Recent update: The K-ETA is still required for incoming tourists. Starting October 1, 2022 the PCR test upon arrival is no longer required. www.korea.net/NewsFocus/policies/view?articleId=221972 FAQ: Many people have asked if they need a K-ETA or how to obtain one if they are just transiting through Korea. I sent an email to the K-ETA "ask us" page, and here is the official answer I received: K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval. If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
@@lingling7799 The Q-code is optional. It was hard to find updated info about this, but according to U.S. Embassy in Korea "Travelers are encouraged to register their travel and health information through the Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) system BEFORE traveling to Korea in order to streamline the airport arrival process." It looks like the page was updated recently. kr.usembassy.gov/022420-covid-19-information/
This helped me so so much it was the clearest video and most direct! Thank you for making it so much! I would love to see more videos from you on the best places to go :)
Thank you for the feedback! I will definitely be making videos about the best places to go. Just went to Dongdaemun Design Plaza yesterday, and it was so cool!
What if the airbnb host does not have any number on the profile and I even ask her, she does not want to give it ? She says she only text through airbnb app.
Thanks Lidia. Very helpful. I have my K-Eta approved. I am not very tech savvy. You said you would give the link for the Q code. But I don't know where to find it. Thanks so much!
Glad you found this helpful! The link is in the description box. If you are watching on a computer, you will look at the description below the video and click on "show more." If you're watching on a mobile device, you will see a little downward pointing arrow to the right side of the title of the video. That will open up the description box, then you can click where it says "...more" to expand the description box.
I’m going to Korea In 2 weeks Nov.17 ..you said we still need to take the covid test when we arrive .I’m a fully vax and one shot of booster …and yes the K-ETA was easy but the find postal code gives me a little problem ..as off today my K-ETA application was approved 👏
I need a fast answer-- K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry into the Republic of Korea. Final entry approval will be determined according to the immigration inspection carried out by the immigration officer." Who is this officer
Hey Lidia! Thanks for the video, it really helped to clarify to me what the website meant by 'Korean Address and contact number.' My friends and I are planning to stay in multiple Airbnbs and hotels during our trip though so I was wondering if you'd have any advice on what to put down on the KETA application? Do I just put down the address and contact deets of the first Airbnb? :)
Hi Lidia! This K-ETA video was beyond helpful. Thank you! Do you have a video about applying for the Q-Code? Heading to Korea in a week with our family of 4. I wonder if I need to complete a separate Q-Code application for each family member, or does the Q-Code application have an "Add Member" section like the K-ETA application did?
Glad you found the video helpful! It's been awhile since I filled out the Q-Code application. I believe I had to do two separate applications for my daughter and myself. The Q-code application isn't difficult, especially now that you don't have to input COVID results before you fly. It just takes time to fill out all the info, but it is pretty straightforward from what I remember. I hope you enjoy your trip!
Dear Lidia. Thank you for the video. Super helpful. Do I need to up load the bio page of my passport AND a recent photo of myself, or just one of these options. Your help is appreciated.
@Lidia Explores Of course you know that the K-ETA application requires a photo no larger than 100kb. How did you accomplish that: by selfie or someone taking your photo & how did you resize the photo? After resizing, how did you upload the photo to the K-ETA application? Please reply cuz I need this info ASAP!!!
I took a selfie and emailed it to myself through the Fast Scanner app so I could choose what size I wanted the file to be. I didn't need to resize the photo. The website automatically resized it to the specifications when I uploaded the photo. If you do need to resize, there are tons of websites that resize images for free. It just takes a quick Google search.
Thanks for all the information. Are there anymore updates for November? It has all been changing so rapidly in these past few months and it is nearly impossible to keep up.
You no longer need a PCR test when you land. No COVID tests are required at all now. You just need to fill out your K-ETA and get it approved before you take your flight. From what I've seen, the Q-code is still in operation, but it is optional.
Hi, I've booked a hotel but I am confused by the K-ETA request for postal code, as there is no 5 digit number in hotel address. Inputting street name just pulls up thousands of possible addresses. Inputting address + street name gave me no matches. Is there a trick I am missing?
Too many vague information. I just cancelled my flight and I’m glad my airline ticket is fully refundable. The 24 PCR test confused me like 24hrs departure from your Country going to Korea or arrival in Korea. Las Vegas - Los Angeles - Seoul is 20hrs (6hrs layover in LA) so that means i need to get a PCR test 3hr before my departure flight in Las Vegas?. None of the TH-camrs knows how to answer this question. All arriving passengers are required to take a PCR test within one day after arrival regardless of vaccination or age, and must upload the results into the Q-Code System…
@@lasvegasnevada7514 Glad your ticket is refundable. I hope you will consider traveling to Korea in the future! It is a beautiful country. You don't have to take a PCR to get into Korea. You just need to take one at the airport when you arrive.
@@LidiaExplores Yes! Thank you…it reduces my stress. However, my plane ticket cancellations became a blessing in disguise so I can rebook again today to my desired departure time in Las Vegas and arrival time in Korea. God bless you Lidia 😇
Thanks for the Video! I got a question about the Contact informations. I'm staying at an Airbnb, therefore I don't have a contact number of the person who rents out their apartment. Do I need to ask the host for a contact informatione? Or do you have an Idea how it works?
this was a fantastic video! i just have a few questions 😅. i read online that the k-eta is valid for 2 years. im assuming the limit of stay in korea is 90 days, so does that mean you can leave the country for a few days in order to renew it and have another 90 days? or do you need to apply for a new one? i’ve googled and googled but can’t find an answer.
Thanks! Yes, the limit of stay is 90 days for US citizens. It varies by country of citizenship. I have heard of people leaving and reentering to extend their stay, but I don't have any experience with that myself. The K-ETA would still be valid though since it's good for two years.
Thank you for such an informative video! So the photo i need to uploud does not have to be professinal taken or the same photo as the passport photo? I can just as you did. Take a photo with my phone and uploud id?
It does not need to be professional. It needs to be recent (within the past six months). It doesn't have to be your passport photo. As long as you follow the guidelines, a photo from your phone works fine.
Hello! Thank you for this helpful video. I’m going in October and completed the KETA and got approved quickly. The part I’m kinda confused is the testing… do I need to get tested at the airport? I looked at its 80000won right? Or will they not let me leave until I get a negative test? 😅also do you need a Korean phone number to do the QR code?
It is recommended to get tested at the airport, but you can also get tested elsewhere. It just has to be done within 24 hours of arrival. I think it's easiest to get tested at the airport and just get it over. It is 80,000 won. You don't have to wait on your test results to leave the airport. I left in a taxi right after getting my PCR test done, and I was notified by email a few hours later. You don't need a Korean number to do the Q-code. They might ask you for the number of where you're staying (I can't remember now), but you don't have to have a Korean number yourself. They will email you the QR code.
Hello! FAQ: Many people have asked if they need a K-ETA or how to obtain one if they are just transiting through Korea. I sent an email to the K-ETA "ask us" page, and here is the official answer I received: K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval. If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
Hello! I’m planning on surprising my mom with a trip to Seoul next year. A few questions, once I book the tickets and the air bnb am I able to apply for the K-ETA for both of us a few months before departure or do I have to wait to closer to departure? Also do you still need a Covid test at Incheon if you are fully vaccinated? And if so, how much does it cost? Thanks a bunch! This will be our first time so I just wanna have all the info I need in advance. Btw we will be traveling from the US 😊
Hello! Thank you so much for the informative video! I downloaded the fast scanner app and worked! Now I have to change the pixels of my photo (took on a I phone) since it is too large and have to be less than 700 * 700. Do you have any suggestions on how? How was your process? Also, does the less than 100kb mean file size or resulting size of the photo?
Did you try uploading the photo into the K-ETA application and it wouldn't work? When I uploaded my photo into the application, it automatically resized the photo to fit the specifications. I believe the 100KB they are referring to is the file size.
@@LidiaExplores Thank you for replying! I want to upload the photo but I'm afraid my application will get denied because of the pixels. I've heard from others that they gotten denied because of this reason. I know through the app it automatically resized the photo but I wasn't sure if that works the same for the website.
@@PrettyPrinceJin Yes, on the website it automatically resizes the photo too. As long as the file size is correct and the picture is clear and looks like what they're asking for, I would say just go for it.
I have a flight from manila-korea-vancouver do i need to register in K-ETA ?..i need a to stay in the airport for 13 hrs for my next flight to vancouver....thank you
This was such a helpful video. I appreciated you attention to all the details. There are many things that I would not have had any idea about. One question I do have- You said that once I get my negative PCR results that I should upload them into the same website. Which website is that- is it the one where I get my QR Code?
You don't have to take a PCR test anymore. You just need to do the K-ETA and the Q-code form. You won't have to worry about uploading anything else after you arrive.
Hi Lidia, i have a question regarding birth of place. I was born in UK, but my nationality/ citizen is Malaysia. But in the drop down for birth of place has multiple choice of UK ( eg: UK British citizen, UK overseas citizen etc) and none of them did not match my birth of place. So how do i put my birth of place? Hope my question is clear.
Hi! Thanks so much for making this video. I'm very nervous because I have plans that night after I land in incheon. If I get my PCR test done the day before my departure flight from Japan does that count? If not, how long does it take for them to process the test results at the airport? I'm concerned that the test will take forever (ive taken them in the US and the results came 2 days later...) and I'm going to miss my appointment. Thanks!
Hi, there is one section that asked for our korean contact number. In this case, do we include the contact number for the hotel that we are staying in or we would need to buy a new korean SIM card?
hello, I have an 11 hour layover at Seoul Incheon International Airport, If I want to leave the airport to see Seoul for a few hours is this the VISA I need? I have a USA passport.
Great explanation! I visited Korea last July 2022 and struggled through all of this. I and now my husband will be revisiting Korea in May. Just would like confirmation...I still have my K-ETA form which indicates it is good to 2025. Do I have update this? Still going to stay at the same place with the same phone number. (my son's home). My husband will have apply for his as I likely can not add him to mine since it was applied for last summer. Happy that we do not have to have Covid testing. But a bit confused about still needed to do the Q-Code. Can we do that ahead of time...before we leave. I believe I had done this paperwork ahead of time on line last year (and also my covid testing just before flying). Thanks kindly!
He should double check to see if he needs one. I read that the K-ETA requirement is temporarily waived for certain nationalities until next year. If you still have yours and it's not expired, you wouldn't need to reapply. Filling out the Q-code ahead of time isn't mandatory. It did save me time in August of 2022 when I flew in, but my family flew in a couple months later and didn't do the Q-code ahead of time. They said it wasn't a big deal to fill out the paperwork at the airport. The requirements aren't as strict now, so I think it's up to you how you want to do it.
I just made the application and the payment, but in the application the last name appears first and then the first name? I don't know if it's like that for everyone or I made a mistake?
Thank you for the great information. I have already been to Korea twice and my K-ETA is good for 2 years. Do I need a new one each time I travel, or will my application from my trip a few months ago still allow me into Korea?
The directions do not specify, but in the example photos, all the backgrounds are white. I do not have a white wall in my house, but the walls are still a light color (cream-colored). I sent the photo that way and it was accepted. You can see my photo in the video.
hi lidia, my mom has a us green card but she has a korean passport i was wondering what continent and nationally she would need to put either korea or usa
Hi Grace. You can double check and send an email through the "ask us" page on the K-ETA website, but if she's a citizen of Korea, I don't imagine she'd need a K-ETA. The K-ETA is only for foreign nationals entering Korea.
Hi im not sure if you'll be able to help but I've entered purpose of entry as 'visit' as I'm just going there on vacation, however on the final process is says I've entered 'visiting relative' which I'm not I'm just going for tourism
Hi Lidia. If we are flying into ICN aiport for layover, staying at the airport and not checking out into a hotel there, what zip code and address and phone number do we use? If we do check into an airport hotel there, not sure which hotel or date since the flight is standby. Once we leave the flight, we will book the hotel at the last second. How does this work as far as putting postal code and phone number?
FAQ: Many people have asked if they need a K-ETA or how to obtain one if they are just transiting through Korea. I sent an email to the K-ETA "ask us" page, and here is the official answer I received: K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval. If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
Lidia this is very helpful thank you! By any chance do you know what to do when staying in more than one place during the travel? Which address and contact should I put? The only thin I found in the rules is that you should put your main address, but in my case for example I will be changing accommodation every 2-4 days or so during my trip so I don't know what to do...
@@LidiaExplores thank you! One more question: if I buy one of those prepaid sim card with a korean number can I put that into the k-eta or do I need to put the one of my accommodation anyways?
@@ottaviagiano2823 I believe they want the number of where you're staying so that they can call to verify your booking with the host or hotel if they need to.
Hi there! Thank you so much your video, it helps a lot to understand everything. How much ahead of time can I apply for the K-ETA? Can I apply 1-2months before my trip to South Korea?
I searched for the address to the AirBNB I'm staying at but it is not pulling up on the list of addresses. All I know is the building is pretty new, built maybe this year or last year, so maybe K-ETA does not have it in their database. I'm not sure what to do now and my flight is in 7 days. Can I just type NONE underneath or I can only type that if I have already entered an address?
Hi Lidia! For the address space, I put the zip code and it found it, but the K-ETA has a space below the "find postal code" button where we can write more details for the address. What do we write in that blank white space or is it optional to put fill that out?
@@LidiaExplores Thanks for your prompt reply ! I will apply soon as I am going in a couple of weeks but glad to hear it could be just a few hours to be approved
@@kam6420 You're welcome! They do recommend applying 72 hours in advance. I have had some people tell me that their application took 72 hours to be approved and others, like me, had their results back in just a few hours.
I'm taking a trip to Vietnam from las vegas, USA in February. my connecting flight is in south Korea. do I still need an ETA for south Korea if I'm not leaving the airport in south Korea??
The official answer is "K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval."
I'm not sure what the issue is. You can try again with the same card and double check to make sure there are no typos. If that doesn't work, you can try using a different card. If neither of those options work, reach out to the K-ETA "ask us" page. www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewemailcontact.do
Hi Lidia. Very helpful video. Thank you. By the way, how do we handle children's K-ETA. Do we do a separate application using same email address as parent?
hello i have a few questions need to be before i apply. Q1 book the hotel first, than apply K-ETA, after that book the flight? Q2 Can i apply just apply K-ETA for now and book hotel and flight later. i plan on going on summer of 2023-
The K-ETA requires the information of where you'll be staying in Korea, so you will need to know that before you apply. You don't need to provide your flight info, but it will ask you for your accommodation info.
Aloha Lidia! I've uploaded our picture to K-ETA app however it didn't show the name of the file and the size of the file on keta like yours did. It just moves on to payment or add members. what should I do?
The app interface must look a bit different. If it lets you move on, that means it uploaded. It wouldn't let you go onto the next screen unless your photo had uploaded, so it sounds like you're good to go.
Hello I am only coming for a layover and would like to do a transit tour not sure what address or phone number to use. Confused on what’s the correct way to go about this. Any ideas ?
Hi, Lidia, thanks a lot for the video. When I pass the immigration, do I have to KETA approval paper. Do I have to print it out? I don't receive the approval email, I just check the result in the web.
I was only asked for my K-ETA at my home country airport when I got my boarding pass. Immigration did not ask for it. You should have a screenshot or have it printed out.
Honestly none of the web site work for me so i got the app really wierd is there a way to make sure i got the right app that aprroved by the korean goverment ? Note: thank you for the video mich love ❤❤❤❤ your a god send
I used the website to apply, so I don't have experience with the app. Just make sure when you read the description, it says it's the official Republic of Korea government app. Good luck!
Oh no! That is so frustrating. Can you reapply or try applying for a visa instead? I found this info: overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761484&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&multi_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=
They didn't ask for it in the K-ETA. However, they could ask you to show proof of a return/onward flight when you go through immigration at the airport.
Hi Lidia! Can I apply the K-ETA for my husband and 4 children (22, 19, 15 and 13 years old) in just one form via Add accompanying person and choose Family as Relation for each of them?
The Philippines is not listed as one of the K-ETA eligible countries. From what I have read, Filipinos need to apply for a Korean visa through the Korean embassy. overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/index.do
Hi Lidia - Hoping you can answer this question: I will be traveling to Southeast Asia in November and on my return flight back to the USA, I have a 16 hour layover. I plan on exiting Incheon Airport to do a day tour as I've done once before pre-COVID, but now that the K-ETA has been implemented I wasn't sure about a couple of things when applying. Since I will only be in South Korea for several hours I will not be booking a hotel, nor will I have a Korean phone #. I've looked everywhere online and can't find anything for traveler's in my situation and was wondering if you had any info for "layover tourists" that would be great!
That's a great question. Right now they want you to wait at your accommodation until you receive your negative PCR result (which takes around 6 hours if I remember correctly). I'm not sure what they would advise in your situation. Your best bet would be to ask them your question directly using the "ask us" page of the official K-ETA website. www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewemailcontact.do When you do get an official answer, let us know! I'm sure other people have the same question.
I emailed the K-ETA "ask us" page, and I got an official answer to your question. Here it is: K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval. If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
@@snehalohia8622 Here is the official answer I received: K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval. If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
Recent update: The K-ETA is still required for incoming tourists. Starting October 1, 2022 the PCR test upon arrival is no longer required. www.korea.net/NewsFocus/policies/view?articleId=221972
FAQ: Many people have asked if they need a K-ETA or how to obtain one if they are just transiting through Korea. I sent an email to the K-ETA "ask us" page, and here is the official answer I received:
K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval.
If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
Does this mean that we don't need the Q-Code?
@@lingling7799 The Q-code is optional. It was hard to find updated info about this, but according to U.S. Embassy in Korea "Travelers are encouraged to register their travel and health information through the Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) system BEFORE traveling to Korea in order to streamline the airport arrival process." It looks like the page was updated recently. kr.usembassy.gov/022420-covid-19-information/
If I'm not leaving the airport I should be fine? I only have a 3 hour layover in Korea.
@@motivationg9105 Have you found out?
@@LidiaExplores Hi Lidia, what if one is only staying in the airport for 3 hours and transiting to Philipines? Are luggage auto transited too?
I was afraid the k-eta process would be difficult but I'm glad to see this should be an easy process
Yes, it's definitely manageable. Good luck!
K-ETA: so complicated, so difficult, not clear and not at all didactic...excellent strategy to discourage tourists!
They did recently exempt certain nationalities from having to apply. Not sure why they did that, but it will definitely help those people out.
This helped me so so much it was the clearest video and most direct! Thank you for making it so much! I would love to see more videos from you on the best places to go :)
Thank you for the feedback! I will definitely be making videos about the best places to go. Just went to Dongdaemun Design Plaza yesterday, and it was so cool!
Thank you for this video! It was helpful and guided me every step of the way. The approval of my mom's application took 2 hours🙂
That's great! Glad you found the video helpful.
Did you apply on a weekday or a weekend? Am nervous about applying for mine haha
@@licentiousfallacies Me too. Just did mine for Nov 11 arrival.
Thank you so much Lidia for your clear and thorough tutorial on both K-ETA and Q-code for travelling South Korea!
Thank you for the feedback. Glad you found it helpful!
Soooo helpful! Thank you very much for putting in the time to help us.
You're welcome! Happy to help!
You are a life saver…Im always pretty frustrated when it comes to compressed photos to submit.
Glad I could help!
Thank you for incredibly helpful video!! Really appreciate the photos for locations and wonderful step by step process!!
I'm glad I could help! Hope you enjoy Korea!
What if the airbnb host does not have any number on the profile and I even ask her, she does not want to give it ? She says she only text through airbnb app.
Thank you so much for all the information! Looking forward to see more of your videos in Korea❤️
Thanks! There are definitely a lot more Korea videos coming!
thank you!! it helped me sm, just got my k-eta approved, so happy 😊
That's awesome. Congrats! Enjoy your trip!
Thank you so much. Your video was very helpful. Got my approval yesterday. 😊
Congrats! Enjoy your trip!
I’m going to Korea in December so I still need to do the q-code? I saw that we no longer need to take a COVID test anymore thank you for the video
The q-code is optional. My family didn't do it when they came to visit recently, and they had no issues.
This helped me. I'm coming in June and staying the month. This was very helpful! Thank you!
Glad I could help. Enjoy your trip! Korea is a wonderful country.
Thanks Lidia. Very helpful. I have my K-Eta approved. I am not very tech savvy. You said you would give the link for the Q code. But I don't know where to find it. Thanks so much!
Glad you found this helpful! The link is in the description box. If you are watching on a computer, you will look at the description below the video and click on "show more." If you're watching on a mobile device, you will see a little downward pointing arrow to the right side of the title of the video. That will open up the description box, then you can click where it says "...more" to expand the description box.
@@LidiaExplores thank you!
Thank you this was super helpful. I got my forms filled out quickly and easily. 😊
Awesome. Glad I could help! Enjoy your trip.
I’m going to Korea In 2 weeks Nov.17 ..you said we still need to take the covid test when we arrive .I’m a fully vax and one shot of booster …and yes the K-ETA was easy but the find postal code gives me a little problem ..as off today my K-ETA application was approved 👏
Glad you got approved! The COVID test is no longer required. If you've got your K-ETA, you're good to go. Enjoy your trip!
@@LidiaExplores thank you
Excellent video!!! I try and it works! Thanks
Thank you! Enjoy your trip.
this is very clear. thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
My goodness, this is a very useful video! Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
You are an absolute lifesaver!!
Glad to hear it!
Thank you for sharing. This is helpful for our future trip to seoul in April:)
Hi! Just saw this comment. Hope you had a wonderful trip!
Thank you so much! Super informative!
Happy to help!
I need a fast answer-- K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry into the Republic of Korea. Final entry approval will be determined according to the immigration inspection carried out by the immigration officer."
Who is this officer
This is referring to the officer who will check your passport once you land in Korea and go through customs.
@@LidiaExplores thanks!
Hey Lidia! Thanks for the video, it really helped to clarify to me what the website meant by 'Korean Address and contact number.' My friends and I are planning to stay in multiple Airbnbs and hotels during our trip though so I was wondering if you'd have any advice on what to put down on the KETA application? Do I just put down the address and contact deets of the first Airbnb? :)
Hi! Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but you only need to put down the first address.
I am traveling with my family but we may travel separately, can we apply separately?
Thanks a lot!! Very helpful and clearly worded :)
Thank you. Glad I could help!
Good information: It's 2025, does Seoul Korea require a Covid-19 test? I arrive in a week.
Hi Lidia! This K-ETA video was beyond helpful. Thank you! Do you have a video about applying for the Q-Code? Heading to Korea in a week with our family of 4. I wonder if I need to complete a separate Q-Code application for each family member, or does the Q-Code application have an "Add Member" section like the K-ETA application did?
Glad you found the video helpful! It's been awhile since I filled out the Q-Code application. I believe I had to do two separate applications for my daughter and myself. The Q-code application isn't difficult, especially now that you don't have to input COVID results before you fly. It just takes time to fill out all the info, but it is pretty straightforward from what I remember. I hope you enjoy your trip!
Great video as I will be visiting soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome! Enjoy your stay in Korea!
The payment screen always times out for me and I've tried on phone and computer w/multiple browsers.
What if you are visiting a friend, do you still need to book for accommodation
Your info was helpful. But this is waaaaay more frustrating than I expected! Address, zips are so different
Yes, the addresses are formatted differently. It took me awhile to find mine.
Great video. Thank you so much for this
Happy to help!
We will be on a cruise ship. What can I enter for an address? Doing a tour--use one of the addresses of the parks or temples??
Dear Lidia. Thank you for the video. Super helpful. Do I need to up load the bio page of my passport AND a recent photo of myself, or just one of these options. Your help is appreciated.
Glad you found it helpful. Both are required for the application.
Really helpful! thanks.
@Lidia Explores Of course you know that the K-ETA application requires a photo no larger than 100kb. How did you accomplish that: by selfie or someone taking your photo & how did you resize the photo? After resizing, how did you upload the photo to the K-ETA application? Please reply cuz I need this info ASAP!!!
I took a selfie and emailed it to myself through the Fast Scanner app so I could choose what size I wanted the file to be. I didn't need to resize the photo. The website automatically resized it to the specifications when I uploaded the photo. If you do need to resize, there are tons of websites that resize images for free. It just takes a quick Google search.
Thanks for all the information. Are there anymore updates for November? It has all been changing so rapidly in these past few months and it is nearly impossible to keep up.
You no longer need a PCR test when you land. No COVID tests are required at all now. You just need to fill out your K-ETA and get it approved before you take your flight. From what I've seen, the Q-code is still in operation, but it is optional.
Después de la pandemia ellos pusieron la keta difícil el procedimiento y se lleva horas en llenarlo.
Hi, I've booked a hotel but I am confused by the K-ETA request for postal code, as there is no 5 digit number in hotel address. Inputting street name just pulls up thousands of possible addresses. Inputting address + street name gave me no matches. Is there a trick I am missing?
Hi Lidia ,can you do fill a form Qr code thank you very much
Ok...Korea may be on my bucket list of places to visit.
Yes!!! Korea is such an awesome travel destination.
@@Ysmaqa I want to go everywhere! I guess that makes me somewhere in the middle. 😉
Too many vague information. I just cancelled my flight and I’m glad my airline ticket is fully refundable. The 24 PCR test confused me like 24hrs departure from your Country going to Korea or arrival in Korea. Las Vegas - Los Angeles - Seoul is 20hrs (6hrs layover in LA) so that means i need to get a PCR test 3hr before my departure flight in Las Vegas?. None of the TH-camrs knows how to answer this question. All arriving passengers are required to take a PCR test within one day after arrival regardless of vaccination or age, and must upload the results into the Q-Code System…
@@lasvegasnevada7514 Glad your ticket is refundable. I hope you will consider traveling to Korea in the future! It is a beautiful country. You don't have to take a PCR to get into Korea. You just need to take one at the airport when you arrive.
@@LidiaExplores Yes! Thank you…it reduces my stress. However, my plane ticket cancellations became a blessing in disguise so I can rebook again today to my desired departure time in Las Vegas and arrival time in Korea. God bless you Lidia 😇
Thanks for the Video!
I got a question about the Contact informations. I'm staying at an Airbnb, therefore I don't have a contact number of the person who rents out their apartment.
Do I need to ask the host for a contact informatione? Or do you have an Idea how it works?
this was a fantastic video! i just have a few questions 😅. i read online that the k-eta is valid for 2 years. im assuming the limit of stay in korea is 90 days, so does that mean you can leave the country for a few days in order to renew it and have another 90 days? or do you need to apply for a new one? i’ve googled and googled but can’t find an answer.
Thanks! Yes, the limit of stay is 90 days for US citizens. It varies by country of citizenship. I have heard of people leaving and reentering to extend their stay, but I don't have any experience with that myself. The K-ETA would still be valid though since it's good for two years.
Thank you for the video. If I "save temporarily" how can I reach my saved information?
Thank you! super helpful!
Glad I could help!
Do they give you a qr code or just the email and paper you passed?
The K-ETA website is unstable and difficult, especially when trying to enter a Korean address
Thank you for such an informative video! So the photo i need to uploud does not have to be professinal taken or the same photo as the passport photo? I can just as you did. Take a photo with my phone and uploud id?
It does not need to be professional. It needs to be recent (within the past six months). It doesn't have to be your passport photo. As long as you follow the guidelines, a photo from your phone works fine.
Thank you! So helpful!!!
Thanks!
Hello! Thank you for this helpful video. I’m going in October and completed the KETA and got approved quickly. The part I’m kinda confused is the testing… do I need to get tested at the airport? I looked at its 80000won right? Or will they not let me leave until I get a negative test? 😅also do you need a Korean phone number to do the QR code?
It is recommended to get tested at the airport, but you can also get tested elsewhere. It just has to be done within 24 hours of arrival. I think it's easiest to get tested at the airport and just get it over. It is 80,000 won. You don't have to wait on your test results to leave the airport. I left in a taxi right after getting my PCR test done, and I was notified by email a few hours later. You don't need a Korean number to do the Q-code. They might ask you for the number of where you're staying (I can't remember now), but you don't have to have a Korean number yourself. They will email you the QR code.
Hey question we’re able to find your address?
Hi will have long layover in Korea and required for k eta but they asked for address for stay. What should I put? Only go for free transit tour.
Hello!
FAQ: Many people have asked if they need a K-ETA or how to obtain one if they are just transiting through Korea. I sent an email to the K-ETA "ask us" page, and here is the official answer I received:
K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval.
If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
thank you so much! heading in July but would it be better for me to apply now? to get it done? I have my airbnb booked
Yes, you can apply. Enjoy your trip!
Hello! I’m planning on surprising my mom with a trip to Seoul next year. A few questions, once I book the tickets and the air bnb am I able to apply for the K-ETA for both of us a few months before departure or do I have to wait to closer to departure? Also do you still need a Covid test at Incheon if you are fully vaccinated? And if so, how much does it cost? Thanks a bunch! This will be our first time so I just wanna have all the info I need in advance. Btw we will be traveling from the US 😊
There is no exact timeline of when you're allowed to apply. The COVID tests are no longer required. Hope you have fun on your trip!
@@LidiaExplores thank you so much!
Hello! Thank you so much for the informative video! I downloaded the fast scanner app and worked! Now I have to change the pixels of my photo (took on a I phone) since it is too large and have to be less than 700 * 700. Do you have any suggestions on how? How was your process? Also, does the less than 100kb mean file size or resulting size of the photo?
Did you try uploading the photo into the K-ETA application and it wouldn't work? When I uploaded my photo into the application, it automatically resized the photo to fit the specifications. I believe the 100KB they are referring to is the file size.
@@LidiaExplores Thank you for replying! I want to upload the photo but I'm afraid my application will get denied because of the pixels. I've heard from others that they gotten denied because of this reason. I know through the app it automatically resized the photo but I wasn't sure if that works the same for the website.
@@PrettyPrinceJin Yes, on the website it automatically resizes the photo too. As long as the file size is correct and the picture is clear and looks like what they're asking for, I would say just go for it.
I have a flight from manila-korea-vancouver do i need to register in K-ETA ?..i need a to stay in the airport for 13 hrs for my next flight to vancouver....thank you
This was such a helpful video. I appreciated you attention to all the details. There are many things that I would not have had any idea about. One question I do have- You said that once I get my negative PCR results that I should upload them into the same website. Which website is that- is it the one where I get my QR Code?
You don't have to take a PCR test anymore. You just need to do the K-ETA and the Q-code form. You won't have to worry about uploading anything else after you arrive.
Hi Lidia, i have a question regarding birth of place. I was born in UK, but my nationality/ citizen is Malaysia. But in the drop down for birth of place has multiple choice of UK ( eg: UK British citizen, UK overseas citizen etc) and none of them did not match my birth of place. So how do i put my birth of place? Hope my question is clear.
Hi! Thanks so much for making this video. I'm very nervous because I have plans that night after I land in incheon. If I get my PCR test done the day before my departure flight from Japan does that count? If not, how long does it take for them to process the test results at the airport? I'm concerned that the test will take forever (ive taken them in the US and the results came 2 days later...) and I'm going to miss my appointment. Thanks!
You're welcome! The PCR requirement was lifted in October of 2022. Unless you're entering from China, you won't need to do a PCR.
I am travelling with Korean Air, from India to Toronto, and i have a layover of 4 hours at Seoul. Would I need a Transit Visa or K-ETA?
Hi, there is one section that asked for our korean contact number. In this case, do we include the contact number for the hotel that we are staying in or we would need to buy a new korean SIM card?
You just include the contact number for your hotel.
Omg I’ve never heard of this! Thanks for the info. I’m assuming it’s a new thing because I never did it the times that I came to Korea before.
Yep, this is pretty new! They implemented it in September of 2021.
hello, I have an 11 hour layover at Seoul Incheon International Airport, If I want to leave the airport to see Seoul for a few hours is this the VISA I need? I have a USA passport.
Question what about if your moving while your there
Great explanation! I visited Korea last July 2022 and struggled through all of this. I and now my husband will be revisiting Korea in May. Just would like confirmation...I still have my K-ETA form which indicates it is good to 2025. Do I have update this? Still going to stay at the same place with the same phone number. (my son's home). My husband will have apply for his as I likely can not add him to mine since it was applied for last summer. Happy that we do not have to have Covid testing. But a bit confused about still needed to do the Q-Code. Can we do that ahead of time...before we leave. I believe I had done this paperwork ahead of time on line last year (and also my covid testing just before flying). Thanks kindly!
He should double check to see if he needs one. I read that the K-ETA requirement is temporarily waived for certain nationalities until next year. If you still have yours and it's not expired, you wouldn't need to reapply. Filling out the Q-code ahead of time isn't mandatory. It did save me time in August of 2022 when I flew in, but my family flew in a couple months later and didn't do the Q-code ahead of time. They said it wasn't a big deal to fill out the paperwork at the airport. The requirements aren't as strict now, so I think it's up to you how you want to do it.
@@LidiaExplores Thank you for responding! Seems like things have lightened up! Yeah!
@@lindacrawford5252 Yes, they have! Enjoy your trip!
Hi mam yesterday i applied for my guest Kuwaiti National K-ETA status is showing
Under Assessment
Hi Lidia, my girlfriends ETA was denied,can we apply again? And do you have to actually have a booking for a hotel in Korea?
Great video
I just made the application and the payment, but in the application the last name appears first and then the first name? I don't know if it's like that for everyone or I made a mistake?
Thank you for the great information. I have already been to Korea twice and my K-ETA is good for 2 years. Do I need a new one each time I travel, or will my application from my trip a few months ago still allow me into Korea?
As long as your K-ETA is not expired, you don't need a new one!
Hi. For the portrait picture, is it have to be white background?
The directions do not specify, but in the example photos, all the backgrounds are white. I do not have a white wall in my house, but the walls are still a light color (cream-colored). I sent the photo that way and it was accepted. You can see my photo in the video.
I have problems with the payment, i tried with 3 different cards and the page declines, what can i do in that case ??
Hi please help
they ask to enter the credit card password 2 numbers and I don’t know which numbers are exactly please help me .
hi lidia, my mom has a us green card but she has a korean passport i was wondering what continent and nationally she would need to put either korea or usa
Hi Grace. You can double check and send an email through the "ask us" page on the K-ETA website, but if she's a citizen of Korea, I don't imagine she'd need a K-ETA. The K-ETA is only for foreign nationals entering Korea.
Hi im not sure if you'll be able to help but I've entered purpose of entry as 'visit' as I'm just going there on vacation, however on the final process is says I've entered 'visiting relative' which I'm not I'm just going for tourism
Did you figure this out? I'm not sure why it would be doing that. "Visit" is the appropriate selection if you're just going there on vacation.
Can you please help me?? I’m started my K-eta Zi save it, I’m unable to retrieve it
THANKS LIDIA BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FAILED PAYMENT IAM JUST GETTING SICK BECAUSE OF THAT
Have you contacted the K-ETA center directly? They should respond quickly.
Hi Lidia. If we are flying into ICN aiport for layover, staying at the airport and not checking out into a hotel there, what zip code and address and phone number do we use? If we do check into an airport hotel there, not sure which hotel or date since the flight is standby. Once we leave the flight, we will book the hotel at the last second. How does this work as far as putting postal code and phone number?
FAQ: Many people have asked if they need a K-ETA or how to obtain one if they are just transiting through Korea. I sent an email to the K-ETA "ask us" page, and here is the official answer I received:
K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval.
If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
Lidia this is very helpful thank you! By any chance do you know what to do when staying in more than one place during the travel? Which address and contact should I put? The only thin I found in the rules is that you should put your main address, but in my case for example I will be changing accommodation every 2-4 days or so during my trip so I don't know what to do...
Glad you found the video helpful! I believe you put your first address on there.
@@LidiaExplores thank you! One more question: if I buy one of those prepaid sim card with a korean number can I put that into the k-eta or do I need to put the one of my accommodation anyways?
@@ottaviagiano2823 I believe they want the number of where you're staying so that they can call to verify your booking with the host or hotel if they need to.
@@LidiaExplores right, that makes sense. Thank you Lidia!
Hi there! Thank you so much your video, it helps a lot to understand everything. How much ahead of time can I apply for the K-ETA? Can I apply 1-2months before my trip to South Korea?
Yes, you can apply further in advance if you prefer.
I searched for the address to the AirBNB I'm staying at but it is not pulling up on the list of addresses. All I know is the building is pretty new, built maybe this year or last year, so maybe K-ETA does not have it in their database. I'm not sure what to do now and my flight is in 7 days. Can I just type NONE underneath or I can only type that if I have already entered an address?
I found it, I was looking for "gil" in the address and the place Im staying at doesnt have gil. Thank you for the walk-through :)
Oh that's great. So glad you found it! Mine took a few tries to pull up as well.
How big does the picture have to be
Hi Lidia! For the address space, I put the zip code and it found it, but the K-ETA has a space below the "find postal code" button where we can write more details for the address. What do we write in that blank white space or is it optional to put fill that out?
You can write "NONE" in that box.
@@LidiaExplores I see, I put the postal code again and country. Should I still change it to "NONE" just to be safe?
@@carojso It says to write "NONE" there, so you can do it just to be safe. Either way it would probably be okay.
@@LidiaExplores I see, thank you!
Hi Lidia, thanks for the video. To transit through Korea does one need a Q-code. (not leaving the airport) Thanks!
If you are staying inside the airport and not going through immigration at all, then you don't need a Q-code.
Hi Lidia, thanks for this informative video ! Just want to ask how long did it take for your KETA to be approved? Thanks !
Luckily, it just took a few hours.
@@LidiaExplores Thanks for your prompt reply ! I will apply soon as I am going in a couple of weeks but glad to hear it could be just a few hours to be approved
@@kam6420 You're welcome! They do recommend applying 72 hours in advance. I have had some people tell me that their application took 72 hours to be approved and others, like me, had their results back in just a few hours.
@@LidiaExplores Just want to let you know that mine got approved within an hour, thanks !
@@kam6420 So glad to hear it! Enjoy your trip!
what if I'm a transit passenger and do not leave the airport do, I still need to do an k-eta pass
No. You only would need it if you were leaving transit area.
I'm taking a trip to Vietnam from las vegas, USA in February. my connecting flight is in south Korea. do I still need an ETA for south Korea if I'm not leaving the airport in south Korea??
The official answer is "K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval."
I can't make payment it says payment failed other error , what should I do ?
I'm not sure what the issue is. You can try again with the same card and double check to make sure there are no typos. If that doesn't work, you can try using a different card. If neither of those options work, reach out to the K-ETA "ask us" page. www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewemailcontact.do
@@LidiaExplores I have the same problem - three times already. Did you get it solved?
Hi Lidia. Very helpful video. Thank you. By the way, how do we handle children's K-ETA. Do we do a separate application using same email address as parent?
At the end of the application there will be an option to add members. You then input the child's information and use your same email address.
hello i have a few questions need to be before i apply.
Q1 book the hotel first, than apply K-ETA, after that book the flight?
Q2 Can i apply just apply K-ETA for now and book hotel and flight later. i plan on going on summer of 2023-
The K-ETA requires the information of where you'll be staying in Korea, so you will need to know that before you apply. You don't need to provide your flight info, but it will ask you for your accommodation info.
Aloha Lidia! I've uploaded our picture to K-ETA app however it didn't show the name of the file and the size of the file on keta like yours did. It just moves on to payment or add members. what should I do?
The app interface must look a bit different. If it lets you move on, that means it uploaded. It wouldn't let you go onto the next screen unless your photo had uploaded, so it sounds like you're good to go.
Hello I am only coming for a layover and would like to do a transit tour not sure what address or phone number to use. Confused on what’s the correct way to go about this. Any ideas ?
nvm i found the answer in the comments thank you
@@andymedina4357 You're welcome! Enjoy your trip!
Hi, Lidia, thanks a lot for the video. When I pass the immigration, do I have to KETA approval paper. Do I have to print it out? I don't receive the approval email, I just check the result in the web.
I was only asked for my K-ETA at my home country airport when I got my boarding pass. Immigration did not ask for it. You should have a screenshot or have it printed out.
Honestly none of the web site work for me so i got the app really wierd is there a way to make sure i got the right app that aprroved by the korean goverment ?
Note: thank you for the video mich love ❤❤❤❤ your a god send
I used the website to apply, so I don't have experience with the app. Just make sure when you read the description, it says it's the official Republic of Korea government app. Good luck!
what happen if your k-eta got rejected and you already bought a ticket 😔 is there any other solution ?
Oh no! That is so frustrating. Can you reapply or try applying for a visa instead? I found this info: overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761484&srchFr=&srchTo=&srchWord=&srchTp=&multi_itm_seq=0&itm_seq_1=0&itm_seq_2=0&company_cd=&company_nm=
Hi Lidia, do they ask the period of stay, or arrival and departure dates?
They didn't ask for it in the K-ETA. However, they could ask you to show proof of a return/onward flight when you go through immigration at the airport.
Hi Lidia! Can I apply the K-ETA for my husband and 4 children (22, 19, 15 and 13 years old) in just one form via Add accompanying person and choose Family as Relation for each of them?
Yes, you should be able to add them once you get to the end of the application.
Trying to apply how ever , no showing philippines in the nationality under Asia Pacific.
The Philippines is not listed as one of the K-ETA eligible countries. From what I have read, Filipinos need to apply for a Korean visa through the Korean embassy. overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/index.do
Hi Lidia - Hoping you can answer this question: I will be traveling to Southeast Asia in November and on my return flight back to the USA, I have a 16 hour layover. I plan on exiting Incheon Airport to do a day tour as I've done once before pre-COVID, but now that the K-ETA has been implemented I wasn't sure about a couple of things when applying. Since I will only be in South Korea for several hours I will not be booking a hotel, nor will I have a Korean phone #. I've looked everywhere online and can't find anything for traveler's in my situation and was wondering if you had any info for "layover tourists" that would be great!
That's a great question. Right now they want you to wait at your accommodation until you receive your negative PCR result (which takes around 6 hours if I remember correctly). I'm not sure what they would advise in your situation. Your best bet would be to ask them your question directly using the "ask us" page of the official K-ETA website. www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewemailcontact.do
When you do get an official answer, let us know! I'm sure other people have the same question.
Hi, I am in kind of same situation, could you look for answer. Please share.
I emailed the K-ETA "ask us" page, and I got an official answer to your question. Here it is:
K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval.
If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
@@snehalohia8622 Here is the official answer I received:
K-ETA is not required for the transfer passengers who are not entering the Republic of Korea. However, if you need to go through the immigration process to recheck your baggage, you are required to get a K-ETA approval.
If you want to apply for K-ETA as you need to go through the immigration process, please enter the address to stay as ‘272 Gonghang-ro Jung-gu Incheon’. To search the address, please enter the postal code ‘22382’ and enter the road name address ‘Gonghangro.’ Also, please enter the contact number as ‘1577-2600’. For purpose of entry, please select ‘Other’ and type ‘transit passenger.'
How do you enter a zip code for korea? My daughter gave me info but it's not what pulls up!
Are you searching using the 5-digit postal code in the postal code search bar? What issue are you having?