Canada Joins USA, UK, Singapore, Australia, Denmark and More as South Korea Extended K-ETA Waiver, Now Say Goodbye to K-ETA Applications with New Travel Exemption

Published on December 24, 2025

South Korea has announced a significant extension of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) waiver for Singaporean visitors, as well as for nationals of 21 other countries, including Australia, the USA, Germany, and the UK. Originally set to expire on December 31, 2025, the waiver will now last until at least December 31, 2026, in a bid to boost tourism and ease travel for visitors to the country. This decision marks a continued effort by South Korea to attract international tourists post-pandemic by removing some of the entry barriers that were imposed during the COVID-19 era.

K-ETA Waiver Extension: What It Means for Travelers

The K-ETA waiver was first introduced in April 2023 to make travel easier for nationals of 22 countries, including Singapore. Before this change, travelers from these countries had to apply for the K-ETA before entering South Korea, which involved an online application with a fee of approximately 10,000 KRW (~S$9). With this extension, visitors from eligible countries, including Singapore, will continue to enjoy visa-free access to South Korea without the need to apply for the K-ETA, simplifying the entry process.

The move is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to stimulate the tourism industry, which is recovering well following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions in 2022. Now, travelers can enter the country without additional paperwork and the extra cost of an application.

Countries Eligible for the K-ETA Waiver

The K-ETA exemption applies to nationals from the following countries:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Italy
• Japan
• Macao
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Singapore
• Spain
• Sweden
• Taiwan
• UK
• USA

Additionally, nationals from other visa-free countries such as Mexico, Chile, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE also benefit from the K-ETA exemption. This widespread waiver significantly simplifies the travel process for a large number of international tourists.

What Travelers Need to Know

For travelers from Singapore and other eligible countries, the process of visiting South Korea has never been easier. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind:

• Arrival Card Requirement: While travelers from the exempt countries will not need to apply for a K-ETA, they will still be required to complete an arrival card upon arrival in South Korea. This will need to be presented to immigration officers at the airport.
• Existing K-ETA Holders: If travelers already hold an approved K-ETA, they can continue to use it until it expires, without needing to complete the arrival card.
• Still Possible to Apply for K-ETA: If travelers choose to apply for a K-ETA, they can do so for a cost of KRW 10,000 (~S$9). However, this will only exempt them from completing the arrival card, as the waiver eliminates the need for the K-ETA itself.
• APEC Business Travel Card: Travelers who already hold an APEC Business Travel Card do not need to apply for a K-ETA to travel to South Korea.

Benefits for Tourists: A Cost and Time Saving Opportunity

The extension of the K-ETA waiver is excellent news for tourists, as it saves both time and money. Travelers from eligible countries, including Singapore, will save around S$9 per person by not needing to apply for the K-ETA. Additionally, this exemption streamlines the travel process, as travelers will no longer need to submit an online application or wait for approval before their trip.

Moreover, with 99 weekly flights now operating between Singapore and South Korea, it has never been easier to visit. This represents a 55% increase in flight frequency, a clear sign of the strong recovery of this key tourism route post-pandemic. These flights are serviced by both full-service and low-cost carriers, providing more travel options than ever before.

Business Travel Impact

The K-ETA extension benefits not only tourists but also business travelers. For those heading to South Korea for meetings or events, the ability to bypass the K-ETA application means smoother, more efficient travel planning. With numerous direct flights now available, business professionals can reach their destination quickly and easily. Furthermore, the elimination of the K-ETA requirement reduces the chances of any travel delays caused by administrative processes.

What’s Next: 2027 and Beyond

While the K-ETA waiver has been extended through 2026, travelers should be aware that from January 1, 2027, Singaporeans and other nationals from the 22 countries will once again need to apply for a K-ETA to travel to South Korea. This extension gives travelers plenty of time to plan their trips, but they should remain vigilant in case the situation changes.

Additional Travel Tips

1. Check Travel Restrictions: Always check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before booking your flight. Although South Korea has eased restrictions, some requirements may still apply.
2. Register for Smart Entry Service: Singaporeans aged 17 and above can register for South Korea’s Smart Entry Service (SES) at Incheon Airport. Once registered, travelers can use the e-Gates for quick and efficient immigration clearance on future trips.
3. Booking Flights: With the significant increase in flights, it’s advisable to book your flight early to secure the best deals. Popular routes between Singapore and South Korea are operating at full capacity, especially during peak travel periods.
4. Explore South Korea’s Tourism Offerings: South Korea’s tourism industry has plenty to offer, from the bustling streets of Seoul to serene historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace. Take advantage of this extended K-ETA exemption to explore more of the country.

Conclusion: A Smooth Journey to South Korea

The extension of the K-ETA waiver for Singaporeans and 21 other countries marks a significant step in simplifying travel to South Korea, making it easier for tourists and business travelers to visit. With more flights available, and no K-ETA application required, travelers can enjoy a seamless experience, saving time and money. Whether planning a leisurely holiday or a business trip, now is the perfect time to book your flight and experience all that South Korea has to offer.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated