The South Korean government has made e-visa mandatory for visitors from 112 visa-free countries to obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) prior to their journey to the country from September 1.
The K-ETA, priced at 10,000 won (US$8.63) per traveler and valid for multiple entries over two years, is required before a flight ticket will be issued.
South Korea makes it compulsory for travelers to bear Korea Electronic Travel Authorization before entry
However, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, only travelers from 49 countries are currently eligible for this programme. Countries that qualify include the US, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland and more. No Asian countries have made it to the list, but the government is permitting Priority Entry (Business) applicants from the remaining 63 visa-free countries to apply for K-ETA.
Travelers can register their personal and travel information on the K-ETA website, available in Korean and English, or via the mobile app to find out if they are allowed entry beforehand. By registering, they are exempt from filing out an entry form and can shorten the entry process.
Tour groups are allowed to register up to 30 people at once.