South Korea launches electronic arrival card

South Korea is about to modernize its immigration process with the introduction of the e-Arrival card Or Electronic arrival card, launched February 24, 2025. This new digital system will replace traditional paper arrival forms, to simplify entry procedures for international travelers.

The initiative is designed to improve efficiency at immigration control points while offering greater convenience to visitors. The e-Arrival card will be mandatory for most foreign nationals planning a trip to South Korea. However, some travellers are exemptThese include registered residents of South Korea, holders of a valid Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) and airline crew members.

Instead of completing a paper declaration form on arrival, eligible travellers will now be required to fill in the online form before their trip. To ensure a smooth transition, South Korean immigration authorities will continue to accept the paper arrival form until the end of 2025, allowing visitors to choose between the two formats during the adaptation period.

How to apply for an e-Arrival card South Korea :

Travellers must complete and submit the e-Arrival card at least three days before their planned arrival in South Korea. Once issued, the card remains valid for 72 hours. Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for an e-Arrival card:

1. Go to the e-Arrival card application section.
2. Accept the terms and conditions of the form. For travelers under 14, a guardian must submit the application on their behalf.
3. Download a scanned copy of your passport.
4. Enter essential travel information, including arrival and departure times, purpose of visit, accommodation and contact details.
5. Submit the form online - there's no application fee. Unlike visa applications, the e-Arrival card does not require approval and can be downloaded immediately after submission.

One of the main advantages of the e-Arrival card is that travelers don't need to carry a printed copy or PDF version of the form. A single declaration can also cover up to nine additional travelers, making it convenient for families and groups of travelers. If any travel information changes after submission, visitors can update their information on the application before arriving in South Korea.

K-ETA electronic travel authorization remains a mandatory requirement for travel to South Korea, for those travellers who are not exempt from this travel formality.

Travelers planning trips from February 2025 onwards should make sure they have taken this new mandatory requirement into account before they travel, to avoid any inconvenience at immigration checkpoints.

Fill in a file from K-ETA South Korea

• South Korea

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