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South Korea Extends K-ETA Waiver for Visa-Free Travelers Through 2026

December 26, 2025 6:44 am

South Korea Extends K-ETA Waiver for Visa-Free Travelers Through 2026

Traveling to South Korea just got simpler and more convenient. The nation has decided to extend its K-ETA waiver for travelers from 67 countries and regions until the end of 2026. This change eases entry requirements, making it easier for tourists to visit.

What the K-ETA Waiver Means

If you are planning a trip to South Korea, this update is excellent news. South Korea has officially prolonged its temporary exemption from the K-ETA requirement for many visa-free travelers. This extension, valid until December 31, 2026, allows visitors to bypass a significant entry step.

The announcement appeared on the official K-ETA website and received confirmation from the Ministry of Justice. This move aims to help revive tourism following several challenging years.

K-ETA Exemption Details

Travelers from countries already exempt from needing a K-ETA can continue entering South Korea without any applications. This exemption currently applies to 67 countries and regions across various continents, including:

Africa: South Africa
Americas: Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States
Asia: Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu

When eligible travelers input their passport details on the K-ETA site, they will receive a message confirming their exemption status.

Who Is Eligible?

The exemption applies solely to travelers from countries already enjoying visa-free status. If you qualify, the K-ETA website will display a confirmation message upon scanning your passport.

Should You Still Apply for K-ETA?

While exempt travelers do not need to apply, some may still choose to do so. Applying for a K-ETA could offer specific benefits, such as skipping the e-Arrival Card at immigration. If you decide to apply, keep the following in mind:

The application fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately $8).
The fee is non-refundable.
An approved K-ETA remains valid until its expiration date, even during the exemption period.

Conclusion

This K-ETA waiver extension makes South Korea accessible for most visa-free travelers through 2026. By reducing paperwork and checks, the entry process becomes smoother.

If you already possess a K-ETA, you can still use it. If not, and you come from an exempt country, you can travel without one. This is a welcoming development that effectively removes barriers for tourists and enhances the overall travel experience.