Visiting Korea from the US, Australia or Canada: K-ETA and e-Arrival Card

Do you need a K-ETA in 2026?

Korea’s Ministry of Justice has extended the temporary K-ETA exemption until December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time). The Korean embassies in the United States, Australia and Canada have each confirmed that US, Australian and Canadian passport holders are covered.

You can still apply for a K-ETA if you want its benefits, such as not having to fill in an arrival card, but a fee applies. If your passport is covered, a pop-up says so when you select your nationality on the official K-ETA website.

The temporary exemption covers US, Australian and Canadian passports. Living in those countries on another passport does not by itself make you exempt, so if anyone in your group travels on a different passport, check that passport’s rules separately.

The e-Arrival Card

Since February 24, 2025, foreign visitors can submit Korea’s arrival card online at e-arrivalcard.go.kr, on a computer or a phone. It is free, and you can submit it up to 3 days before you arrive (Korea Standard Time).

Holders of a valid K-ETA do not need to submit it. If you enter under the K-ETA exemption without applying for a K-ETA, plan to submit the e-Arrival Card for each traveler.

Before you fly

A few practical points for families:

• Check every passport in the family, including the children’s, well before booking flights.
• Send us your arrival airport (for example Incheon International Airport, ICN) and flight times so the car and guide can meet you.
• Korea Standard Time is UTC+9 and Korea does not use daylight saving time. Plan an easy first day if you arrive after a long flight.
• Phone data: set up an eSIM before you fly, or arrange a local SIM or roaming.
• Payments: cards are widely used in Korea. Keep some cash for traditional markets and small shops.

How BT TOUR helps

BT TOUR is a Korea inbound travel agency founded in Seoul in 2017. We plan private trips for families, small groups and your own group, with a private car and a dedicated guide throughout. Tell us your dates, who is traveling (including children’s and seniors’ ages) and the places you want to see, and we will send a tailored itinerary.

Routes for this guide

• 5 days / 4 nightsBusan to Seoul by rail
• 5 days / 4 nightsJeju landscapes & Seoul life
• 4 days / 3 nightsSeoul & Incheon essentials
• 1-day routeSeoul, from palaces to night lights

Regions: Seoul · Incheon

Frequently asked questions

Do US, Australian and Canadian passport holders need a K-ETA in 2026?

Not under the current temporary exemption, which runs until December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time), according to the Korean embassies in each country. You may still apply for a K-ETA voluntarily, for a fee. Check the official K-ETA website before you travel, because rules can change.

When should we submit the e-Arrival Card?

Up to 3 days before arrival (Korea Standard Time), at e-arrivalcard.go.kr. It is free. Travelers with a valid K-ETA do not need to submit it.

Our family members hold different passports. What should we check?

The temporary exemption applies to US, Australian and Canadian passports. For any other passport in your group, including a child’s, check its K-ETA or visa rules separately.

Can you meet us at Incheon Airport?

Yes. Send us your flight details and we will plan the airport pickup with your private car and guide as part of the itinerary.