Korea Entry Guidelines Summer 2022: Q-Code and K-ETA | KoreabyMe (2025)

Finally! Travel restrictions are easing and you can finally embark on your long-planned trip to South Korea! However, there is a lot of unclear information out there. Things often get lost in translation and guidelines are regularly updated. But don’t worry, today we will explain the Q-code and K-ETA systems so that you can safely arrive in Korea, hassle-free.

Table of Contents

What are the Covid Restrictions on Entering Korea?

Q-Code: What is it and a Step-by-Step Guide

K-ETA: New Requirement for Visa-Free Entry

What are the Covid Restrictions on Entering Korea?

As of July 25, 2022, you need the following to enter Korea:

  • PCR test taken within 48HRS of departure to Korea. Let’s say you fly on a Saturday 12 pm, If you do your test on Thursday morning and get your results on Friday you will be good to go. Alternatively, you can have a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). The RAT must be performed by a medical professional within 24 hours of your flight departure.
  • Valid Visa. Many countries have visa-free travel to Korea for a certain period of time. However, a lot has changed since the pandemic and many countries have been dropped and added to the list. Check on your local embassy’s website and make sure you have the appropriate visa.
  • Q-Code: System for authenticating quarantine and vaccination status.
  • K-ETA: (Required for short-term travelers) System to confirm visa-free entry and expedite entry into Korea.
  • PCR Test taken within 24 hours of arrival in Korea. Click Here to read more about getting a PCR test after entering Korea.

Q-Code: What is it and a Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Q-Code

It is a computerized generated code issued by Korean immigration Border control alongside with the disease control in order to basically alleviate the long queues at the airport trying to authenticate all arrivals PCR tests and vaccination records.

*****Note a Q-Code can ONLY be issued after having your negative PCR results in English or Korean.*****

Prerequisites for the issuance of this code:

  1. Valid passport (MANDATORY)
  2. E-mail address (MANDATORY)
  3. Airline ticket (Mandatory)
  4. Valid ‘Confirmation of COVID-19 PCR Negative Test Result’ or ‘Confirmation of COVID-19 RAT Negative Test Result’ (Mandatory)
  5. ‘Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination’ (Optional)

Step-by-step Guide

First, go to the Q-code website by Clicking Here. (https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/)

Korea Entry Guidelines Summer 2022: Q-Code and K-ETA | KoreabyMe (1)Korea Entry Guidelines Summer 2022: Q-Code and K-ETA | KoreabyMe (2)

Then, click on “INPUT” at the top of the webpage.

  1. Consent to Terms and Conditions: On this page, you will be asked to select your continent. This is referring to the continent of the nationality on the passport you intend to enter Korea with. Note that most Central American and Caribbean countries have been put under the continent ‘ETC’ category.
  2. Input Your Email: Here you will be asked for your passport number and your email address.
  3. Input Your Passport Information: In this section, you will need to fill out detailed identifying information. Make sure it matches your passport exactly.
  4. Entry and Stay Information: The most important information in this section is the address of your stay in Korea and your contact number in Korea. Make sure you have the address and phone number of a friend or your hotel in Korea.
  5. Quarantine Information: Here, you will fill out your vaccination records (optional) and upload your negative covid test results (mandatory). For those vaccinated in Korea, you can enter your ARC or Korean ID number to link your records. The documents showing your negative test results will need to be in Korean or English. If they have been translated, they will also need to be notarized.
  6. Input Your Health Condition: In this step, you will be asked general health questions to see if you are currently showing any covid symptoms.
  7. Confirm the Input Information: This is the final step where you will be asked to verify that the information you provided is true.

Finally! At number 8, you should have your Q-Code in hand and be ready for your departure to Korea.

K-ETA: New Requirement for Visa-Free Entry

What is K-ETA?

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization is so that visa-free foreign visitors can travel more conveniently by obtaining a K-ETA in advance.

Essentially, it is a system to register visa-free travelers in Korea. It is intended to help reduce wait times at the airport’s customs and immigration counters. However, it is important to note that as of May 2022, K-ETA is NOT OPTIONAL.

If you are from a country that has a visa-free travel agreement with South Korea, you MUST use the K-ETA service in order to enter Korea without a visa. If you do not apply have K-ETA approval, you will not be able to board your flight.

How to Apply for K-ETA

To apply for K-ETA Click Here.

You Must apply for K-ETA entry approval at least 72 hours before boarding your flight!

  1. Terms and Conditions Agreement: On this page, you will be asked to select your continent. This is referring to the continent of the nationality on the passport you intend to enter Korea with. Note that only nationalities with visa-free agreements can be found on the list. Once you select your nationality, agree to the terms.
  2. Email: Enter a valid email address and your passport number. Your K-ETA will be sent to this Email address so make sure it is correct!
  3. Enter Passport Information: In this section, you will need to fill out detailed identifying information. Make sure it matches your passport exactly.
  4. Enter Application Information: Here, you will have to upload a picture that will be used for facial recognition. Make sure there is good lighting and that your entire face is visible.
  5. Check Information: Next, confirm that the information you provided is correct.
  6. Make Payment: You will need to pay a K-ETA application fee of 10,000 won.
  7. Application Complete: Once your application has been submitted, it will be sent to Korean immigration for review. In most cases, within 72 hours you will get an email with your results.

Once you have a K-ETA, it is valid for two years.

If your country doesn’t have a visa-free entry agreement with Korea, you may still be able to come to Korea without a visa! Click Here to read about visa-free entry to Jeju and Yangyang.

Korea Entry Guidelines Summer 2022: Q-Code and K-ETA | KoreabyMe (2025)

FAQs

Is the Korea Q-Code still required? ›

(4) Q-code registration is no longer required.

Is K-ETA still required to enter Korea? ›

The K-ETA applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the US, and also grants a reentry permit for up to two years from the issue date. However, US citizens are exempt from needing the K-ETA to enter South Korea until December 2024.

What is K-ETA and Q-Code in Korea? ›

Firstly, the good news is that at the time of writing (6th January 2024), there's no longer any need to have covid vaccination proof, PCR test or quarantine to enter Korea. Together with the relaxation of covid-related measures, travellers also no longer need to apply for a Q-code when visiting Korea1.

What is the QR code for Korea customs declaration? ›

Using the Q-CODE system is highly recommended for all tourists entering Korea. This system allows you to digitally upload your health conditions and save an issued QR code before landing in Korea, allowing for a much easier and faster entry.

Do I need to print my Q-Code for Korea? ›

You need to access Q-Code and start to submit information before boarding. Once you submit all the Information correctly, your QR-Code will be issued. You can present your QR-Code (both printed on paper or captured with electronic device) to quarantine officer at the airport.

What documents do I need to enter South Korea? ›

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.

Who is exempted from K-ETA? ›

▷ Only UN passport holder, ABTC holder, USFK service member, aircraft and ship crew member, transfer passenger, Jeju Island travellers using a direct flight to Jeju Island are not required to apply for K-ETA. ▷ Diplomatic or official passport holders, from 9th January 2023, are not required to apply for K-ETA.

Do I need to print K-ETA approval? ›

If you receive 'Approval for Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA),' you do not need to print or bring the 'Approval for Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)' and 'e-Arrival Card' with you when entering Korea.

Is K-ETA automatic? ›

If there are no issues, generally the application will be automatically approved within 30 minutes. If any issues arise, the K-ETA official will check and determine the traveler as 'Selectee*' or 'Not OK' within 24 hours.

How long does it take to get K-ETA approval? ›

How long does it take from submitting the K-ETA application to receiving the results? A. The applicant can receive the results by e-mail, within 24 hours after completing the K-ETA application.

Do I need to fill an arrival card in Korea? ›

Visitors entering Korea are required to submit an arrival card, except for those who are staying for 90 days or more and have registered with the Korea Immigration Service.

Is a Q code still needed to enter Korea? ›

Latest information on South Korea's Q-Code

As of 15 July 2023, a Q-Code is no longer required to enter South Korea. Travelers only need to have their K-ETA or VISA. For more updated and detailed information, you can check out Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

What is a Q code? ›

QR codes (or Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional codes that you can scan with a smartphone. The code contains information, usually a site address, and once you scan it, the code connects you with a resource on the web.

How long does it take to clear customs at Incheon airport? ›

Incheon (ICN) is notoriously efficient for international connections—you should only need 45 minutes. You do not pass through customs or passport control, unless you are entering South Korea. There is one additional security check for international transfers, and the process is extremely efficient.

Does Korea require a COVID test to enter? ›

COVID-19 in Korea

Currently, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to Korea.

What is the validity of Q-Code Korea? ›

Your Q-Code is valid only for single-entry and expires once you complete your immigration process. In case you plan to travel to South Korea again, you'll need to register for a new Q-Code.

What vaccines do I need for South Korea? ›

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Tick-borne Encephalitis. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

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