Korea e-Arrival Card 2026 is one of the most important entry checks for travelers flying to South Korea. If you are required to submit an arrival card, you can complete it online before landing instead of filling out a paper arrival card at the airport.
As of September 5, 2026, the official Korea e-Arrival Card website says the service is free, can be submitted within 3 days before your arrival in Korea based on Korea Standard Time, and is separate from K-ETA. This guide explains who needs it, who is exempt, how K-ETA changes the requirement, what information you need, and how to avoid fake paid websites.
Korea e-Arrival Card 2026 Quick Summary
The Korea e-Arrival Card is the online version of Korea’s arrival card. It is not a visa and it is not K-ETA. Think of it as an immigration declaration form that some foreign travelers must submit before entering the Republic of Korea.
| Item | 2026 Key Point | What Travelers Should Check |
|---|---|---|
| Official website | www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr | Use only the official Korean e-government website |
| Fee | Free | Any website asking for payment is not the official service |
| Submission timing | Within 3 days before arrival in Korea | The timing is based on Korea Standard Time |
| Validity | Expires after 72 hours or after immigration inspection | Submit again if you re-enter Korea later |
| K-ETA relationship | Different system from K-ETA | Valid K-ETA holders are generally exempt from arrival card submission |
| Group submission | Available for groups | PC supports larger group submission than mobile web |
The safest starting point is the official Korea e-Arrival Card website. The site also provides a Navigator that helps travelers check whether they are required to submit an e-entry declaration.
Who Needs to Submit the Korea e-Arrival Card?
In simple terms, the e-Arrival Card applies to foreign nationals who are required to submit an entry declaration form when entering Korea. The official website lists several groups that are subject to declaration, including Korean visa holders and K-ETA-exempt individuals.
| Traveler Type | e-Arrival Card Needed? | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Korean visa holder | Usually yes | If you enter Korea with a visa, prepare to submit the e-Arrival Card |
| K-ETA-exempt traveler without K-ETA approval | Usually yes | This includes travelers from countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA in 2026 |
| Valid K-ETA holder | Usually no | K-ETA holders are generally exempt from arrival card submission |
| Korean residence card holder | Usually no | This includes valid Residence Card, Permanent Resident Card, or Overseas Korean Resident Card holders |
| Republic of Korea citizen | No | Korean nationals enter using a Korean passport and do not submit an arrival card |
| Group visa holder | Usually no | Some group electronic visa or group visa travelers are excluded |
| Airline crew member | Usually no | Foreign flight attendants entering Korea are listed as excluded |
There are special cases, so travelers should use the official Navigator before departure. If your visa, K-ETA, residence card, passport type, or arrival airport creates an exception, the official site is the best place to confirm it.
K-ETA vs e-Arrival Card: Do Not Confuse Them
K-ETA and the Korea e-Arrival Card solve different problems. K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization for eligible visa-free travelers. The e-Arrival Card is an online entry declaration form. A traveler may need one, the other, or neither, depending on nationality, visa status, and residence status.
| Question | K-ETA | Korea e-Arrival Card |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Electronic Travel Authorization | Online arrival card / entry declaration |
| Who uses it? | Eligible visa-free travelers | Travelers required to submit an arrival card |
| Fee | KRW 10,000 plus online payment fee | Free |
| When to apply? | Before boarding, recommended at least 72 hours before departure | Within 3 days before arrival in Korea |
| Validity | Usually 3 years, unless passport expires earlier | 72 hours or until immigration inspection is completed |
| Arrival card exemption | Valid K-ETA holders are generally exempt | Required if you do not have an exemption |
For 2026, the official K-ETA website announced that the temporary K-ETA exemption period was extended until December 31, 2026 for currently exempt countries and regions. However, the same notice explains that travelers who want K-ETA benefits, such as not having to submit an arrival card, may still apply for K-ETA and pay the application fee.
If you are planning your Korea trip, also read our Korea K-ETA Application Guide 2026. It explains the K-ETA fee, validity, application process, and visa-free travel rules in more detail.
When Can You Submit the e-Arrival Card?
The official e-Arrival Card website says travelers can submit the form from 3 days before their scheduled arrival in Korea. This timing is based on Korea Standard Time, which is UTC+9.
| Situation | What to Do | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving in Korea soon | Submit within 3 days before arrival | Submitting too early before the accepted window |
| Flight date changes | Check and edit before immigration inspection | Forgetting to update travel itinerary |
| More than 72 hours passed after submission | Submit again if you have not entered Korea | Assuming the form remains valid indefinitely |
| Leaving Korea and returning later | Submit a new card for the next entry if required | Reusing a previous e-Arrival Card |
Do not wait until the last minute if your email provider is slow or your hotel address is not ready. The official website has posted notices about email delivery delays for some services, so it is better to submit after your flight and accommodation details are stable.
What You Need Before Applying
The e-Arrival Card form asks for travel and identity information. Prepare your passport, flight or ship details, stay address, and an email address before you start.
| Information | Example | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Name, nationality, date of birth, sex, passport number, expiration date | Enter it exactly as shown in your passport |
| Email address | Your active email account | The issue number is sent by email |
| Arrival information | Arrival date and flight or ship number | Use your final itinerary |
| Departure information | Departure date and flight or ship number | Some departure fields may be optional, but prepare them if available |
| Stay information | Hotel, residence, or host address in Korea | Use a real address and contact number |
| Purpose and occupation | Tourism, business, study, employment status | Answer accurately and consistently with your travel purpose |
Step-by-Step Application Guide
The official e-Arrival Card procedure is simple: agree to the terms, verify your email, enter passport information, enter travel information, review the form, and submit it.
- Go to the official website: Use www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr only.
- Choose individual or group submission: Individual submission is for small groups, while group submission is useful for travel agencies or larger parties.
- Verify your email: Use an email address you can access during travel.
- Enter passport information: Check spelling, passport number, nationality, and expiration date carefully.
- Enter travel itinerary: Add your arrival date, flight or ship number, stay address, contact information, and departure details if requested.
- Review before submitting: Incorrect information can cause delays or entry problems.
- Save the issue number: You do not normally need to print the e-Arrival Card, but knowing the issue number may help at immigration.
Individual vs Group e-Arrival Card
The official website supports both individual and group submissions. This is useful for families, school trips, tour groups, and travel agencies, but the limit differs by device.
| Submission Type | Who It Is For | Official Limit | Device Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual e-Arrival Card | Solo travelers, couples, families, small groups | 1 to 9 people | Available on PC and mobile web |
| Group e-Arrival Card | Group travelers or travel agencies | 2 or more people, up to 1,000 people | PC is recommended for large group submission |
| Mobile web submission | Travelers using a smartphone | Up to 9 people for bulk submission | Better for individual or family use |
If you are traveling with family members, check whether everyone has the same visa or K-ETA status. One traveler may need an e-Arrival Card while another traveler may be exempt.
How to Check or Edit Your e-Arrival Card
After submission, you can check or edit the card on the official website before immigration inspection if your purpose of entry, stay information, departure date, or other travel details change. You can use the issue number or email verification on the Check/Edit page.
| Change | Should You Edit? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel or stay address changed | Yes | Immigration needs accurate stay information |
| Arrival flight changed | Yes | Your arrival details should match your itinerary |
| Departure date changed | Yes, if the form allows or requires it | Departure information helps confirm your travel plan |
| Passport number entered incorrectly | Check immediately | Passport errors can cause immigration problems |
| More than 72 hours passed | Submit again if required | The e-Arrival Card automatically loses validity after 72 hours |
How to Avoid Fake e-Arrival Card Websites
The official e-Arrival Card website warns travelers about fake websites impersonating the service. The official service is free, and the only official website is www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
| Warning Sign | Why It Is Risky | Safer Action |
|---|---|---|
| The site asks for payment | The official e-Arrival Card is free | Close the page and use the official website |
| The domain is not e-arrivalcard.go.kr | It may be a fake or agency site | Type the official address manually |
| The site promises faster immigration approval | The e-Arrival Card is not a visa approval service | Do not pay for fake fast-track promises |
| The page asks for unnecessary card details | Payment details are not required for the free e-Arrival Card | Use only official Korean government websites |
| The design looks like an ad landing page | It may be designed to collect fees or personal data | Check the URL before entering passport information |
This warning is especially important because travelers often search “Korea e-Arrival Card official website” just before departure. If you are also applying for K-ETA, remember that the official K-ETA website is www.k-eta.go.kr, and K-ETA has a separate fee and review process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most e-Arrival Card problems come from timing, wrong passport details, wrong travel status, or using unofficial websites. Check the list below before you submit.
- Submitting the form more than 3 days before arrival in Korea
- Confusing K-ETA with the e-Arrival Card
- Assuming K-ETA-exempt means arrival-card-exempt
- Entering a nickname instead of the passport name
- Using an email account you cannot access while traveling
- Forgetting to update the form after changing hotel or flight details
- Paying a fake website even though the official e-Arrival Card is free
- Submitting one form for a group without checking each traveler’s visa or K-ETA status
After you finish arrival formalities, you may also want to plan airport transportation. Our Incheon Airport to Seoul Transportation Guide 2026 compares AREX, airport buses, taxis, and late-night options.
Recommended Korea Arrival Checklist
The e-Arrival Card is only one part of entering Korea smoothly. Use this checklist before you fly.
| Before Departure | What to Check | Helpful Link |
|---|---|---|
| Entry document | Visa, K-ETA, residence card, or e-Arrival Card requirement | Official e-Arrival Card Navigator |
| Mobile internet | SIM, eSIM, or roaming plan | Korea eSIM Guide for Travelers 2026 |
| Payment | Card, cash, transportation money, airport exchange plan | WOWPASS Korea Card Guide 2026 |
| Navigation | Naver Map, KakaoMap, translation, subway apps | Must Have Apps for Traveling in Korea 2026 |
| Airport transfer | AREX, airport bus, taxi, late-night route | Incheon Airport to Seoul Transportation Guide |
FAQ
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card mandatory in 2026?
For 2026 travel, you should assume you need to submit the Korea e-Arrival Card unless you clearly fall into an exemption group, such as holding a valid K-ETA or a valid Korean residence card. Some Korean embassy notices describe the e-Arrival Card as mandatory from 2026, while the official site provides the latest traveler-specific Navigator. Use the official Navigator before departure.
Is the Korea e-Arrival Card free?
Yes. The official e-Arrival Card website says the service is free. Any website asking for payment information for the e-Arrival Card is not the official service.
How early can I submit the Korea e-Arrival Card?
You can submit it within 3 days before your scheduled arrival in Korea, based on Korea Standard Time. If 72 hours pass after submission before you enter Korea, the card automatically loses validity.
Do K-ETA holders need the e-Arrival Card?
In general, no. The official e-Arrival Card website lists valid K-ETA holders as excluded from declaration. However, if you hold K-ETA but enter Korea with a visa, the official site says you need to complete the e-Arrival Card.
What if my country is temporarily exempt from K-ETA in 2026?
K-ETA exemption does not automatically mean e-Arrival Card exemption. The official K-ETA notice says the temporary exemption has been extended until December 31, 2026, and travelers who want K-ETA benefits such as not submitting an arrival card may still apply for K-ETA and pay the fee.
Do I need to print the e-Arrival Card?
The official website says you do not need to carry the e-Arrival Card for immigration inspection, but knowing the issue number can be helpful. Save the confirmation email or take a screenshot of the issue number.
Can I submit one e-Arrival Card for my family?
The official website supports individual submission for 1 to 9 people and group submission for larger groups. Still, each traveler should be checked separately because visa, K-ETA, age, nationality, and residence-card status can differ.
Final Takeaway
The Korea e-Arrival Card 2026 is simple, free, and useful if you are required to submit an arrival card before entering Korea. The key rules are easy to remember: use only www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr, submit within 3 days before arrival, prepare your passport and travel details, and do not pay fake websites.
If you already have a valid K-ETA or a valid Korean residence card, you may not need the e-Arrival Card. If you are K-ETA-exempt in 2026 but do not hold K-ETA approval, check the official Navigator carefully before your flight. Entry rules can be personal, so the safest answer is always the one confirmed by the official Korean government website for your exact travel status.