U.S. citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) — normally required for visa-free travelers — has been temporarily waived for Americans through the end of 2026 as a tourism promotion measure. Check before departure: if the waiver ends, the K-ETA costs ₩10,000 (~$7) and is valid for 3 years.
Do U.S. citizens need a K-ETA right now?
Under the current exemption, no — Americans fly to South Korea on just a valid passport. The waiver was introduced to boost tourism and is scheduled through December 2026. Korea's government reviews it annually, so verify status shortly before your flight.
Even during the waiver, you can still voluntarily obtain a K-ETA: holders skip filling out an arrival card, which speeds up immigration.
K-ETA quick facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | ₩10,000 (~$7 USD) |
| Validity | 3 years from approval |
| Max stay | 90 days per entry |
| Processing | Usually under 72 hours |
| Apply at | k-eta.go.kr (official only) |
Entry rules beyond the K-ETA
Full country details on our South Korea entry requirements page.
- Passport valid for duration of stay (6 months recommended — see the 6-month rule)
- Return/onward ticket may be requested at check-in or immigration
- 90-day limit per visit — no paid work allowed on tourist entry
- Q-Code health form: check whether currently required before departure
Apply online — skip the paperwork
iVisa handles visa and travel authorization applications online — document review, government submission, and delivery to your inbox.
How to apply for K-ETA (when required)
- Go to k-eta.go.kr — the only official site; avoid $50+ third-party lookalikes
- Enter passport data, upload a face photo, answer eligibility questions
- Pay ₩10,000 — approval usually within 24-72 hours
- Approval is linked to your passport number — no printout needed
How long can Americans stay in South Korea?
90 days per entry under visa-free rules. This is a top-searched question — the answer is the same whether or not the K-ETA waiver applies. Extensions require an application at a Korean immigration office before day 90, and are granted at officer discretion.
K-ETA: South Korea's Travel Authorization for U.S. Citizens — FAQ
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for South Korea in 2026?
Is the K-ETA still waived for Americans?
How long can a U.S. citizen stay in South Korea?
What passport validity does South Korea require?
How much does the K-ETA cost?
Country entry requirements
Related guides
Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.