Visa Updates - Including Landing Cards

✈️ Visiting South Korea in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know About Landing Cards and Visas - May 2025

Planning a trip to South Korea this year? Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there are a few changes to know about before you land at Incheon, Gimpo, or Busan. From updated visa requirements to new digital landing card systems, travel in 2025 is smoother—but only if you’re prepared. Here's your guide, brought to you by the Koreana Travel team.

🛂 No More Paper Landing Cards for Most Visitors

Good news: if you're flying into South Korea, chances are you won’t need to fill out a paper landing card anymore.

As of early 2025, South Korea has phased out paper arrival cards for most short-term foreign visitors. Instead, the process is now largely digital and automatic for travellers arriving at major airports like Incheon and Gimhae.

Who doesn’t need a landing card?

You can skip the arrival card if you’re:

• A passport holder from the UK, USA, Canada, EU, Australia, and most visa-free countries

• Staying in Korea for 90 days or less

• Arriving by air and not requiring a special entry permit

Your travel details are usually collected electronically from your airline and immigration systems. Just make sure your information matches your passport and flight booking.

Who still needs one?

You’ll still need to fill in a landing card if you:

• Are travelling on certain visa types (like long-term stays or work permits)

• Enter by sea (e.g., cruise ship or ferry)

• Are from a country not on Korea’s visa waiver list

Tip from us: If in doubt, ask the airline staff when you check in, or look for signs at immigration.

🧾 The K-ETA: Still a Must for Many

Even with no landing card, many nationalities are still required to apply online for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) before arrival.

What is the K-ETA?

It’s a short online form that grants you entry for tourism, business, or family visits. It takes just a few minutes and is usually approved within 24–72 hours.

K-ETA Waiver Scheme

For the convenient travel to Korea, temporary exemption of K-ETA will be extended for another year until December 31, 2025. Those from K-ETA exempt countries can enjoy another year of exemption until the end of 2025. To check if your country is on the exemption list, choose the country during the K-ETA application process and a pop-up with temporary exemption information will be shown for those countries with exemption. 

However, as a guide, the following countries are showing as exempt as of 1 May 2025:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US(including Guam)

Please do check the official site https://www.k-eta.go.kr  as we cannot take any responsibility for your visa requirements. 

✅ You need a K-ETA if you:

• Are from a visa-free country that is not part of the waiver scheme. Please check for details on your own country at https://www.k-eta.go.kr 

• Plan to stay in Korea for 90 days or less

• Are not applying for a visa

• Are entering for purposes like sightseeing, short business trips, or family visits

You must apply at least 72 hours before boarding your flight. Once approved, a K-ETA is valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries during that time.

❌ You don’t need a K-ETA if you:

• Already hold a valid visa for South Korea

• Are a Korean citizen or registered foreign resident

• Are transiting through Korea without entering the country (in most cases)

• Are a diplomat or official passport holder from certain countries

• Are part of the Visa Waiver Scheme

  
  

What’s new in 2025?

• Now valid for 3 years (once approved)

• Covers multiple trips within that time

• Now includes a family/group application option, making it easier to apply together

👉 Apply here: https://www.k-eta.go.kr

✍️ Customs & Quarantine Forms: Digital Too

South Korea is also upgrading its customs and health declaration processes. While forms were once handed out on the plane, most passengers now fill them in online or at airport kiosks.

Look out for:

• Smart Entry terminals at major airports

• QR code options sent by your airline before departure

• Mobile apps provided by Korea Customs Service

At Koreana Travel, we recommend completing customs declarations online before you arrive—it saves time and means fewer queues.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the official Korea Immigration Service or contact your local Korean embassy or consulate.

Final Travel Tips from Koreana Travel

• Carry a printout of your K-ETA or visa—immigration may ask for it

• Keep your passport info consistent across all forms (K-ETA, flights, hotel bookings)

• Ask us if you’re unsure about your visa or entry status—we’re happy to help

  
  

South Korea is ready to welcome you with open arms (and less paperwork). These new digital processes are designed to make your arrival smoother and quicker—leaving you more time to enjoy everything from Seoul’s street food to Jeju’s scenic beaches.

📞 Need help planning your trip? Call Koreana Travel on 03303 412131 or 01284 277260📧 Or drop us a message—we’ll help you get all your documents sorted before take-off.