Do I need a K-ETA to enter Korea in 2026?

K-ETA is required for most visa-waiver nationalities entering Korea by air. As of 2026, citizens of Japan, the US, Canada, UK, EU member states, Australia, and a few others are temporarily exempt; visitors from Russia, the Philippines, and many other countries still need to apply before flying. Application costs about ₩10,000, is processed online at k-eta.go.kr, and the approval lasts three years for multiple entries.

What is the Alien Registration Card (ARC) and when do I need it?

The Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) is Korea's national ID for foreign residents. You must apply within 90 days of arrival if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. You'll need it to open a bank account, sign a long-term lease, get a postpaid phone plan, register for national health insurance, and almost any other long-term service.

How long can I stay in Korea without a visa?

Visa-free stay length varies by nationality. Most Western countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, EU) get up to 90 days. Russia, Mexico, and some others get 60 days under bilateral agreements. Mainland Chinese citizens generally need a visa unless visiting Jeju Island. Visa-free entry does not cover work, study, or long-term residence.

What is the F-4 visa for Korean diaspora?

The F-4 visa is for ethnic Koreans living abroad (gyopo / Korean diaspora). It permits long-term residence with almost full work and business rights — close to those of Korean citizens. To qualify, you typically need documented Korean ancestry (parent or grandparent) plus certified translations. Apply at a Korean consulate abroad before arriving.

How long does a Korean work visa take to process?

Most employment-based visas (E-1 through E-7) take 2–4 weeks from when your employer submits the application in Korea, plus another 1–2 weeks for issuance at the consulate where you'll pick up the visa. The exact timeline depends on the visa type and the consulate. The D-8 founder visa runs longer (4–8 weeks) because the company must be registered in Korea first.

Korea Visa Guide for Foreigners: K-ETA, ARC & Visa Types (2026)

The right visa depends on why you're coming: tourism, study, work, family, or long-term residence. Below is a quick map of the most common categories and the documents that follow them.

Focused visa guides

If you already know you are staying longer than 90 days, start with the ARC application guide. The card is the practical key to banking, phone plans, long-term housing, healthcare, and resident app verification.

Common visa categories

Not sure which one applies to you? The Korean government's Visa Navigator walks you through it in English.

C-3 (Short-term visit) — tourism, business meetings, family visits. Up to 90 days. Many nationalities are visa-free but still need K-ETA.
D-2 (Student) — full-time degree study at a Korean university.
D-4 (General training) — Korean language programs and non-degree training.
E-1 to E-7 (Work) — professor (E-1), foreign language instructor (E-2), researcher (E-3), technology transfer (E-4), professional (E-5), entertainment (E-6), special profession (E-7).
F-2 (Long-term resident) — points-based, gives you near-full work rights.
F-4 (Overseas Korean) — for ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship.
F-5 (Permanent resident) — the closest thing to permanent residency.
F-6 (Marriage) — for spouses of Korean nationals.
D-8 / D-10 — corporate investor / job-seeker.

Working Holiday (H-1) by country

Korea has Working Holiday agreements with most major English-speaking countries, but not all. The H-1 visa lets you live and work in Korea for up to a year:

Australia — yes, since 1995. Age 18-30.
Canada — yes. Age 18-30 (occasionally 35). Quota of ~4,000/year; usually opens in February.
United Kingdom — yes. Age 18-30, sometimes extended to 35.
New Zealand — yes. Age 18-30.
Ireland — yes. Age 18-34.
United States — no. There is no US-Korea Working Holiday agreement. US citizens who want to live and work in Korea need a different visa (E-series for employment, D-2 for study, F-series for family).

Quotas for each country fill quickly. Apply with the Korean embassy or consulate in your country as soon as the annual quota opens.

The Alien Registration Card (ARC / 외국인등록증)

If you stay longer than 90 days, you must register at an immigration office and receive an ARC. This is the single most important document you will carry in Korea — banks, phone carriers, hospitals, and landlords will all ask for it.

Book an appointment on HiKorea (slots fill weeks ahead).
Bring passport, visa, one passport photo, your housing contract or dorm confirmation, application form, and the fee (about ₩30,000). The current list of required documents is on the Korea Immigration Service site.
Card is mailed in roughly 2–5 weeks. You can get a temporary confirmation letter in the meantime.

If your situation changes

Changing visa types, jobs, or address all require notifying immigration — usually within 14 days. Fines for late reporting are real but small. When in doubt, call the immigration helpline 1345 (English available) or check HiKorea.