South Korea K-ETA

✈️ 出発前の確認

South Korea’s K-ETA is not a visa—it’s a digital pre-screening that most visa-free travelers (including U.S., U.K., and EU passport holders) must complete before boarding. Don’t assume it’s optional; airlines check it. The real timing is deceptively simple: apply at least 72 hours before departure, but the system can approve in minutes or take days if your name matches a flagged profile. First-timers are surprised that the K-ETA is tied to your passport number, not your person—so renewing a passport mid-trip invalidates it. Another shock: the fee is non-refundable, even if you’re denied, and the approval is for two years, not per visit. Here's what experienced applicants recommend: apply for K-ETA during Korean business hours (9 AM–6 PM KST) on a weekday—approvals are often instant then, whereas weekend applications can linger. Also, if you’re transiting through Incheon to a third country, you don’t need K-ETA unless you leave the sterile area. Plan ahead, double-check your passport’s expiry (must be 6+ months), and don’t wait until airport check-in—that’s the fastest way to miss your flight.