This country has made a significant change this year by replacing the old paper arrival forms with a new e-Arrival Card. This new online system will speed up immigration checks and will help you clear immigration faster. Using this new online system is a quicker and easier way to visit South Korea.
What is the South Korea Arrival Card?
It’s a small document that tourists fill out upon entering South Korea. It asks for basic details such as passport number and contact details. South Korea was only using paper arrival cards in the past.
But this process changed in 2025 as they began a new system called e-Arrival Card. It’s a digital form you can fill out and submit online before your flight lands.
Note: The arrival card must be completed when you enter Korea. But remember that it’s different from your visa or K-ETA and does not replace them.
What Changed this Year?
Online arrival cards rolled out in early 2025. It is when South Korea launched its digital arrival card which allowed travelers to complete their entry details online up to three days before their trip.
So you have two options until December 31, 2025. Either fill out the old paper card on the plane or at the airport or use the new online e-Arrival Card.
The Korean government also encourages using the online e-Arrival Card as it speeds up immigration and reduces waiting times. The digital arrival cards will be mandatory for everyone from 2026. And paper cards will no longer be accepted.
Ensure a smooth journey abroad. Let us help you get your South Korean Visa fast.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
It is a free online form you use to declare your entry details. You must fill it out on the official Korean government website. Fill out and submit it online from three days before your trip through your arrival. It is available in English and other languages.
This new online system was designed to make your entry easier and faster. It shortens waiting lines at immigration and eliminates the need for paper forms. This benefits both travelers and immigration officers.
Who must submit this form?
Every foreigner who enters Korea must fill it; they belong to a special group exempt from it.
Who does not have to fill out the Arrival Card?
You do not need to submit this online form if you are one of following categories:
- I am a Korean citizen.
- A foreigner who lives in Korea and has a current Korean residency card such as a student or a permanent resident.
- A traveler who already has a valid K-ETA approval.
- Flight or ship crew who are currently on duty.
- Certain travelers entering under a group electronic visa (e-visa) program do not need the arrival card.
If you are in one of these groups then you can pass through immigration without completing a card.
Who has to fill out the Arrival Card?
You must fill out an arrival card if you are:
- A temporary visitor or tourist who does not live in Korea.
- A visa-free traveler who did not apply for a K-ETA.
- Someone with a temporary visa like a C-type tourist visa.
Most people visiting for a short time like tourists or short-term business travelers must fill out an arrival card in 2025.
Avoid immigration delays. Let our experts handle your journey with ease.
K-ETA vs e-Arrival Card: What’s the Difference?
Two different forms work together to help users enter the country:
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
- It is an official permit you need to get before you travel and is similar to the US or Canada requirements.
- It costs a small fee and can be used for several trips.
- The main benefit is that if you have a valid K-ETA then you do not need to fill out the arrival card.
E-Arrival Card
- It is a simple entry form and not a travel permit or visa.
- It’s free and you fill it out up to three days before arrival.
- Most visitors without a K-ETA who do not live in Korea must complete it.
Note: If you have a K-ETA then you do not need an arrival card. And if you do not have a K-ETA then you must submit the Arrival Card.
How to fill out the South Korea e-Arrival Card?
Here’s how you can fill out your arrival card online through a few simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Site
Go to the official government website. Make sure the address is correct to avoid using the wrong company’s site. Then choose your language such as English. It is the first step to start your online form.
Step 2: Fill the Form
Agree to the rules and enter your email address. It is where they will send you a QR code or confirmation number. Make sure this email is active as you will need the confirmation number at the airport.
Step 3: Enter Passport Details
Give personal information such as full name and date of birth using your passport. You must verify this step carefully to make sure that every detail entered exactly matches your passport.
Step 4: Enter Travel Details
You must provide information about your arrival date along with the airport you will arrive at with your flight number. Then write your full address of where you will stay in Korea and state your travel purpose like tourism.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Check every detail you entered one last time for errors. A QR code or confirmation number will arrive at your mail. Be sure to save this number as you can use it later to check or change your details.
Note: Children and babies also require an arrival card unless they are exempt. And parents must complete the arrival card on their behalf and ensure the details match with the child’s passport.
What if I don’t fill out the Arrival Card?
You will still have a backup choice in 2025. If you forget to submit the online Arrival Card then you can still use the paper form on the plane or at the airport until December 31, 2025.
But the paper form may cause you to wait in longer lines at immigration. Airlines have started encouraging people to use the digital form instead. It is a good idea to start using a new online system from this year as paper cards will be no longer available from 2026.
Get your Arrival Card in minutes. Choose DU Global for a fast and reliable service.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Make sure to follow our suggestions for a swift arrival in South Korea.
- Fill out the form one to three days before your flight. Finalize your travel plans and fill the form immediately without waiting till the last moment.
- Check everything like your name and travel dates exactly match your passport and flight ticket to avoid delays.
- Be ready with your address where you will be staying like your hotel or Airbnb as immigration officers will ask for it.
- Fill the forms for your family together while you have everyone’s passports available since everyone needs a separate card.
- Keep the forms straight since the e-Arrival Card is only the free entry form and is separate from your Visa or K-ETA which is your permission to enter.
- It’s just a form and does not guarantee you entry even though filling the e-Arrival Card is mandatory. It’s because the final decision is always made by an immigration officer.
Conclusion
Traveling to South Korea is now easier due to the new online Arrival Card system. This free online form lets visitors submit their entry details digitally before arrival.
This helps shorten lines at immigration and makes the whole process faster. The Korean government strongly suggests using e-Arrival Cards since it’s more convenient. But you can still use the paper arrival card for all of 2025.
You don’t need an arrival card if you already have a valid K-ETA or if you have a Korean residence card. But everyone else must fill either the online form or the paper card. The online process is easy and quick to finish on the official website.
It is important for travelers to understand how a visa, K-ETA, and the e-Arrival Card are different from each other to avoid confusion. If you prepare properly by having your hotel address ready and filling out your form early then you will have an easy entry into South Korea and can focus on your trip more easily.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need an e-Arrival Card if I have a valid K-ETA?
You do not have to fill out an online form since you already have a Korean electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) with yourself.
Q2. Is the South Korea e-Arrival Card mandatory in 2025?
Not yet. Using the online card is highly recommended but still optional this year. You are still allowed to use the paper arrival card until December 31.
Q3. How early can I submit the Online Arrival Card?
You can give it up to three days before you arrive. Filling it will only take a few minutes and will help you get through immigration faster.
Q4. Do children need their own e-Arrival Card?
Yes. Every person traveling must have their own separate arrival card unless they are in an exempt group. And parents can fill out the form for their children.
Q5. Is the e-Arrival Card the same as a visa or K-ETA?
No. The Arrival Card is only a simple entry form. If your country requires a visa or a K-ETA then you still need to get that as well.
Q6. What if I don’t complete the Online Arrival Card before flying?
You can still fill out a paper arrival card at the airport this year. But you must be prepared for slower processing when you go through immigration.
Also Read:
How Tenant Verification Improves Property Management
About Author
Harsh Pradhan
As General Manager – Sales (North) at DU Digital Global Ltd, Harsh Pradhan brings over 15 years of expertise in driving sales, building client relationships, and expanding market presence. With a focus on operational excellence and customer success, he continues to deliver measurable growth and leadership impact.
