After the Korean government’s exemption from quarantine for overseas entrants, as Korean Americans visit Korea more actively, there are frequent cases of delays in check-in at the airport due to the failure to approve the application for an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (K-ETA). The Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system, which took effect in September last year, was introduced for countries that have signed a visa waiver agreement with Korea and countries that allow entry without a visa. K-ETA applications can be made through the website (www.k-eta.go.kr) when using a general PC, or through the mobile site (m.k-eta.go.kr) when using a smartphone. It is a simple procedure that can be completed in 10 minutes, but if you rush to apply at the airport without realizing it, you are often confused as boarding is delayed due to an unexpected mistake. The following is a Q&A released by the Korean Ministry of Justice.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Justice of Korea implemented the K-ETA in earnest on September 1, last year. Citizens of countries subject to K-ETA who have not been issued a K-ETA are not permitted to board aircraft or vessels bound for Korea.<\/p>\n
It takes about 10 minutes. You must have a valid passport and email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the K-ETA application fee. If you apply using a PC instead of using the mobile app, you need a photo file for uploading the applicant’s face photo.<\/p>\n
The K-ETA application fee is KRW 10,000 (extra fees, etc.) in Korean Won, and can be paid with international credit cards and debit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. After payment of the fee, even if it is not accepted, it is not refundable.<\/p>\n
One representative applicant can apply for up to 30 accompanying persons, such as family members, and payment of the application fee can be carried out together.<\/p>\n
Applications must be completed at least 24 hours before scheduled departure to Korea. After applying for K-ETA, you can usually receive the evaluation results by e-mail within 24 hours, however, it may take several days depending on the circumstances of the applicant.<\/p>\n
Results will be emailed to the applicant. In addition, you can check the application number on the K-ETA website ‘Application Result Inquiry’. If you want to enter Korea when it is denied, you must visit the consulate general and obtain a Korean visa.<\/p>\n
An approved K-ETA is valid for two years or the validity period of the applicant\u2019s passport. This means if the applicant\u2019s passport has less than 2 years validity when applying for the K-ETA, the supplied K-ETA will expire with the passport.<\/p>\n
Persons holding a Korean alien registration card or a Korean visa (visa), persons entering as sailors or crew members, holders of a valid ABTC card, U.S. military personnel stationed in Korea, prior to entry Those who applied for exemption, those who did not enter Korea, and those who wish to visit Jeju Island or Yangyang by direct flight. However, if you wish to visit other regions after visiting Jeju Island and Yangyang, you must obtain a K-ETA before entering the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"