Requirements and Planning
All necessary procedures for traveling to South Korea, including K-ETA and entry requirements.
Travel Requirements
Updated information on the documents and procedures needed to travel from Spanish-speaking countries to South Korea.
K-ETA System
Korean Electronic Travel Authorization
What is K-ETA?
K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic travel permit for citizens of Spanish-speaking countries (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, among others) who wish to visit South Korea for tourism or business for a period of up to 90 days.
Application Process
- 1Apply online through the official website: k-eta.go.kr
- 2Complete the form in English with your personal and travel information
- 3Pay the application fee (approximately 10,000 KRW) plus the online payment surcharge (around 3%)
- 4An applicant can include up to 50 people (e.g., family members) in a single application and complete the K-ETA payment for all of them
- 5Receive approval within 24-72 hours (generally)
Required Documents
- Passport with minimum validity of 6 months
- Flight information (dates and numbers)
- Accommodation details in Korea
- Credit card for fee payment
Important: Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before your trip. Once approved, it is valid for 3 years or until your passport expiration date if that comes sooner. The validity period is independent from the length of stay you are allowed in Korea. Remember that after you submit the application you cannot edit your passport number, nationality, gender, or other personal information; you must submit a new K-ETA application with the correct details if you made a mistake. In addition, citizens from K-ETA eligible countries, as well as travelers under 17 or over 65 years old (based on the date of entry to South Korea), do not need to apply for it.
e-Arrival System
Electronic Entry Declaration
What is e-Arrival?
e-Arrival is a system that allows you to complete your entry declaration to South Korea electronically before arriving in the country, thus streamlining the immigration process. It is a completely free procedure, with no cost to apply.
System Advantages
- Reduces waiting time at immigration control
- Avoids having to fill out paper forms during the flight
- Allows access through automatic gates at some Korean airports
How to complete e-Arrival
- 1Visit the official e-Arrival portal: e-arrivalcard.go.kr
- 2Download the "Q-Code" app on your smartphone or register directly on the website
- 3Receive a QR code that you must show upon arrival
Tip: Complete the e-Arrival before boarding your flight or even several days in advance to avoid internet connection problems at the last moment. If you already have a K-ETA, you do not need to apply for e-Arrival unless you are entering with both a visa and a K-ETA, or you are exempt from applying for K-ETA because you are under 17 or over 65 on the date of entry; in those cases you must submit it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about studying and traveling to South Korea.
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