April 2025
Writer. Sung Ji Yeon
Travelers entering Korea can now complete their immigration forms online using mobile devices or PCs instead of paper forms. This allows visitors to submit their entry declarations before arriving in Korea, reducing immigration processing time and preventing confusion for a more convenient travel experience.
Those required to complete the electronic entry form include foreign tourists staying in Korea for 90 days or less and foreigners entering for long-term stays who haven’t completed alien registration in Korea.
The following groups are exempt from submission: foreigners who have completed alien registration in Korea, aircraft crew members and K-ETA holders. K-ETA is a travel authorization system for citizens of visa-exempt countries who must submit personal and travel information in advance.
The submission process is as follows. First, visit the electronic entry declaration website. Then select your preferred language (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese or Thai). Next, choose between "Individual e-Arrival card" or "Group e-Arrival Card."
The group option allows travelers to enter common information (such as purpose of visit, accommodation details and flight number) just once. PC submissions can accommodate up to 1,000 people, while smartphone submissions can include up to 9 people.
Electronic entry declarations can be submitted from 3 days before arrival until just before immigration screening. If entry doesn’t occur within 72 hours after submission, the declaration becomes invalid. If passport or entry information changes before arrival, revisions can be made on the electronic entry declaration website using the issued reference number or the email address provided during submission.
Submitted declarations can be captured or saved as PDFs. While immigration officers can verify electronic submissions in their system, having the reference number available can help expedite the screening process.
As this system has just been implemented, paper entry forms will continue to be available throughout 2025 to prevent confusion for arriving travelers.
1. Foreign Minister Attends in Tokyo 3-way Talks with China, Japan
The foreign ministers of Korea, China and Japan on Mar. 22 held trilateral talks for the first time in 16 months.
2. Accord with Thailand to Raise Nuclear Power Cooperation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on Mar. 21 said the governments of both countries held a signing ceremony in Bangkok for the accord on the peaceful use of nuclear power.
