What is Korea's electronic arrival card, and how do you apply for it? Planning an independent trip to Korea but not sure what entry paperwork you need? Here is a complete guide to Korea's e-Arrival Card — read this before you fly!

Source: UNSPLASH

Who does not need to apply for Korea's e-Arrival Card?

Korea's e-Arrival Card is designed to streamline entry for foreign travellers by letting you submit your details before departure. The following groups have already confirmed their identity or completed the relevant declaration through other means, so they do not need to apply for the e-Arrival Card.

  • Foreign nationals holding an Alien Registration Card
  • Foreign nationals with a currently valid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
  • Airline crew members
  • Anyone already registered for the S.e.S automated immigration clearance system

How do I apply for Korea's e-Arrival Card?

Step 1: Go to the official website and choose individual or group registration

On the homepage of the e-Arrival Card website, travellers can choose individual or group registration, and switch the language to Chinese using the option in the top-right corner.

You can register up to 9 people at once. For a group of 10 or more, you will need to use the group e-arrival registration feature instead.

For children under 14, a parent or guardian must complete the registration on their behalf.

Step 2: Agree to the terms of use and enter your email address

After reading the terms of use, check the box to agree and enter your email address — a confirmation email will be sent to this address once your application is complete.

Step 3: Upload your passport photo page

Upload your passport's photo page so the site can recognise your personal details. Make sure the uploaded page fully includes the areas marked with a red box in the sample image.

Step 4: Confirm your basic details and fill in the rest

Once your passport page uploads successfully, check that the personal details the system read automatically are correct.

Once your personal details are confirmed, scroll down to fill in the details of this trip to Korea.

Step 5: Submit

Once you submit the form, your application is complete. You can review your personal and entry details once more, and click the edit button below if anything needs correcting.

Step 6: Download the PDF

After successfully applying for Korea's e-Arrival Card, you can also download the PDF and save it to your phone, so you have it ready if you need it in a hurry.

FAQ on Korea's e-Arrival Card

1. Do I need to print it out after applying?

No. Since your entry details are already submitted before you arrive in Korea, you do not need to fill out a paper arrival card at the airport either — one less step at immigration.

2. If I already have S.e.S, do I still need to fill out the e-Arrival Card?

No. Since your personal details are already on file through S.e.S, you can simply use automated immigration clearance to enter Korea quickly.

3. What is the deadline for submitting the e-Arrival Card?

The website opens registration up to three days before arrival — for example, on 24 June you could register for a trip arriving between 24 and 26 June. We recommend completing your application at least 24 hours before you arrive in Korea.

Filling out Korea's e-Arrival Card means your trip is one step closer — and do not forget to bring a DJB Korea Wave SIM, with no-throttle unlimited data to keep your Korea trip running smoothly!