South Korea e-Arrival Card
Complete your South Korea e-Arrival Card online before travel — submit up to 72 hours before arrival with fast processing and 24/7 expert support.
Processing Speeds for South Korea e-Arrival Card
What Is the South Korea e-Arrival Card?
The South Korea e-Arrival Card is the official online entry declaration travellers submit in advance of arrival to the Republic of Korea. Managed through the government e-Arrival portal, the system replaces many paper arrival cards and streamlines immigration screening at major ports of entry. The online gateway accepts passport details, arrival itinerary, contact and accommodation information, and basic health screening where required.
Apply through the official site at e-arrivalcard.go.kr or use DoVisa for guided completion, expert review, and faster processing options. After successful submission you receive an electronic confirmation — save the confirmation and any QR code or reference email, as airlines and immigration officers may ask to see it at check‑in and on arrival. Processing speeds vary by service level; DoVisa processing options include Standard (24h), Rush (4h) and Super Rush (30 min).
The card is an arrival declaration, not a visa. Immigration officers decide final admission at the port of entry based on your passport, purpose of travel and supporting documents. Important policy changes: online pre‑submission was first introduced in 2025 and the government has expanded electronic arrival requirements — submit up to 72 hours before your flight per the Korea Immigration Service guidance. The e-Arrival Card does not replace any separate visa or K-ETA requirement for travellers who need a travel authorisation.
Key facts: single-entry validity is brief (4 days) and the typical tourist allowance remains up to 30 days on entry. See Korea, Republic of visa information and the official portal at e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Apply for your South Korea e-Arrival Card now.
Who Needs the South Korea e-Arrival Card?
Who Needs It
- All foreign nationals entering the Republic of Korea who will clear arrival immigration
- Tourists and short-term business visitors who will stay up to the permitted visa-free period
- Children and minors (a parent or guardian completes the submission on their behalf)
Who Is Exempt
- Korean nationals (Republic of Korea passport holders)
- Airline and vessel crew members on active official duty
- Diplomatic and official passport holders on government business
South Korea Entry Requirements & Restrictions
Passport Validity
Carry a valid passport — it must be valid beyond your planned date of departure from South Korea. Airlines may apply their own checks; confirm requirements with your carrier and the Korea Immigration Service.
Biometrics & Immigration Screening
Most arrivals are subject to biometric registration at the port of entry. According to government guidance, children younger than 17 and diplomats are exempt from fingerprint/facial biometrics at entry.
Vaccination & Health Screening
No routine vaccinations are required for entry. Check CDC travel advice for recommended vaccines; a yellow fever certificate is needed only if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Health screening rules apply for designated quarantine areas—follow Q-Code guidance if notified.
Customs & Prohibited Items
South Korea prohibits or restricts items including weapons and ammunition, illegal narcotics, pornographic or subversive material, and counterfeit currency. Certain food, meat and dairy items, products from endangered species, and other agricultural goods are regulated — declare restricted items at customs. See Korea Customs Service for details.
Travel Insurance & Practical Advice
Travel insurance is recommended — medical facilities are excellent in major cities but evacuation may be costly from remote areas. Ensure you have contact and accommodation details to complete your pre-arrival declaration.
Travel Tips for South Korea e-Arrival Card Visitors
South Korea is a modern, well-connected destination — most international flights use Incheon. Complete the e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours before departure to speed arrival.
- Airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN), Gimpo International Airport (GMP), Gimhae/Busan (PUS), Jeju International Airport (CJU), Daegu International Airport (TAE).
- Currency: South Korean won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted; USD may be accepted at some tourist shops but KRW is preferred.
- Language: Korean is the official language; English is commonly understood in airports, major hotels and tourist areas.
- Time zone: Korea Standard Time is GMT+9 with no daylight saving time.
- When to submit: Submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival to avoid delays at immigration.
- Transport: From ICN use the AREX train or airport limousine buses; allow extra time during peak holiday periods (Lunar New Year, Chuseok).
- Customs tips: Declare currency and any restricted food or medication to customs to avoid fines or confiscation.
- Local laws: Respect local rules and avoid photographing restricted military sites near the DMZ; carry ID when out late in cities.
"Booked the South Korea e-Arrival Card through DoVisa and got my QR confirmation by email within an hour. Check-in at my departure airport was smooth and immigration at ICN scanned the QR with no issues."
"Quick process — photo upload and passport fields were straightforward. The confirmation arrived fast and the support team answered a question about my arrival time."
"I completed the e-Arrival Card on my phone during a layover. The guided prompts made it simple to fill accommodation details and the email confirmation saved us time at immigration."
"Used the South Korea e-Arrival Card for a week-long trip. Super Rush got my confirmation before we checked in and the QR code was scanned at arrival — very convenient for travel to Seoul and Busan."
"Everything worked well but I had to retake my passport photo once. Support helped and the confirmation arrived in time for my flight to ICN."
"Fast and efficient — completed the declaration for a business trip. Having the confirmation email and reference number meant a smooth immigration experience at Gimpo (GMP)."
"Form was clear but one field label about local contact was confusing. Support clarified and we arrived on time; worth the convenience."
"I entered the wrong flight number initially and had to correct via the government edit page. Once updated, the confirmation was accepted at arrival without issue."
"Family trip — completed separate submissions for each member. The South Korea e-Arrival Card confirmations were sent to my email and we showed the QR codes at immigration easily."
"Great for a last-minute itinerary change. Support expedited our submission and the QR code worked at ICN — saved time and stress when connecting to a domestic flight."
"Booked the South Korea e-Arrival Card through DoVisa and got my QR confirmation by email within an hour. Check-in at my departure airport was smooth and immigration at ICN scanned the QR with no issues."
"Quick process — photo upload and passport fields were straightforward. The confirmation arrived fast and the support team answered a question about my arrival time."
"I completed the e-Arrival Card on my phone during a layover. The guided prompts made it simple to fill accommodation details and the email confirmation saved us time at immigration."
South Korea e-Arrival Card: Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply for Your South Korea e-Arrival Card?
Complete the online arrival declaration in minutes. Super Rush processing in as fast as 30 minutes with 24/7 expert support.
Check Price & Apply NowSources & References
- Official Korea e-Arrival card — Portal
- Korea Immigration Service — e-Arrival card guidance (when to submit)
- Korea Customs Service — Prohibited & Restricted Items
- CDC — South Korea Traveler Health
- U.S. Department of State — South Korea Travel Advisory
- GOV.UK — South Korea Entry Requirements
- K-ETA — Official Korea Electronic Travel Authorization
- Government of Canada — Travel advice and advisories for South Korea