South Korea entry requirements for US citizens (2026)

🛂 Visa — not needed (up to 90 days)

Tourism, family visits and short business trips are visa-free for up to 90 days. Work, study or stays beyond 90 days need the right visa via HiKorea before you fly.

📱 K-ETA — waived until December 31, 2026

Korea temporarily exempts your passport from K-ETA. Applying is optional (some travelers still do it to skip paper forms), but not required for entry in 2026.

🧾 e-Arrival Card — required (free)

Since January 1, 2026 every foreign visitor without a valid K-ETA must file the e-Arrival Card online within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. It's free and takes ~5 minutes — you get a QR code for immigration.

🩺 Q-code — only if listed

The Q-code health declaration is only required when arriving from a quarantine-risk country on KDCA's current list. Most travelers don't need it — check the official site if you connect through one.

Do US citizens need a visa for South Korea in 2026?

No — for stays up to 90 days for tourism or short business, US citizens enter visa-free. Work, study and longer stays require a visa.

Do US citizens need K-ETA in 2026?

No. K-ETA is temporarily waived for US citizens until December 31, 2026. You may still apply voluntarily, but it is not required for entry.

What is the Korea e-Arrival Card and who must file it?

Since January 1, 2026 the paper arrival card is discontinued. Foreign visitors must submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 3 days (72 hours) before arriving in Korea. You receive a QR code shown at immigration.

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