South Korea's New e-Arrival Card Mandatory for Tourists from Feb 24, 2025
Starting February 24, 2025, international travelers visiting South Korea for tourism must register via the e-arrivalcard.go.kr portal before arrival. This new online procedure, known as the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card), aims to streamline entry processes. From February 24, 2025, travelers without a foreigner registration card or valid K-ETA authorization must complete the e-Arrival Card. This includes all international visitors, except registered residents of South Korea, K-ETA holders, and flight crew members. The e-Arrival Card must be filled out within three days before arrival. During the initial phase, until December 2025, passengers can choose between filling out a paper or electronic arrival card. However, starting in 2026, only the electronic arrival card option will be available before departure. The new e-Arrival Card system, launching on February 24, 2025, will simplify and modernize the arrival process for international tourists visiting South Korea. By 2026, all travelers, with a few exceptions, will need to complete the electronic arrival card before their trip.
