Visa, K-ETA, arrival forms, customs, and entry preparation.
Visa, K-ETA, arrival forms, customs, and entry preparation.
Start with the rule hierarchy: some travelers need a visa, some can enter visa-free, and some visa-free travelers may still need K-ETA depending on nationality and current policy.
Entry RequirementsK-etaKorea Visa PortalSouth Korea Travel
Apply only on the official K-ETA website or official app. Avoid paid copycat services. Prepare your passport, email address, travel details, and a payment card before starting.
Entry RequirementsK-etaPassportSouth Korea Travel
Use the official e-Arrival Card site and submit within the allowed pre-arrival window shown there. Have your passport, flight details, local address, and contact information ready.
Before DepartureE-arrival cardEntry RequirementsImmigration
Do not assume old pandemic rules are still active; check current official entry pages close to departure. For most ordinary tourist cases, the key health-related item now is whether your route triggers Q-Code or a health questionnaire requirement.
Before DepartureCovid rulesEntry RequirementsHealth Screening
Use the official Korea Customs Service allowance page as your baseline before packing or shopping. A general personal-effects allowance applies, but alcohol, cigarettes, and perfume have separate thresholds.
CustomsDeclarationDuty Free AllowanceEntry Requirements
Do not assume home-country legality means Korea legality. Check customs and medicine rules before flying. Pay special attention to controlled drugs, narcotics, replicas of weapons, fake luxury goods, and wildlife products.
CustomsEntry RequirementsMedicationProhibited Items
Start planning early because pet entry depends on vaccination, microchip, paperwork, and airline approval. Follow official quarantine requirements, not just airline policy.
Cat TravelCustomsDog TravelEntry Requirements