KETA Exemption Prolonged Until December 2025
The temporary KETA exemption was extended by the South Korean government, so visitors from selected countries don’t need KETA until 31 December 2025.
The exemption was implemented in order to stimulate the tourism industry in celebration of “Visit Korea Year (2023–2024),” as stated by the official website www.k-eta.go.kr.
Now, travelers from 67 countries may benefit from the fact that they do not need to apply for a KETA.
What is KETA to South Korea?
KETA is an electronic travel authorization necessary for some nationals who want to visit South Korea.
It can be used for travel purposes, including tourism, visiting friends/family, participating in events/meetings, and business.
To get a South Korean KETA, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months, an email address, and a recent face photo. The KETA is valid for 3 years and requires paying a fee.
Who Can Travel to South Korea without KETA
Nationals from the following countries don’t need to obtain KETA until 31 December 2025:
- Austria
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malta
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Palau
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Samoa
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Kingdom
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- Vatican City
What is more, from 3 July 2023, minors of age below 17, as well as seniors above 65, are not required to obtain a KETA to enter the country.
It’s recommended to check official governmental websites for further information and updates.
