If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you may have heard about the E-Arrival Card system — Korea’s digital alternative to the traditional arrival card you fill out on the plane. As of recent years, the Korean government has been digitizing more of its border entry procedures to streamline immigration and reduce paperwork. This guide will walk you through exactly what the E-Arrival Card is, who needs it, how to fill it out, and what to expect upon landing in Korea.
This post is tailored specifically for foreign travelers, whether you’re visiting Korea for tourism, business, study, or transit.
What Is the E-Arrival Card in Korea?
The E-Arrival Card is a digital version of the traditional paper arrival card that travelers used to complete before passing through immigration at a Korean airport. It contains your basic travel information, including:
Passport details
Flight and travel itinerary
Purpose of visit
Address in Korea
Occupation and contact details
In the past, this form was handed out on airplanes or available at airport counters. Now, the digital version allows you to submit this information in advance, online, making your immigration clearance faster and contact-free.
Who Needs to Submit an Arrival Card in Korea?
Not every traveler is required to complete the E-Arrival Card. The requirement depends on your nationality and visa status.
Required to submit:
Travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU members, Singapore, etc.)
Travelers entering Korea under K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
Most tourists and short-term visitors
Not required to submit:
Korean nationals
Foreigners with valid long-term visas (residence cards, study/work permits)
Registered foreigners returning to Korea (ARC holders)
Travelers transiting through Korea without entering the country
If you’re a tourist arriving in Korea for the first time or returning under a K-ETA, you should complete the E-Arrival Card before your flight or immediately upon arrival using designated kiosks.
How to Submit the E-Arrival Card
There are two main ways to complete the E-Arrival Card:
Option 1: Online in Advance
🌐 Submit via the Korea Immigration Service website or through the Hi Korea portal:
https://www.visa.go.kr
Look for the “E-Arrival Card” or “Online Entry Form” section
Steps:
Visit the site and choose “E-Arrival Card”
Fill in your personal details (same as passport)
Enter your flight number, purpose of visit, and intended address in Korea (e.g., hotel name)
Submit and screenshot confirmation (optional)
You can complete this within 3 days before arrival, though submitting it the day before your flight is ideal.
Option 2: Kiosk at the Airport
If you forget to submit it in advance, don’t worry — you can use a designated kiosk machine after arrival and before reaching the immigration checkpoint.
Available at Incheon (ICN), Gimpo (GMP), and other international airports
Multiple language options (English, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)
Easy touchscreen format
You may be asked to scan your passport and input key details
Important: Even if submitted online, you may still be asked brief questions by immigration officers — this is standard.
What’s the Difference Between K-ETA and the E-Arrival Card?
It’s easy to confuse the two, but they serve different purposes.
| Item | K-ETA | E-Arrival Card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pre-authorization to enter Korea | Immigration information form |
| Who needs it | Tourists from visa-waiver countries | Most tourists without residence permits |
| When to submit | At least 72 hours before travel | Within 3 days before arrival or at airport |
| How to submit | https://www.k-eta.go.kr | https://www.visa.go.kr or at kiosk |
| Fee | 10,000 KRW (~$8 USD) | Free |
You need to have your K-ETA approved before flying, while the E-Arrival Card is more about streamlining your airport arrival.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit the E-Arrival Card?
There’s no fine or penalty if you don’t submit it in advance — but you’ll be required to fill it out manually or via a kiosk at the airport. This can delay your immigration process, especially during busy hours.
If you want to avoid unnecessary queues, it’s best to submit it before you arrive.
Information You’ll Need to Prepare
Before starting the online E-Arrival Card, make sure you have:
Your passport information
Your flight number and airline
Name and address of accommodation in Korea (hotel, guesthouse, Airbnb)
Contact number (can be international or your hotel’s number)
Reason for travel (e.g., tourism, business, short-term visit)
Occupation (you can write “student,” “freelancer,” etc.)
No need to upload a photo or document — it’s all form-based and only takes about 5–10 minutes to complete.
Language and Accessibility
The online E-Arrival Card system supports multiple languages:
English
Japanese
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Korean
The interface is mobile-friendly, and kiosks at airports are available 24/7.
Final Notes for a Smooth Arrival in Korea
Don’t confuse the K-ETA with the E-Arrival Card — both are important
Submit your K-ETA first, then your E-Arrival Card (if applicable)
Always double-check your information before submitting
Save a screenshot or print confirmation just in case
Fill out the E-Arrival Card no earlier than 72 hours before arrival
If you’re unsure whether you need to complete the card, airport staff will guide you — but preparing it in advance is highly recommended.
For updates, official forms, and instructions, refer to:
🌐 https://www.visa.go.kr
🌐 https://www.k-eta.go.kr
South Korea’s digital immigration system is designed to make your entry faster and more efficient — but it only works if you take a few minutes to prepare. Travelers who do find themselves clearing immigration in record time, ready to explore the vibrant streets of Seoul without delay.