Arrival Card Completion

For entry into South Korea, ensure you have filled out the online arrival card. K-ETA may be required, especially when transiting through certain countries like Mongolia. It is also advisable to have cash (approx. $100 USD per day), return tickets, and a hotel reservation.

Upon arrival in Korea, ensure that the information provided on the arrival card exactly matches the information submitted in the K-ETA application. Any discrepancies, such as "tourism & visiting friend" on the arrival card versus "tourism" or "visiting friends" in K-ETA, can be flagged as a red flag by immigration officers and may lead to entry refusal. If unsure about the exact wording in K-ETA, it is advisable to check it if possible or err on the side of caution to ensure consistency. If you have a specific reason for travel that differs from your initial K-ETA, it's best to be prepared to explain it clearly.

In South Korea, K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel permit required for citizens of visa-waiver countries. The Arrival Card is a separate form that all foreign visitors must complete upon entry, regardless of whether they have a K-ETA. The Arrival Card can be filled out electronically up to three days before arrival or obtained in paper form at the airport or on the airplane. Having a K-ETA does not exempt travelers from completing the Arrival Card.

At Seoul's Incheon Airport (ICN), staff members are available before passport control to assist travelers with completing the electronic arrival card.

Travelers to South Korea with an approved K-ETA are officially exempt from the electronic Arrival Card. However, border officers may still selectively demand it, which can result in being sent to the end of the queue. Recommendation: prepare a digital version or a physical form beforehand to avoid delays.

When entering South Korea, even with a visa instead of K-ETA, ensure you have return tickets, hotel reservations, and a travel itinerary. The Arrival Card can be filled out on the plane to save time during immigration. It's crucial that all information provided in your K-ETA application matches your actual travel details to avoid potential issues, including questions about your occupation or purpose of visit.

Travelers with an approved K-ETA entering South Korea do not require an Arrival Card, unless they are traveling with children, in which case an Arrival Card may still be necessary for the children.

Even for K-ETA holders, Korean immigration may request a physical Arrival Card. It is available at racks in the arrival area before the passport control booths. Completing it immediately is advised to avoid processing delays.

Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, the immigration process involves fingerprint scanning and photography. Completing the Arrival Card online beforehand can streamline the process. Having your itinerary readily available in your backpack is recommended. Generally, the procedure is efficient, even with significant queues.