US Citizens: South Korea Visa Requirements
US citizens can travel to South Korea visa-free for short stays. Normally this requires a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), but a temporary exemption for US citizens is in effect through December 31, 2026.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Requirement (standard) | K-ETA |
| K-ETA fee | KRW 10,000 (~USD 7-8) |
| Current status for US citizens | K-ETA exempt through December 31, 2026 |
| New requirement since Feb 24, 2025 | e-Arrival Card required for K-ETA-exempt travelers |
| Allowed stay | Up to 90 days visa-free for tourism |
| Visa still required for | Employment, teaching English, stays over 90 days |
Requirements Checklist
- Valid US passport
- e-Arrival Card completed before arrival (replaces K-ETA during the exemption)
- Return or onward travel proof
- Separate visa if working, studying, or staying over 90 days
FAQs
Do US citizens need a K-ETA for South Korea right now? No. US citizens are temporarily exempt from K-ETA through December 31, 2026, but this could change after that date.
What is the e-Arrival Card? A digital form K-ETA-exempt travelers must complete before entering South Korea, introduced February 24, 2025.
How long can US citizens stay visa-free? Up to 90 days for tourism or short business visits.
Do I need a visa to work in South Korea? Yes. Employment, including teaching English, always requires a separate work visa regardless of the K-ETA exemption.
What happens after the exemption ends? US citizens will likely need to apply for a K-ETA again, at a fee of about KRW 10,000, unless the exemption is extended.
Related Guides
- American visa requirements for Singapore
- American visa requirements for New Zealand
- British visa requirements for South Korea
- Bangladeshi visa requirements for South Korea
VisaSherpa.ai tracks K-ETA exemption deadlines so you know exactly what South Korea requires before you fly.