South Korea Takes Bold Step To Boost Tourism By Extending K-ETA Exemption Until 2026, Streamlining Travel For Millions Of Visitors

Published on September 26, 2025

South Korea has extended the K-ETA exemption until December 2026, allowing travelers from 67 countries to visit without applying for the electronic travel authorization. This move is part of the country’s broader strategy to simplify entry procedures and attract more international tourists. By reducing travel barriers, South Korea aims to boost tourism, making it easier for visitors from key markets to experience its rich culture and diverse destinations. The extension reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting tourism and fostering economic growth through streamlined travel policies.

South Korea has confirmed that it will continue allowing travelers from certain countries to visit without needing to apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) until December 2026. This extension was announced by the South Korean government, signaling ongoing efforts to promote tourism and ease entry procedures for international visitors.

The K-ETA, initially introduced in September 2021, was designed as a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visitors from countries that did not require a visa to enter South Korea. The policy aimed to streamline the arrival process and enhance border security. However, in 2023, in an effort to boost international tourism and increase visitor numbers, South Korea suspended this requirement for many countries, including key tourism markets in Europe and North America.

The K-ETA exemption, which had been previously extended until December 31, 2025, is now set to last until the end of 2026. This means that eligible travelers will continue to benefit from the convenience of not having to apply for a K-ETA before their trip, although they can still choose to request one voluntarily. By obtaining a K-ETA, travelers can enjoy benefits such as exemption from filling out an arrival card upon landing in South Korea.

This ongoing waiver has been well-received by travelers, as it simplifies the entry process, reducing the paperwork burden and making travel to South Korea more accessible. This extension is seen as a significant step in the country’s effort to recover and grow its tourism industry, especially after the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

K-ETA Waiver Extended Through December 2026

During the 10th National Tourism Strategy Meeting, which was chaired by the Prime Minister and included representatives from various ministries, the government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering tourism growth. One of the key announcements was the extension of the K-ETA exemption, allowing travelers from eligible countries to continue to enter South Korea without the electronic travel authorization until the end of 2026.

In addition to the K-ETA extension, officials discussed plans to introduce a tourist pass starting in 2026. This pass will combine transportation tickets with access to cultural and leisure sites, further enhancing the travel experience for foreign visitors. The South Korean government also set a target to attract 30 million international tourists by 2030. This ambitious goal will be supported by promoting Korean culture (known as K-culture), expanding the variety of tourist destinations beyond Seoul, and boosting the regional appeal of the country’s lesser-known attractions.

Currently, travelers from 67 countries and territories are eligible to visit South Korea without needing to apply for the K-ETA. This list includes citizens from countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. Some of the notable countries exempt from the K-ETA include:

• Africa: South Africa
• America: Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States
• Asia: Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan
• Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican
• Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
• Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands

The extension of the K-ETA exemption has been welcomed by travelers, especially as it reduces the barriers to entry for tourists from these countries. However, the announcement also clarified that adjustments could still be made to the list of exempt nationalities, and the official details will be published in the formal administrative document in the coming months.

Additionally, travelers who are exempt from the K-ETA will not be required to fill out the e-Arrival Card, a digital declaration form for entry that has been in use since February 2025. The e-Arrival Card allows travelers to complete their entry declaration online up to three days before arriving in South Korea, a system designed to reduce airport congestion. While both paper and digital versions of the arrival card are being accepted, the digital system will become mandatory starting in 2026.

Certain groups of people are also exempt from submitting the e-Arrival Card, including those who hold a valid K-ETA. This exemption includes registered residents of South Korea, airline crew members, and certain groups of foreign nationals traveling with group visas or special permits.

The continued K-ETA exemption is a positive development for South Korea’s tourism sector, making it easier for visitors from key markets to travel to the country without the additional step of applying for a travel authorization. With ambitious targets set for the future, including the introduction of the tourist pass and the goal of attracting 30 million international tourists by 2030, South Korea is poised to remain a top destination for travelers from around the world.