Korea e-Arrival Card: 2026 Guide For US Travelers
If you are flying to South Korea, there is one quick online form you should not skip: the Korea e-Arrival Card. Paper arrival cards are no longer handed out on flights, and most visitors, including US citizens traveling without a K-ETA, now need to submit their arrival details online before they land.
This guide explains who needs the e-Arrival Card, how it relates to the K-ETA, when to submit it, and how to fill it in.
What Is The Korea e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is South Korea’s digital version of the old paper arrival card. Korea launched it on February 24, 2025, accepted paper forms alongside it until December 31, 2025, and moved to digital-only submissions in 2026.
It is a short declaration of your passport details, flights, purpose of visit and where you will stay. It is free, there is no approval step, and it is not a visa.
Who Needs The e-Arrival Card?
Most foreign visitors entering Korea need to submit one. The main exemptions are:
- Registered residents of Korea, including permanent residents and overseas Korean residence card holders
- Travelers holding a valid K-ETA
- Airline crew members
That second exemption is the one most people miss. If you have an approved K-ETA, you do not need the e-Arrival Card. If you do not, you do.
Do US Citizens Need A K-ETA Or The e-Arrival Card?
US citizens can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, short business trips and family visits. Normally, visa-free visitors need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding.
However, Korea has temporarily exempted citizens of a group of countries, including the United States, from the K-ETA requirement. According to Korean diplomatic missions, the current exemption runs until December 31, 2026. Korea had not announced what will happen after that as of late 2026, so if you are traveling in 2027, check the official K-ETA website before your trip.
So for most Americans visiting in 2026, the choice looks like this:
| Option | What you do | Cost | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| No K-ETA (exempt) | Submit an e-Arrival Card before each trip | Free | 72 hours from submission |
| Optional K-ETA | Apply once on k-eta.go.kr; skip the e-Arrival Card | Small application fee | Several years, for multiple trips |
Read more in our K-ETA guide.
When To Submit The e-Arrival Card
Submit it within the three days before you arrive, based on Korean time. The card is valid for 72 hours after submission. If you do not enter Korea within that window, it expires and you will need to submit a new one, which is free.
Where To Submit It
Use the official website only: e-arrivalcard.go.kr. It works on phones and computers. Ignore any site that charges a fee; the official form is free.
Information You Will Need
- Full name, sex, date of birth and nationality
- Passport number and expiry date
- Email address and occupation
- Arrival date and flight number
- Departure date and flight number, if known
- Purpose of visit
- Address where you will stay in Korea
- A contact phone number
How To Fill In The Korea e-Arrival Card
- Go to e-arrivalcard.go.kr within three days of your arrival.
- Agree to the terms and the personal data consent.
- Enter your passport details exactly as printed.
- Add your arrival and departure flight information.
- Enter your purpose of visit and your address in Korea.
- Add your contact details and occupation.
- Review and submit. You can download the confirmation for your records.
You do not normally have to show the confirmation at passport control, but keeping a copy on your phone is a good idea. If you need to change something after submitting, you can update it on the website before you pass through immigration. Guardians submit for children under 14, and you can submit for several people in one session.
Your Departure Flight Matters
The form asks for your departure date and flight. That reflects a broader point: Korea expects visa-free visitors to leave within their permitted stay, and airlines may ask one-way passengers about their onward plans. If you have not booked your exit yet, our guide to proof of onward travel covers your options.
Common Mistakes
- Submitting more than three days early. The system will not accept it, or it will expire before you land.
- Forgetting family members. Every traveler without a K-ETA needs a card.
- Assuming a past trip’s card still works. Each card lasts 72 hours. Submit a new one for every trip.
- Paying an unofficial site. The official form costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card mandatory?
Yes, for foreign visitors who do not hold a valid K-ETA or a Korean residence card.
Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I have a K-ETA?
No. A valid K-ETA exempts you.
Is there an e-Arrival Card app?
The official form is a website that works on mobile browsers. Be wary of apps claiming to be the official version.
How long is the e-Arrival Card valid?
72 hours from submission. Submit a new one if your plans change.
Can I fill it in at the airport?
QR codes at the airport link to the form, but doing it before you fly saves time and stress.
Before You Fly
Check whether the K-ETA exemption still applies on your travel dates, then either submit your free e-Arrival Card in the three days before landing or travel with a valid K-ETA. Visiting more of Asia on the same trip? See our guides to the China arrival card, Taiwan arrival card and Japan entry rules.