SOUTH KOREA - e-Arrival Card replaces
paper arrival forms.

By: Paul Buckley, Editor, CIBT

March 26, 2025

South Korea is streamlining its immigration process by introducing a new digital procedure for visitors. As of February 24, 2025, travelers entering Korea can submit their entry details in advance using the newly launched e-Arrival Card, replacing the traditional paper arrival forms. While paper forms will still be accepted through December 2025, the shift toward digital submissions marks a significant step in modernizing South Korea’s border entry process.

What is South Korea's e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is an online platform that allows travelers to provide entry-related information before arriving South Korea. It offers a more efficient alternative to completing a paper arrival/declaration card in-flight or upon arrival. The digital system is accessible on desktop and mobile and supports submission in English.

Travelers can complete the form up to three days before their arrival—including the day of travel—and it must be submitted within 72 hours of the intended entry time. Submissions made outside of this timeframe will be considered invalid.

Required information

To complete the e-Arrival Card, travelers will need to provide:

• Name, gender, date of birth
• Nationality and passport details (number, expiration)
• Email address and occupation
• Residence information in Korea
• Purpose of entry and travel dates
• Entry flight number or ship name
• Departure date
• Consent to personal data collection is also required as part of the process. While a downloadable PDF version of the submitted card is available, it is not mandatory to present at passport control.

Who must submit the e-Arrival Card?

Submission is mandatory for the following groups:

• Short-term visa holders (those without a Korean resident card)
• K-ETA-exempt travelers (eligible for visa-free entry but not registered with K-ETA)
• U.S. active-duty military personnel under the U.S.-ROK Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
• UN passport holders under SOFA arrangements
• APEC Business Travel Card holders (ABTC)

Additionally, travelers under 14 must have the form completed by a parent, guardian, or representative. Submissions can also be made on behalf of multiple individuals simultaneously.

Who is exempt from completing an e-Arrival Card?

The following individuals do not need to submit an e-Arrival Card:

• Korean citizens
• Holders of a Korean resident card, including long-term visa status, permanent residents, and overseas Korean residents
• K-ETA registered travelers
• Group (electronic) visa holders
• Flight crew members

Looking ahead

The introduction of the e-Arrival Card reflects Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance traveler processing efficiency while maintaining robust border security. For many travelers, the digital form offers a more convenient and accessible way to enter the country.

While the paper system remains in place through the end of 2025, early adoption of the e-Arrival Card is encouraged to ensure smoother processing and compliance with evolving entry protocols.