South Korea Arrival Card 2026: K-ETA & Q-Code Entry Requirements

Planning a trip to South Korea requires understanding several entry requirements that have evolved significantly in recent years. From the cutting-edge K-ETA electronic travel authorization to the Q-Code health declaration system, Korea has modernized its immigration processes to ensure both security and efficiency. Whether you're visiting for the vibrant K-pop scene, delicious cuisine, ancient palaces, or world-class technology, proper preparation ensures a smooth arrival experience.

South Korea's entry system combines traditional arrival cards with digital pre-registration systems. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for many visa-free travelers, while the Q-Code system streamlines health and customs declarations. Understanding which requirements apply to your nationality helps you prepare correctly before departing for Incheon, Gimpo, or other Korean entry points.

This comprehensive guide covers all South Korea entry requirements for 2026, including the K-ETA application process, Q-Code health declaration, traditional arrival cards, and practical tips for navigating Korean immigration. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning to this fascinating country, this guide will help you arrive prepared and ready to explore.

South Korea's entry requirements vary by nationality and have undergone significant changes. The country offers visa-free access to many nationalities, but visitors from most visa-free countries must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before arrival. Additionally, all travelers are encouraged to complete the Q-Code health declaration for faster processing.

The traditional paper arrival card is still used at Korean airports, though the Q-Code system digitizes much of this information. Understanding each component helps ensure you have all necessary documents ready when you arrive at immigration.

Korea has invested heavily in modernizing its immigration systems to provide a world-class arrival experience. Incheon International Airport, consistently rated among the world's best, showcases this commitment with automated immigration lanes, multilingual support, and efficient passenger flow management. The combination of K-ETA pre-screening and Q-Code health declarations allows immigration officers to process travelers quickly while maintaining robust security standards.

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic pre-screening system for visitors from visa-free countries. Introduced in 2021, K-ETA allows Korean authorities to pre-screen travelers before they board their flights. It's not a visa but rather a travel authorization linked to your passport.

Note: Korea has temporarily suspended K-ETA requirements for certain nationalities through specific periods. Always check the latest status before applying, as these exemptions are periodically extended or modified. When in effect, travelers from exempt countries can enter without K-ETA while still completing Q-Code.

The Q-Code system is Korea's electronic health and quarantine declaration platform. All travelers entering Korea are encouraged to complete the Q-Code before arrival, as it significantly speeds up the immigration and customs process. The Q-Code is free and takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Q-Code has been retained as an efficient way to collect traveler health information and customs declarations. While not strictly mandatory, travelers without Q-Code face longer processing times at arrival.

The Q-Code system integrates seamlessly with customs declarations, allowing travelers to report any goods subject to inspection through the same platform. Upon submission, you receive a personalized QR code that officers scan at designated checkpoints. This eliminates the need for separate paper customs forms and creates a streamlined arrival experience. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency maintains the Q-Code system, ensuring traveler health data is handled securely and in compliance with privacy regulations.

Despite the digital systems, Korea still uses paper arrival cards at immigration. These cards are distributed on flights to Korea or available at arrival halls. The form collects your personal information, passport details, and Korea stay information. Flight attendants typically distribute these cards during the descent into Korea, so have your details ready to complete it during the final hour of flight.

If you've completed Q-Code, you still receive a paper arrival card but the process at immigration is faster as officers can verify your digital submission. The arrival card remains part of the formal entry process. The card is straightforward to complete - most fields mirror the information you already submitted digitally through K-ETA and Q-Code, serving as an additional verification layer.

Korean immigration is efficient and well-organized, reflecting the country's reputation for technological excellence and customer service. Here's what to expect when arriving at Incheon, Gimpo, or other Korean airports. Officers are generally professional and efficient, though peak hours when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously can result in longer queue times.

Automated immigration gates are available at Incheon for certain passport holders and registered travelers, offering faster processing. First-time visitors typically use the staffed immigration counters.

The entire process from landing to exiting the airport typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on flight arrivals and queue lengths. Incheon Airport is world-renowned for efficiency and excellent facilities. Beyond immigration, you will find currency exchange booths, SIM card vendors, and tourist information centers immediately after exiting. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) provides direct connections to Seoul Station in approximately 43 minutes, while regular buses and taxis offer alternative transport options to destinations throughout the Seoul metropolitan area and beyond.