South Korea Visa & Travel Authorization

Overview

Japanese passport holders are subject to K-ETA, but it is temporarily waived through 2024-2025 for short-term tourism (90 days). Required outside the waiver period.

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) was introduced in 2021 to streamline entry for visa-waiver country travelers. Japan, the US, EU, and 100+ others are covered. Following diplomatic agreements, several countries — including Japan — have been in temporary exemption periods through 2024–2025.

Basics

Authorization	K-ETA
System	K-ETA
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Validity	3 years (or until passport expiry)
Official site	https://www.k-eta.go.kr/

Who Should Submit a K-ETA

• Japanese passport holders entering South Korea for tourism, business, or transit up to 90 days.
• K-ETA waiver currently in effect for Japan through 2025 — paper arrival card required instead.
• Korean nationals or holders of long-term Korean visas do not need K-ETA.
• Long-term study or work requires a different visa.

How the System Works

• Submissions via the official k-eta.go.kr website or mobile app.
• Fee is KRW 10,000.
• Required: passport scan, photo (passport-style), biographical data, accommodation/itinerary.
• Approval typically within 30 minutes, can take 72 hours.
• Valid for 3 years within passport validity, multiple entries.

Recent Updates (2024–2026)

• 2024-2025 — K-ETA temporarily waived for Japan, US, UK, EU.
• 2025 — Enhanced facial biometric capture at Incheon airport.
• 2026 — Possible reinstatement of K-ETA — confirm at time of travel.

Frequently Asked Points

Do I need K-ETA right now?

During the waiver period (2024-2025), Japanese passport holders can enter without K-ETA but must fill out the paper arrival card on the plane.

Is K-ETA worth getting during waiver?

Yes — with K-ETA you can skip the paper arrival card and use the dedicated immigration line at Incheon.

Children?

All travelers including children need individual K-ETA when required.

If denied?

Travelers may pursue a regular C-3 short-stay visa at the Korean Embassy.

Notes & Updates

• During the waiver period, K-ETA is not required but a paper arrival card must be filled in.
• With K-ETA, the arrival card can be skipped.
• Official fee is KRW 10,000.
• Work or long-term study requires a separate visa.
• Photo must meet specific requirements: white background, recent, head facing forward.
• Multiple K-ETA submissions for the same traveler are not allowed if one is still valid.
• During waiver periods, holding a valid K-ETA still provides immigration line benefits.
• K-ETA does not replace the regular 90-day visa exemption — both work in parallel.

* Information current as of May 2026. Always verify with official government sources before travel.