K-ETA and e-Arrival Card in 2026: Entry Checklist for Patients
Quick answer: In 2026, nationals of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore and most EU countries, are exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026, but must submit the free online e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. K-ETA holders are exempt from the e-Arrival Card. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong recommends checking k-eta.go.kr for your nationality before you book.
- K-ETA exemption: Many nationalities exempt through December 31, 2026
- Examples exempt: US, Canada, UK, most EU, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand
- e-Arrival Card: Online and free since January 1, 2026
- When: Within 72 hours before arrival
- K-ETA holders: Exempt from the e-Arrival Card
- Official sites: k-eta.go.kr and e-arrivalcard.go.kr
Two different things
Visitors to Korea often confuse these two requirements. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-travel authorization for people who can visit Korea without a visa. The e-Arrival Card is the online version of the arrival card that used to be filled in on paper. Most visitors need one or the other, not both. Entry rules are set by the Korean government and can change, so always confirm your own situation on the official websites before you travel.
K-ETA in 2026
Nationals of many countries are temporarily exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026. The exempt list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, most EU countries, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The list can change, so check your nationality on the official K-ETA website, k-eta.go.kr.
- If your nationality is exempt: you do not need K-ETA for this period, but you will need the e-Arrival Card.
- If you can visit visa-free but are not exempt: apply for K-ETA on the official site well ahead of your flight.
- If you need a visa: K-ETA does not apply. Contact the Korean embassy or consulate in your country.
The e-Arrival Card in 2026
Since January 1, 2026, foreign travelers submit the arrival card online, free of charge, within 72 hours before arrival, at e-arrivalcard.go.kr. K-ETA holders are exempt. Have your passport, flight number and the address where you will stay in Korea ready. Save or screenshot your confirmation.
What to have ready
- Your passport, with the details exactly as printed
- Your flight number and arrival date
- The full address of your hotel or accommodation in Korea
- The purpose of your visit and your contact details
Answer every question accurately. If you are unsure which entry category fits your plans, for example a long stay or repeated visits for a series of treatments, ask the Korean embassy or consulate in your country before you travel.
Which do you need?
| Your situation | K-ETA | e-Arrival Card |
|---|---|---|
| Your nationality is on the K-ETA exemption list and you have no K-ETA | Not needed through December 31, 2026 | Required, online, within 72 hours before arrival |
| You can visit visa-free but are not exempt | Required before travel | Not needed once you hold a K-ETA |
| You already hold a valid K-ETA | Already done | Not needed |
| You travel on a Korean visa | Not applicable | Check current rules for visa holders |
Your entry timeline
- When you book flights: check your nationality on k-eta.go.kr and note which requirement applies to you.
- Two to four weeks before: apply for K-ETA if you need it. Book your consultation and your accommodation.
- Within 72 hours before arrival: submit the e-Arrival Card if you need it, and save the confirmation.
- Travel day: carry your passport, accommodation address, return flight details and appointment confirmation.
- After arrival: follow our guide from Incheon Airport to Myeongdong.
Plan your first appointment sensibly
Immigration queues, baggage and the journey into the city can take longer than expected, especially at peak times. If you can, schedule your consultation for the afternoon after you land or the following morning, rather than straight after arrival. Our guide to your first visit to a Korean skin clinic explains what happens on the day.
Use only the official websites
Unofficial websites sometimes charge fees for the e-Arrival Card, which is free on the official site, or add service charges for K-ETA. Check that the web address ends in .go.kr before entering passport or payment details. If a site looks unusual, close it and type the official address yourself.
Extra tips for patients
- Medications: bring prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription, and check any rules for your specific medicines before you fly.
- Dates: share your arrival and departure times when you book, so treatments with downtime can be scheduled early. See planning treatments around your itinerary.
- Flying home: some treatments need a day or two before a long flight; read flying after Botox and fillers.
- Budget: the VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended in 2026; see our VAT update.
- Preparation: pause retinoids and note your medications; see how to prepare for your appointment.
Verify before you go
This guide summarizes the rules as we understand them in October 2026. Exemptions, deadlines and forms can change at short notice, and your nationality, passport and travel history all matter. Always check k-eta.go.kr and e-arrivalcard.go.kr shortly before you fly. For more practical help, see our information for international patients, the location page and more travel guides.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
Do US citizens need K-ETA for Korea in 2026?
US nationals are on the K-ETA exemption list through December 31, 2026, so they do not need K-ETA for that period. They do need to submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. Always confirm on k-eta.go.kr before you travel.
Is the e-Arrival Card free?
Yes. The official e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr is free. Be careful of unofficial websites that charge a fee.
When should I submit the e-Arrival Card?
Submit it online within the 72 hours before your arrival in Korea. Setting a reminder about three days before you land makes it easy to remember.
Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I have K-ETA?
No. K-ETA holders are exempt from the e-Arrival Card. Keep your K-ETA approval details with your passport when you travel.
What if my plans change after I submit?
Check the official e-Arrival Card website for how to update your details if your flight or accommodation changes. Keep your latest confirmation with your travel documents.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Travel guides
- Incheon Airport to Myeongdong — AREX, bus and taxi options
- Myeongdong area guide for patients
- VAT refund on cosmetic procedures (2026)
Planning your visit
- International patients — practical information
- First visit to a Korean skin clinic
- How long should I stay in Seoul for treatment?
- Do I need to book in advance?
Before you fly home
- Can I fly after Botox?
- Can I have laser treatment right before a flight?
- Aftercare — looking after your skin while traveling
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer