Korea e-Arrival Card 2026: Who Needs It, When to Submit, and Official Link
Korea’s e-Arrival Card is free and is required for travelers who are subject to an arrival declaration. Complete it through the official government website within its submission window before arrival. Check the official eligibility guide: K-ETA exemption does not itself exempt you from the arrival declaration, and entering on a visa can change the answer even if you hold a K-ETA.
Last verified: October 11, 2026 · Official sources checked for this update. Service details, eligibility and app interfaces may change.
The key facts
- Official fee: Free
- When to submit: Within 3 days before arrival in Korea
- Main information needed: Email address, valid passport, arrival/departure information and stay information
- Official site: e-arrivalcard.go.kr
Who needs the e-Arrival Card?
The official guidance says foreign nationals entering Korea are generally subject to the arrival declaration unless they fall within an exempt group. The government specifically lists several exceptions, including registered residents in Korea and foreign nationals holding a valid K-ETA. Some group-tour and transit categories, as well as airline crew members, are also exempt.
Because the answer depends on your status, use the official website’s e-Arrival Card Navigator. It lets you indicate whether you hold a visa, K-ETA or Korean residence card and checks whether a declaration is required.
What do you need before starting?
The official process is simple, but having the information ready prevents mistakes:
- An email address
- Your valid passport
- Your planned arrival and departure information
- Your accommodation or stay information in Korea
The site then asks you to review the information before submitting.
When can you submit it?
The official service says the declaration can be completed within three days before arrival. That means it is not a form to complete months in advance. Add it to your final pre-flight checklist instead.
Be careful with fake websites
The Korean government warns that fake websites have impersonated the e-Arrival Card service. The official site says the only official domain is www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr and that the official form does not require payment information.
If a website asks you to pay simply to submit the Korean e-Arrival Card, stop and verify the domain.
Individual and group submissions
The official homepage provides an individual submission route and a group/travel-agency route. The individual option is designed for small groups, while the group system supports larger submissions. Follow the instructions shown on the official site rather than using a third-party form.
Practical checklist
- Confirm whether you actually need an arrival declaration.
- Wait until you are within the 3-day submission window.
- Use only the official government domain.
- Have your passport and Korean stay information ready.
- Review spelling and passport details before submitting.
- Save your confirmation information after submission.
Frequently asked questions
Do valid K-ETA holders need an e-Arrival Card?
The government guidance lists travelers holding a valid K-ETA among the groups exempt from the arrival declaration.
Is the e-Arrival Card the same as K-ETA?
No. K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization for eligible travelers, while the e-Arrival Card is an arrival declaration. They serve different purposes.
Can I fill it out after landing?
The system is designed for advance online submission within three days before arrival. Complete it before travel when possible.
Does the official site charge a processing fee?
No. The official e-Arrival Card homepage states that no fee is required.
Check the status you will use to enter
The official eligibility guide distinguishes K-ETA holders from travelers who are exempt from applying for K-ETA. It also says that a K-ETA holder entering with a visa must complete the e-Arrival Card. Use the government navigator with all documents valid for your entry; do not choose an exemption based only on your nationality.
Related guides
Current official eligibility and filing instructions
- Government e-Arrival Card — who must declare
- Government e-Arrival Card — submission and correction guide
Featured photo: Irfan Syahmi / Unsplash.
