Travellers preparing for a trip to Korea often encounter both the arrival card and the K-ETA in the same search and understandably wonder whether they are the same thing, whether they need both, and what each one actually does. They are completely different documents.
The Arrival Card
What it is: A standard immigration declaration completed by all foreign visitors on every entry to South Korea. It collects your personal details, the purpose of your visit, accommodation address, and flight information.
Who needs it: Every foreign visitor to Korea, without exception, regardless of nationality, visa status, or whether K-ETA applies to you.
When to complete it: On the flight (paper form distributed by the cabin crew) or digitally before departure via the Visit Korea pre-registration system.
Cost: Free.
Current status: Always required. See the Korea arrival card guide for how to fill it out correctly.
The K-ETA
What it is: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization is a pre-travel entry authorization system for citizens of visa-exempt countries. Similar to the US ESTA or Australian ETA.
Who needs it: Citizens of visa-exempt countries that are not covered by the K-ETA suspension. Most Western nationalities (the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU) are currently exempt from K-ETA registration.
When to complete it: Before you book your flight, or at least several days before departure. Processed online at eta.go.kr.
Cost: Around 10,000 won when required.
Current status: Suspended for most Western nationalities through 2026. Check your specific country:
Do You Need Both?
If K-ETA applies to you: Yes, complete K-ETA before travelling AND the arrival card on the flight or digitally beforehand. They are separate documents submitted at different times.
If K-ETA is suspended for your nationality, you only need the arrival card; no K-ETA registration is required.
Quick Comparison
Arrival card: Required for everyone; completed at the immigration desk during the immigration process.
K-ETA: Required from some nationalities only, completed before travel, and involves an online authorization process.
Q-CODE and K-ETA are two different Korea entry systems
