korea (based on Korea Standard Time, KST/GMT+9), and it’s valid for 72 hours after submission.
- If you don’t enter Korea within that window, you’ll need to resubmit.
Who Needs to Submit Korea e-Arrival Card?

Nearly all foreign visitors entering Korea must submit the e-Arrival Card, including tourists, business travelers, friends/family visitors, and transit passengers who leave the airport (e.g., to pick up baggage or stay overnight). For kids under 14, parents or guardians need to complete the form on their behalf—no separate submission is required for each child if you add them to your application.
- Tourists on short-term stays (up to 90 days)
- Business travelers
- Visitors staying with friends/family
- Transit passengers who leave the airport (for baggage claim or hotel stay)
Important: Parents/guardians must complete the form on behalf of children under 14 years old.
Korea e-Arrival Card Exemptions (Who Doesn't Need It?)
The following individuals are NOT required to submit an e-Arrival Card :
Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
K-ETA Holders | Valid Korea Electronic Travel Authorization holders |
Registered Foreign Residents | Foreigners with valid residence permits or permanent registration in Korea |
Airline/Cruise Crew | Employees of transportation companies in uniform |
Group Visa Holders | Specific group visa categories (C-3-2) for tourists from China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Cambodia |
Transit Passengers | Same-day transit passengers who remain airside (don't enter Korea) |
Pro Tip: Use the official e-Arrival Card website's "e-Arrival Card Navigator" to check if you need to submit.
How to Fill Out the Korea e-Arrival Card Online

Follow these simple steps to complete your e-Arrival Card :
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Start by prepping what you’ll need: a valid passport (must be good for at least 6 months after your arrival date), your email address (to get confirmation), flight details (arrival date, flight number), and your exact accommodation address in Korea (this is a mandatory field—no vague “hotel in Seoul” answers allowed). You’ll also need a phone number (international calling code included) and your travel purpose (tourism, business, etc.).
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date)
- Email address (to receive confirmation and issuance number)
- Travel details:
- Arrival/departure dates
- Flight number
- Accommodation address in Korea (hotel name and address or friend's address—required field)
- Contact information

Step 2: Access the Official Website
Once you have everything ready, head to the official website: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/main/index.do (this is the only legitimate site, ignore any others that ask for payment). The site supports English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages, so you won’t struggle with translations.
- Go to www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr (recommended over QR code scanning for stability)
- The website supports multiple languages (including English, Chinese, Japanese)


Step 3: Complete the Application
- Agree to terms and conditions
- Enter email address
- Upload passport bio page (clear photo/scan without glare)
- System uses OCR to auto-fill most information
- Input travel itinerary:
- Select arrival date
- Enter flight number
- Choose purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
- Enter accommodation address in Korea (must be complete and accurate)
- Add additional travelers (if any):
- For groups: Up to 9 people via mobile, up to 1,000 via PC
- For children under 14: Check "minor" box and provide their details

Step 4: Review and Submit
Once all info is entered, take a final pass to verify everything. Make sure your accommodation address is correct, your flight number is right, and your passport expiration date is up to date. When you’re satisfied, click “Submit.” You’ll instantly get a confirmation email with an e-Arrival Card issuance number—save this (and maybe screenshot the confirmation page) as a backup, even though you won’t need to print it.

Pro Tip: If you make a mistake, you can edit your submission using your issuance number or email verification—but only within 72 hours of submission .
When to Submit Korea e-Arrival Card?

The best time to submit is 1–2 days before your departure. This gives you enough time to fix any errors and avoids last-minute panic (or internet issues at the airport). The submission window opens 72 hours before your arrival in Korea, so you can’t submit earlier than that—but you can do it on the day of arrival if you forget (though we don’t recommend it, as it might slow down your immigration process).
- Submission window: 72 hours (3 days) before arrival in Korea (based on Korea Standard Time, KST/GMT+9)
- You can submit on:
- The day of arrival (before immigration inspection)
- One day prior
- Two days prior
What if your plans change?
- If you don't enter Korea within 72 hours of submission, your e-Arrival Card becomes invalid—you must submit a new one
- If you change flights or accommodation after submission, resubmit a new e-Arrival Card with updated information
Korea e-Arrival Card vs. K-ETA: What’s the Difference?

What is a K-ETA? How to apply for it? |Korea-ETA| - YouTube
A common confusion: the e-Arrival Card and K-ETA are two separate systems with totally different purposes. Here’s a clear breakdown to avoid mix-ups:
Feature | e-Arrival Card | K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Replaces paper arrival forms—declares entry info to immigration | Grants permission for visa-free entry to eligible travelers |
Who Needs It | Most foreign visitors (unless exempt) | Visa-free travelers from 112 designated countries (e.g., US, EU, Australia) |
Cost | Free | $10 (one-time fee for 2-year validity) |
Validity | 72 hours per trip (single entry) | Multiple entries over 2 years |
Submission Timing | Up to 3 days before arrival | At least 72 hours before departure (to avoid delays) |
Critical note: K-ETA isn’t required for kids under 17, adults 65+, or travelers with diplomatic/official visas. And if you have a valid K-ETA, you don’t need the e-Arrival Card—this is a big time-saver for frequent visitors.
Tips for a Smooth Korea e-Arrival Card Experience

- Stick to the official website: The only legal website for electronic entry cards is www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Any third-party website that charges is a scam, do not share your passport information and do not pay for this free service.
- Book accommodation first: If you do not have a valid address in South Korea, you cannot submit the form. Therefore, lock in your hotel or host accommodation before you start.
- Check your passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival. If your passport has expired or is close to expiration, the immigration authorities will refuse entry.
- Use stable internet: Submit via a reliable Wi-Fi or data connection. If you are in a country with Internet restrictions, use a valid VPN to access this website.
- For groups: Designate 1-2 person to handle each submission, this avoids repetitive work and ensures the consistency of all information.
What Happens If You Forget to Submit Korea e-Arrival Card?
- Don't panic: If you arrive in Korea without submitting an e-Arrival Card, you can:
- Fill out the electronic entry card online at the airport before entering the country (airports usually offer free Wi-Fi).
- Fill out the paper entry card at the immigration office (by December 2025)
- Important: Both the paper and electronic versions are equally valid during the transition period (until December 31, 2025). After this date, only electronic arrival cards will be accepted.
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FAQs about Korea Arrival Card
Do I need to print Korea e-Arrival Card?
No—immigration officers access your info electronically. But saving a screenshot or PDF of the confirmation email is smart as a backup, just in case of technical glitches.Is the Korea e-Arrival Card mandatory for all visitors?
Yes, unless you’re in an exemption category (e.g., K-ETA holder, resident). Until December 2025, you can choose between the e-Arrival Card or paper form—after that, only the digital version is accepted.Can I use Korea e-Arrival Card for multiple trips?
No—each trip requires a new submission. The form is valid for one entry and expires 72 hours after you submit it.Can I submit Korea e-Arrival Card for my family?
Yes—you can add up to 9 people to one submission (via mobile) or 1,000 (via computer). Just enter each family member’s passport details, and mark minors under 14 as “minor.”








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