Last checked: October 4, 2026. The Korea e-Arrival Card is an arrival declaration, not a visa, K-ETA or guarantee of entry. Whether you need to submit one depends on your situation. Use the official site’s eligibility navigator rather than assuming a rule from someone else’s passport applies to yours.
Check your case before filling out a form
Open the official e-Arrival Card portal and use its navigator to determine whether the declaration applies to you. A visa, a K-ETA and an arrival card are distinct things. Do not infer that an exemption from one requirement automatically exempts you from another; check the current official decision for your passport and travel details.
The official service is free. Be cautious with search ads or third-party sites that look official and charge a processing fee. Type the official domain directly or use a government link rather than following an unsolicited message.
When to submit
The current official guide says an eligible traveler can submit the online card within three days before arrival in Korea, using Korea Standard Time. The form is for arrival processing, so complete it before going through immigration. If your arrival date or travel details change, return to the official portal and check its instructions for editing a submission.
Keep a copy of the confirmation accessible, but do not treat it as a visa or entry approval. An immigration officer may still ask questions or request documents relevant to your visit.
What information should you have ready?
- Passport details exactly as printed in your travel document
- Arrival date and flight or vessel details, if requested in the current form
- Your Korea accommodation address and contact information
- Enough time to review every field before submission
If you are unsure about visa eligibility, use the Korea Visa Portal or contact the relevant Korean embassy; an arrival-card guide cannot decide your visa category. Our first-trip checklist covers other arrival preparations.
Common questions
Can I submit it weeks ahead? The official guide currently describes a three-day-before-arrival submission window. Follow the live form rather than an old screenshot.
Does completing it guarantee entry? No. It is an arrival declaration; immigration eligibility and inspection are separate.
What if my flight or hotel details change? Sign in to the official portal and follow its current edit or resubmission instructions. Do not create duplicate applications on a third-party site.
Can someone else file it for me? Follow the official portal’s current rules for who may submit and whose passport data is required. Review every detail yourself before final submission.
Keep your passport number private. A legitimate government form should be reached through the official domain, and an arrival declaration should not require payment through an unrelated travel agency.
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Sources: official e-Arrival Card portal and its English guide (checked October 4, 2026). Rules can change; follow the live government service.