Q-CODE was Korea’s digital health declaration system, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is its current status in 2026 and what entry requirements actually apply to visitors now.
Q-CODE(Quick COvid-19 Entry) was South Korea’s pre-arrival health declaration platform introduced in 2022 to streamline COVID-related entry checks. Travellers would register their health status and vaccination records before arriving, receiving a QR code to show at immigration.
As of 2024, South Korea has lifted all COVID-related entry requirements, and Q-CODE registration is no longer required for visitors. This page covers what replaced it and what the current Korean entry requirements actually look like in 2026.
Quick answer: Q-CODE is not required in 2026. There are no health declaration requirements for visiting South Korea. For standard immigration, a valid passport, a return ticket, and sufficient funds are all that are needed for visa-exempt visitors.
Current Korea Entry Requirements in 2026
South Korea’s entry requirements have been simplified significantly since the COVID era. For visitors from visa-exempt countries (which includes most Western nations):
- Valid passport: No minimum remaining validity is technically required by South Korea, but airlines typically require 6 months beyond your departure date. Check with your carrier.
- Return or onward ticket: Have your booking confirmation accessible at immigration.
- Proof of accommodation: Have your hotel booking details for the first night.
- Sufficient funds: A credit card and bank statement generally satisfy this requirement.
- No health declaration: No health forms, vaccination records, or Q-CODE required.
- No K-ETA for most Western visitors: The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) has been suspended for citizens of most Western countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and EU member states, as of 2026. See the Korea visa guide for the current list.
What is the K-ETA, and Does It Apply to You?
The K-ETA is a separate pre-travel registration system, distinct from Q-CODE, introduced in 2021 for visa-exempt visitors. Unlike Q-CODE (which was health-related), the K-ETA is an entry authorization system similar to the US ESTA or Australian ETA.
As of 2026, the K-ETA has been suspended for citizens of most Western countries. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and EU member states can enter Korea without completing K-ETA registration.
The specific countries currently exempt from K-ETA suspension are listed in the American and Canadians K-ETA guide. Check this before travelling, as the K-ETA suspension status may change.
What About the Arrival Card?
South Korea still processes a standard immigration arrival card for all visitors. This covers your purpose of visit, address in Korea, and basic travel information. It can now be submitted digitally via the Visit Korea website before departure, or completed on the paper form distributed on flights. See the Korea arrival card guide for how to fill it out correctly.
Korea Entry: What Changed Since COVID
- Q-CODE: Discontinued. No health declaration required.
- Vaccination proof: Not required at any point of entry.
- COVID testing: Not required.
- K-ETA: Suspended for most Western nationalities. Check the current status at the Korean Ministry of Justice website.
- Arrival card: Still required, but can be submitted digitally.
Korea Entry for Nationalities That Still Need K-ETA
Citizens of countries where the K-ETA suspension does not apply must still register online before arrival. This includes some Asian and other nationalities not on the suspension list. Check the Korean Immigration Service website for the current list of countries.
