I live in Europe but hold a Vietnamese passport. Am I exempt?

European residence alone does not establish a visa or K-ETA exemption. Check your Vietnamese passport’s visa requirements through the Korea Visa Portal and the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your residence.

Are all European passports exempt from K-ETA?

Do not assume a Europe-wide exemption. Check your passport’s current status on the official K-ETA website. The temporary exemption for designated countries currently ends on December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time).

When should we submit the e-Arrival Card?

Up to 3 days before arrival, free of charge on the official website. Travelers entering with a valid K-ETA are exempt. Visa entry still requires it even with a valid K-ETA, unless another official exemption applies.

Can you arrange pickup for family members on different flights?

Send us everyone’s airport, flight number and arrival time. We will plan the pickup and itinerary around your group and confirm the arrangements in your quote.

Korea travel guide

Visiting Korea from Europe: What to Prepare

Planning a Korea trip from Germany, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Poland, Sweden or the UK? Start with the passport each person will use. Families living in the same country may need different entry documents.

Your passport and your country of residence

Korea’s K-ETA eligibility is based on your passport. Living in Europe or holding a European residence permit does not by itself give you the entry conditions of a European passport holder.

If you travel on a Vietnamese or another passport, check the Korea Visa Portal and the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence before booking. Confirm the visa requirements for your nationality, purpose and length of stay. Check children’s passports separately too.

K-ETA in 2026

The official K-ETA eligibility list includes passports from all nine countries named above. Being eligible to apply does not mean that everyone must apply, or that everyone is exempt. Check the current rules for your passport and any personal exemption.

The temporary exemption for designated countries runs until December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time). The official application process shows an exemption notice for eligible passports. Exempt travelers may still apply voluntarily, for a fee. Recheck the rules for travel after that date.

The e-Arrival Card

The e-Arrival Card is free at e-arrivalcard.go.kr and can be submitted up to 3 days before arrival (Korea Standard Time). Check the official eligibility guide for each traveler.

Travelers entering with a valid K-ETA do not need to submit it. If you enter on a visa, you must submit it even if you hold a valid K-ETA, unless another listed exemption applies. If you travel under the K-ETA exemption without a K-ETA, prepare an arrival card unless you qualify for another exemption.

Planning your arrival and private trip

BT TOUR plans private Korea trips for families and groups from Europe, with a private vehicle and a dedicated guide. Send us the following details so we can arrange your itinerary and pickup.

Arrival airport, flight number and local arrival date and time, including connecting flights.
Separate flight details if members of your group arrive from different countries.
Travel dates, places you want to visit, and children’s and seniors’ ages.
An easy first-day schedule after a long flight, with time to rest before sightseeing.

Routes for this guide

Regions: Seoul · Incheon

Frequently asked questions

I live in Europe but hold a Vietnamese passport. Am I exempt?: European residence alone does not establish a visa or K-ETA exemption. Check your Vietnamese passport’s visa requirements through the Korea Visa Portal and the Korean embassy or consulate responsible for your residence.
Are all European passports exempt from K-ETA?: Do not assume a Europe-wide exemption. Check your passport’s current status on the official K-ETA website. The temporary exemption for designated countries currently ends on December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time).
When should we submit the e-Arrival Card?: Up to 3 days before arrival, free of charge on the official website. Travelers entering with a valid K-ETA are exempt. Visa entry still requires it even with a valid K-ETA, unless another official exemption applies.
Can you arrange pickup for family members on different flights?: Send us everyone’s airport, flight number and arrival time. We will plan the pickup and itinerary around your group and confirm the arrangements in your quote.