Do I Still Need an Arrival Card With an Approved K-ETA?
CONNECT ON Inc. · How we verify · sources read SEP 6, 2026
Highlights
The short answer
Do you need to fill out an arrival card if your 케이이티에이 (K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)) is already approved? No This applies to any traveler entering Korea on an approved K-ETA rather than a visa, before reaching the immigration counter at 인천국제공항 (Incheon International Airport). If your K-ETA application was rejected, or you're one of the travelers exempt from applying in the first place, Foreigners entering Korea without a visa for a short stay for travel, visiting relatives, events or conferences, or business with no commercial activity, who are not exempt Checked against the K-ETA operator's own official application guidance.
Airport Transfers · Incheon · Gimpo · BusanPhotograph: K Travel Way
Do I still need an arrival card if my K-ETA is approved?
No
Who is exempt from applying for K-ETA in the first place?
Foreigners entering Korea without a visa for a short stay for travel, visiting relatives, events or conferences, or business with no commercial activity, who are not exempt Specific exemptions include: Diplomatic and official passport holders, US Armed Forces on SOFA status, aircraft and ship crew, ABTC (APEC) holders, transfer passengers, registered foreigners and visa holders, UN passport holders, and applicants 17 and under or 65 and over
What if my K-ETA application was rejected, or I'm not sure I even need one?
A rejected application does not remove the requirement to apply — K-ETA approval is not a visa, and No Contact the centre only through its official channel: www.k-eta.go.kr Similar agencies and phishing sites charge high fees while claiming to act as a K-ETA application or expedited-service agent
Questions people ask
Is K-ETA the same thing as a visa?
No. K-ETA is a pre-travel screening, not a visa — the immigration officer at the airport still makes the final decision on entry.
What if I'm just a transit passenger changing planes in Korea?
Transit passengers are generally exempt from applying, unless they need to leave the airport to reclaim baggage or because of a changed itinerary.
