South Korea Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
ETA Korea for US CitizensIf you’re an American citizen traveling to South Korea, you must meet the country’s entry requirements for your nationality. This may include having the correct documentation, like a visa or visa waiver.
The South Korean visa waiver from the U.S. is available online . U.S. passport holders can apply for the Korea ETA in minutes.
Important information about South Korean entry requirements for American citizens and the K-ETA can be found below.
Documents Required for Americans to Enter South Korea
U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea without a visa must have the following documents:
-
Valid U.S. passport -
Return or onward travel ticket
Americans are also eligible to enter with a K-ETA visa waiver. Though this is not a mandatory document, U.S. visitors with an ETA are exempt from submitting an arrival card.
Travel to South Korea from the United States
Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) from several U.S. cities including:
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Minneapolis Saint Paul Airport (MSP)
Passengers on flights from the U.S. to Korea no longer need to fill out an arrival card if they are traveling with a K-ETA. Border checks are also faster thanks to visa waiver pre-screening.
U.S. Embassy Registration for Travelers in South Korea
American travelers are strongly advised to register with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea. U.S. nationals who sign up for the service can be sent important South Korea travel information by the government.
Embassy Registration can help tourists plan a safe trip to South Korea and stay up to date with the latest advisories.
It also ensures the traveler can be easily reached in the unlikely event of an emergency in South Korea or back home.
U.S. passport holders can register with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea when applying for their ETA through this site. Applicants will find the option to opt-in on the payment page.
South Korean Embassy in the United States
U.S. citizens who apply for the K-ETA do not need to go to a South Korean Embassy. Americans can complete the process online and receive the approved permit by email.
If the ETA does not fit your travel plans, or you wish to stay for longer than the visa-free time period, you’ll need to get a visa at an embassy.
The Republic of Korea Embassy in the United States is located at the following address:
2450 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., 20008 DC, Washington, United States
FAQ About US Citizens Traveling to South Korea
Can U.S. citizens travel to South Korea? Toggle faqs
U.S. citizens can visit South Korea as long as they have the relevant documents for their trip. Americans need a valid passport and South Korea visa waiver if they wish to be exempt from an arrival card.
Can U.S. citizens get a visa on arrival in South Korea? Toggle faqs
No, Americans cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Travel visas are only available at the South Korean Embassy.
Can U.S. passport holders visit South Korea without a visa? Toggle faqs
U.S. citizens can visit South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with just their passport. With the optional K-ETA, they can avoid completing an arrival card.
Can a US green card holder travel to South Korea? Toggle faqs
Us green card holders can travel to South Korea, providing they have the correct documents. Visitors with a green card can stay for up to 30 days visa-free, providing South Korea is not their final destination.