South Korea Entry Guide: Arrival Card, K-ETA & Visa for US Travelers

Travelers from countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA

Yes

Being exempt from obtaining a K-ETA does not automatically exempt a traveler from the arrival card.

Travelers holding a valid, approved K-ETA

No

Eligible K-ETA holders are generally exempt from submitting an arrival card.

Foreign residents with a valid Korean Residence Card

Generally, no.

Eligible registered residents are exempt from submitting the arrival card.

Eligible group-visa holders

No

The exemption applies to specific qualifying group-visa categories, not every group traveler.

Foreign airline crew members

No

The exemption applies to eligible crew members arriving on aircraft entering South Korea.

Travelers entering South Korea on a visa

Yes

A visa does not automatically exempt a traveler from the arrival-card requirement.

International transit passengers staying airside

No

Passengers who remain in the international transit area without clearing immigration do not need an arrival card.

Passengers making a self-transfer

Depends on the itinerary.

Collecting checked baggage, staying at a landside hotel, or passing through immigration may require entry formalities.

International passengers connecting to a domestic South Korean flight

Yes

Clearing immigration to continue on a domestic flight means entering South Korea, so it is a must!

Full name

Surname & given names as printed in the passport.

Follow the passport spelling & order shown on the form.

Gender

Select the applicable option.

Make sure the selection matches the travel document details where applicable.

Date of birth

Enter the date in the format requested.

Double check the day, month, year before submitting.

Nationality

Select the nationality shown on the passport.

For U.S. passport holders, select United States or the equivalent option provided.

Passport Number

Enter the passport number exactly as printed.

Check letters & numbers carefully, especially O & 0 (zero).

Occupation

Enter or select the occupation requested.

Choose the closest accurate option available.

Purpose of visit

Select tourism, visiting friends or family, business, official, conference, or another applicable reason.

Choose the option that best reflects the main purpose of the trip.

Arrival Flight / Vessel Number

Enter the flight number or vessel details for the journey into South Korea.

Use the inbound flight, not a connecting flight departing Korea.

Address in South Korea

Provide the accommodation address, including the street & district where possible.

Use the full hotel or host address rather than entering only Seoul. Save it offline for easy access.

Contact Number

Enter a reachable contact number as requested.

A hotel or host's Korean number may be useful. Follow the form's instructions if using an overseas number.

Signature

Sign the paper form if required.

Follow the digital form's instructions for electronic submission.

Departure Details

Your expected departure date & your outbound flight or vessel number.

Follow the fields shown on the official form.

Step 1: Follow arrival signs

Follow the signs for Immigration / Arrivals after leaving the aircraft.

If you arrive at the Concourse, follow the signs for the underground Airport People Mover to reach the main terminal processing area.

Step 2: Complete health checks

Follow instructions for any applicable health screening or quarantine procedures.

Present health documents or a Q-Code if required for your circumstances.

Step 3: Clear immigration

Join the queue for foreign passports & follow the immigration officer's instructions.

Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose or intended length of stay. First-time foreign visitors can't use automated gates because they submitted an Arrival Card.

Step 4: Collect your baggage

Check the flight information screens for your assigned baggage carousel.

If your luggage is missing or damaged, contact your airline's baggage service desk before leaving the airport.

Step 5: Proceed through customs

Follow the appropriate customs channel after collecting your bags.

Declare goods when required & follow instructions for restricted items.

Step 6: Enter the 'Arrivals Hall'

Follow the exit signs after completing the required checks.

You can access airport trains, buses, taxis, currency exchange counters, SIM or e-SIM services.

General Goods

Up to US$800 in total taxable value.

Conditions & exclusions apply. Commercial goods & restricted items may be subject to different rules.

Alcohol

Up to 2 litres, valued at US$400 or less.

Travelers under 19 are not eligible for the alcohol duty-free allowance.

Cigarettes

Up to 200 cigarettes.

Other tobacco products & e-cigarettes have separate limits.

Perfume

Up to 100 mL

Check the current allowance & applicable conditions before travelling.

Cash & Monetary Instruments

Up to US$10,000 without declaration under the standard rule.

Amounts exceeding this threshold must be declared to customs. The rule covers applicable means of payment, not just cash notes.

Meat & Fresh produce

No single general allowance.

Products may be prohibited, restricted, or subject to quarantine inspection, including some processed foods.

Prescription Medicines

Depends on the medicine and its ingredients.

Medicines containing controlled narcotic or psychotropic substances may require advance approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food & Drug Safety (MFDS).

Cannabis & CBD Products

Do not assume these are permitted.

US prescriptions or state medical cannabis cards do not automatically authorize their import into South Korea.

Counterfeit Goods

No general duty-free allowance.

Counterfeit or pirated goods may be detained or seized under South Korean law. Avoid bringing counterfeit branded products into the country.

Visa free entry

Up to 90 days

Applies to tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences that do not involve paid work. Employment, teaching English, other activities requiring a visa need the appropriate authorization.

Temporary K-ETA exemption

Applies through its officially announced end date.

Eligible U.S. passport holders can travel without a K-ETA while the exemption remains in effect, provided they meet the other entry requirements.

Travel after the exemption

Confirm the current requirement before departure.

Do not assume the exemption will be extended. Check whether a K-ETA is required for your travel dates.

Optional K-ETA application

Eligible travelers may apply voluntarily while exempt.

An approved K-ETA can exempt eligible travelers from submitting a separate arrival card. An application fee applies.

Employment or longer stays

An appropriate visa is required.

Travelers planning to work, teach English, or stay longer than the visa-free period should confirm the correct visa category before travelling.

Spring (March to May)

Late March & April are popular for blossom viewing, but peak dates vary by region & year.

Check regional blossom forecasts before booking if cherry blossoms are a priority.

Summer (June to August)

Hot, humid weather, with the main rainy season.

Check local forecasts before outdoor excursions.

Fall (September to November)

Visit temples, hike scenic trails. Foliage timing varies across the country.

Check local foliage Updates.

Winter (December to February)

Ski resorts & snow activities.

Pack warm layers & check snow conditions before planning winter sports.

Seasonal events & holidays

Cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and major holidays can draw large crowds.

Check event schedules & book flights.

Incheon Airport to Seoul

A convenient starting point for exploring South Korea's capital.

The AREX Express Train runs nonstop to Seoul Station, while the All-Stop Train serves additional stations. 

Seoul

Royal palaces, shopping districts, street food, modern city life.

Seoul Station connects to the KTX network, including trains to Busan. 

Busan

Coastal neighborhoods, beaches, seafood markets, & cultural attractions.

Travel from Seoul by KTX or consider flying into Gimhae International Airport. Allow time to reach your hotel from the station or airport.

Jeju Island

Volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery, waterfalls, & outdoor adventures.

Flying from the mainland is usually the quickest option. Buses serve major destinations, but a rental car may offer more flexibility for remote areas.

Gyeongju

Historic sites & cultural heritage associated with the ancient Silla Kingdom.

Consider combining Gyeongju with Busan or another southeastern destination. Check onward transport when choosing where to stay.

Nearby islands around Jeju

Smaller island communities & scenic coastal experiences.

Udo is reached by ferry from Seongsan Port. Services may change or be canceled in poor weather.