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South Korea Visa Requirements for US Citizens

VISA-FREE — No application needed (K-ETA exempt through 2026)

Visa-free 90 days; K-ETA waived through Dec 31, 2026

US citizens do not need a visa or a K-ETA to visit South Korea for stays up to 90 days — but only through December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, a K-ETA will be required before departure. Until then, just complete an arrival card on landing.

US citizens do not need a visa or a K-ETA to visit South Korea for tourism or business stays up to 90 days — but only through December 31, 2026. South Korea extended its K-ETA exemption for US passport holders for one more year; from January 1, 2027, all visa-waiver travelers, including Americans, must obtain a K-ETA before they fly. For now you just fill out an arrival card on landing, and your US passport only needs to be valid at the time of entry, with no minimum-months rule. You can optionally apply for a K-ETA (about $7, valid 3 years) to skip the arrival card. Flights from the US run nonstop to Seoul from LAX on United and Delta, about 5,970 miles and 13 hours, with Seoul 13 to 16 hours ahead of US time. Verify the current rule with the US State Department before booking.

US citizens do not need a visa or a K-ETA to visit South Korea for stays up to 90 days — but this is a temporary exemption. South Korea has extended the K-ETA waiver for US passport holders through December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, all visa-waiver travelers, including Americans, must obtain a K-ETA before departure. Until then you simply complete an arrival card on landing; your passport only needs to be valid at entry. If you'd rather skip the paper arrival card, you can voluntarily apply for a K-ETA (about $7, valid 3 years), but it's optional for now. Verify the exemption at travel.state.gov before you book. Buy travel insurance, since Medicare won't cover you abroad.

Entry requirements for South Korea

Visa
Not required for stays up to 90 days (K-ETA exempt through Dec 31, 2026)
Max stay
90 days visa-free
Passport
Valid at time of entry; no minimum-months rule
Vaccines
None required
Entry fee
None; optional K-ETA is about $7 if you choose it
Registration
Arrival card on landing; K-ETA optional now, required from Jan 1, 2027
Return ticket
May be requested
Proof of funds
May be requested
Travel insurance
Recommended — Medicare won't cover you abroad

Step by step: getting into South Korea

Before you fly

  1. 1Confirm the K-ETA exemption still applies — US citizens are K-ETA exempt through December 31, 2026. Check travel.state.gov before you book in case your trip falls in 2027 or later.
  2. 2Decide if you want an optional K-ETA — You can skip it for now. Applying anyway (about $7, valid 3 years) lets you bypass the paper arrival card. Use only the official k-eta.go.kr.
  3. 3Check your passport — Korea only requires your US passport to be valid at entry — no six-month rule. Still, renew if it's near expiry to avoid airline issues.

At immigration

  1. 1Complete your arrival card — If you didn't get a K-ETA, fill out the arrival card on the plane or at the kiosk. K-ETA holders can skip it.
  2. 2Submit to fingerprint and photo capture — Visitors 17 and older give fingerprints and a photo at immigration. Have your accommodation address ready.

After you arrive

  1. 1Track your 90-day limit — Count from your entry date. Overstaying brings fines and possible entry bans, so plan your departure within 90 days.
  2. 2Carry your passport — Keep your passport with you; Korean law can require foreign visitors to show ID on request.

Common mistakes to avoid

  1. 1.Do US citizens need a K-ETA for South Korea right now?

    → No. US passport holders are K-ETA exempt through December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, a K-ETA will be required before departure.

  2. 2.Will I need a K-ETA in 2027?

    → Yes. The exemption ends December 31, 2026. For any 2027 trip, apply for a K-ETA (about $7, valid 3 years) at the official k-eta.go.kr before you fly.

  3. 3.Does the K-ETA waiver change my 90-day stay?

    → No. The visa-free stay stays at 90 days whether or not you hold a K-ETA. The waiver only affects the pre-travel authorization, not your allowed time.

  4. 4.Should I use a K-ETA website that charges a big fee?

    → No. The only official site is k-eta.go.kr, where the fee is about $7. Third-party sites add unnecessary charges.

You'll want a local SIM or eSIM on arrival:

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa for South Korea?

No. US citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, and they're also exempt from the K-ETA through December 31, 2026. A K-ETA becomes required on January 1, 2027.

Do I need a K-ETA for South Korea in 2026?

No. The K-ETA exemption for US passport holders runs through December 31, 2026. You can apply for one voluntarily to skip the arrival card, but it's optional.

When does the K-ETA become mandatory again?

January 1, 2027. After that, all visa-waiver travelers, including US citizens, must obtain a K-ETA before departure. Apply at the official k-eta.go.kr.

How long can Americans stay in South Korea?

Up to 90 days visa-free for tourism or business. Longer stays require a visa arranged in advance through a Korean consulate.

What passport validity does South Korea require?

Your US passport must be valid at the time of entry. South Korea sets no minimum number of months, but renew early if it's close to expiry.

How long is the flight and how bad is jet lag?

Nonstop LAX to Seoul is about 5,970 miles and 13 hours, with Seoul 13 to 16 hours ahead of US time. Expect significant jet lag; Global Entry speeds your return home.

Visa sorted? Book your flight:

Ready to plan your South Korea trip?

Travel to South Korea →Flights to South Korea →Find hotels →Get a South Korea eSIM →

Visa rules for nearby countries

Verified against official government sources · June 2026

Visa rules change. Always confirm with the official government source above before you book.

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