Entry Procedures
This information is as of 2026/08/11.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
eVisa: K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) required for visa-free visitors since 2021. Some nationalities temporarily exempt.
Max stay: Up to 90 days
How to apply: Apply online at k-eta.go.kr. Fee KRW 10,000. Valid for 2 years.
⚠ K-ETA exemptions change frequently — check current status. Japanese and EU citizens temporarily exempt.
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Validity: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Blank pages: At least 1 blank page recommended.
⚠ Must be valid for at least 6 months. Machine-readable passport required for K-ETA.
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
Online form: K-ETA and Q-code (health declaration) when required
Documents needed: Valid passport, K-ETA approval, return ticket.
⚠ K-ETA exemptions change frequently. Check before travel.
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
Declaration threshold: Must declare USD 10,000 or equivalent.
How to declare: Declare on customs form or via app.
⚠ Korean won (KRW) exceeding certain amounts requires Bank of Korea approval for export.
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco
Alcohol: 2 bottles (max 2L total, max USD 400 value)
Perfume: 60ml
Other goods: USD 800 total (duty-free purchases included)
⚠ Must be 19+ for tobacco/alcohol. Excess goods taxed.
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Prohibited items: Illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, counterfeit goods, obscene materials, endangered species products (CITES).
Country-specific: Cannabis products (including CBD), certain Korean cultural artifacts, large quantities of red ginseng.
⚠ Cannabis/CBD completely illegal regardless of legality in departure country.
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
General rule: Controlled medications require declaration to Korea Customs.
Restricted/banned: Cannabis/CBD products (completely banned), ADHD medications (limited), strong opioids.
Recommended: Declare at customs. Carry doctor's letter and max 6 months supply for personal use.
⚠ CBD is completely illegal regardless of THC content.
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
Required: No mandatory vaccinations for entry.
Recommended: Routine vaccinations (measles, tetanus, COVID-19) should be up to date.
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Process: Arrival → Immigration (passport control) → Baggage claim → Customs (green/red channel) → Exit.
Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo for all foreign visitors (17+). Automated gates (SES) for registered travelers.
Typical wait: 15-45 min at Incheon. SES registration takes 10 min on first visit.
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
• Check K-ETA exemption status before booking (changes frequently).
• Have accommodation address in Korean if possible.
• Register for SES (automated immigration) at Incheon for future visits.
• T-money card can be purchased at airport for public transport.