The South Korea Electronic Visa (K-ETA) system allows individuals to apply for a short-term visa online, making it easier and faster to visit South Korea. This electronic application is designed for travelers from eligible countries, offering a simple way to obtain approval for tourism, business, transit, or other short visits. By applying through the K-ETA platform, you can complete your application, submit required documents, and receive your visa without the need to visit an embassy.
What is an electronic visa?
An electronic visa is a type of visa that you can apply for and get online without needing to go to the embassy, making it easier for travelers who want to visit Korea.
Eligibility Criteria for Electronic Visa Issuance
Below are the residence statuses eligible for electronic visa issuance, along with their respective visa types and application requirements:
- Professor (E-1), Research (E-3), Technical Instructor (E-4), Professional (E-5), and Specified Activities (E-7) visas, including accompanying family members (F-3) visa.
- Specified Activities (E-7) visa applicants must be advanced science and technology personnel with an employment recommendation letter, also known as the GOLD CARD.
- Medical tourism (C-3-3) or medical treatment (G-1-10) visa applicants must be endorsed by excellent foreign patient attraction institutions.
- Short-term commercial (C-3-4) visa applicants should be invited by domestic companies.
- Individuals who have entered the country on a short-term visit (C-3) basis three or more times since January 1, with no record of illegal stay or other crimes during their stay.
- Foreign scientists invited by government-funded research institutes or certified universities in the field of science and technology are eligible for short-term employment (C-4) visas.
- Applicants are scheduled to enroll in master’s or doctoral programs at accredited universities (D-2-3, D-2-4) or study abroad at excellent accredited universities (D-2).
Application Procedure for South Korea E- Visa
Here’s the step-by-step process for both applicants and sponsors to follow when applying for a visa:
For Applicants:
- Completion of Application Form
- Making e-Payment
- Confirmation your invitation
- Reception and Review of the form
- Printing and sending the Confirmation
For Sponsors:
- Login to the secure online portal
- Facilitating Completion of the Application Form
- e- Payment
- Supporting Through Reception and Review Processes
- Printing and sending confirmation
Required Documents for Visa Application
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Scanned images of your passport pages.
- A digital photograph in natural color, sized at 3.5cm x 4.5cm.
- A credit card for electronic fee payment.
- Soft copies of any other documents required for your specific intended stay status.
Main differences between the K-ETA and the electronic visa for South Korea
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) and the Electronic Visa (E-Visa) for South Korea serve different purposes and have distinct features. Here are the main differences between the two:
Purpose and Eligibility
- K-ETA: This electronic travel authorization is required for nationals from visa-exempt countries wishing to visit South Korea for tourism, short-term business, or family visits. It is mandatory for travelers from 112 countries who do not need a visa for short stays.
- E-Visa: The E-Visa is for travelers who don’t qualify for K-ETA or whose travel purposes fall outside K-ETA’s coverage. It is typically used for longer stays or activities like employment or studying.
Validity and Duration of Stay
- K-ETA: Valid for multiple entries over a period of 3 years from the date of approval (as of July 3, 2023) or until the passport expires. Each stay can last up to 90 days.
- E-Visa: The validity and duration depend on the specific type of visa issued. Generally, it allows for a single entry for stays that can vary but often align with short-term visit durations similar to K-ETA.
Application Process
- K-ETA: You can complete the application online through the official K-ETA website or mobile app. Once submitted, approval usually comes within 30 minutes to 72 hours. The process requires basic personal and travel information.
- E-Visa: The application process is more detailed, requiring submission of various documents and potentially longer processing times (usually around 3-4 working days). Payment is made online, and applicants must provide more extensive information compared to K-ETA.
Fees
- K-ETA: The application fee is approximately 10,000 KRW (around $9-$10) per application.
- E-Visa: Fees vary depending on the urgency of processing, typically starting around 60 SGD (approximately $45) for normal service and higher for urgent requests.
Are there any countries exempt from the K-ETA requirement
Yes, there are 22 countries and regions temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement for entry into South Korea. This exemption is in effect from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, as part of the “Visit Korea Year” initiative aimed at boosting tourism. Here is the list of exempt countries:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- Japan
- Macao
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States (including Guam)
Nationals from these countries can enter South Korea without applying for a K-ETA during this period. However, they still have the option to apply for a K-ETA if they prefer, which allows them to bypass the requirement of submitting an arrival card upon entry.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to South Korea straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Transit Visa or a Medical Treatment Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit South Korea. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
