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K-VK-Visa Hub

Korea Entry FAQ — K-ETA, Visa, Arrival

Short, direct answers to the questions foreigners ask most often.

K-ETA

What's the difference between K-ETA and a visa?
K-ETA is a pre-boarding screening for travelers from visa-waiver countries — it's permission to board a plane, not permission to enter Korea. A visa is issued by an embassy/consulate after a more detailed application, allows specific activities (study, work, marriage, etc.), and often allows longer stays. If your country is on the visa-waiver list, you do K-ETA. If not, you apply for a visa.
How long is K-ETA valid?
3 years from approval, OR until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Each entry allows you to stay up to 90 days (or whatever your country's visa-waiver limit is, whichever is shorter). You can enter Korea multiple times during the 3 years on the same K-ETA.
Do I need K-ETA if I'm only transiting through Incheon?
If you stay in the international transit area without passing immigration, no — K-ETA is not required. If you leave the transit area (e.g., to use the transit tour, stay overnight in a transit hotel outside the secure zone, or change airports), yes — you need K-ETA. When in doubt, get one. It's USD 7 and valid 3 years.
What happens if my K-ETA is rejected?
You cannot board a Korea-bound flight under visa-waiver. You can (a) re-apply after fixing the issue — most rejections are from photo problems or data mismatch with the passport, or (b) apply for a regular C-3 short-term visit visa at the nearest Korean embassy/consulate. The visa requires more documents but K-ETA rejection does not block visa approval.
How early should I apply for K-ETA?
At least 72 hours before departure. Most approvals are instant, but the system reserves up to 72 hours for review. K-ETA is valid 3 years, so you can apply as soon as your trip is booked — there's no benefit to waiting.

Visa types

Who can apply for the F-1-D digital nomad visa?
Remote workers employed by a foreign company for 1+ year, earning at least 2× Korea's gross national income per capita (about USD 65,000/year in 2026), with private health insurance covering Korea. You cannot be employed by a Korean company on F-1-D. Spouse and minor children can accompany.
Who qualifies for the E-2 English teaching visa?
Citizens of 7 designated English-speaking countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa) with a bachelor's degree or higher from a 4-year university where English was the language of instruction. You also need a clean criminal record check (FBI/national equivalent) and a job offer from a registered school or hagwon.
What do I need for an F-6 marriage visa?
A valid marriage to a Korean citizen registered in both countries, your Korean spouse's income proof (minimum income tier set by year), Korean language proficiency (KIIP completion or TOPIK 1 or basic interview pass), housing proof, and family relationship documents. Marriage migrant visa processing has gotten stricter — interviews now common at the embassy stage.

Entry & airport

How much passport validity do I need?
Korea requires at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your planned departure date. Airlines often refuse boarding if you have less. Renew before applying for K-ETA if you're close to expiry.

Stay & extension

Can I extend my stay after entering Korea?
Generally no for visa-waiver / K-ETA stays — they are short-stay only and meant for tourism/business. If you need longer, you must leave and re-enter, OR convert to a proper visa (study, work, etc.) at an immigration office, which usually requires sponsorship and documentation. Overstaying carries fines and re-entry bans.
Can I work in Korea on K-ETA?
No. K-ETA + visa-waiver allows tourism, transit, short business meetings, and family visits — not paid work in Korea. Working requires a work visa (E-series, F-series with work rights, or D-10/F-1-D for specific cases). Being caught working illegally leads to deportation and a multi-year re-entry ban.