South Korea ETA for French Citizens

Apply Online for a South Korea Visa from France

ETA Korea for French Citizens

The K-ETA visa waiver is now optional for French citizens. Those with an ETA do not need to complete an arrival card.

If you’re a French citizen planning a trip to South Korea, you should be aware of the entry requirements that apply to you.

French visitors can enter with just their passport, plus a K-ETA visa waiver or an arrival card.

This page contains all the visa and ETA information French travelers need to prepare for their trip to South Korea.

Do French Citizens Need a Visa for South Korea?

French citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism and business.

A K-ETA is usually required to travel to South Korea from France without applying for a visa. However, this policy is temporarily optional for French travelers.

You can still apply for a K-ETA, which acts in the same way as an arrival card. With an ETA, you’re exempt from the arrival card requirement, saving time when you arrive in South Korea.

A South Korea visa for French citizens is needed to stay for longer than 90 days or other purposes, such as employment or studying.

K-ETA South Korea for French Passport Holders

Here is the key information about the K-ETA for French citizens:

  • Length of stay: up to 90 days
  • ETA validity: 3 years
  • Number of entries: multiple
  • Purpose of travel: visiting friends/family, attending meetings or events, commercial activities (non-profit-seeking only)

As mentioned above, the K-ETA is no longer mandatory for French visitors, however it allows you to pass through immigration without completing an arrival card.

How to Get a South Korea Visa Waiver from France

French citizens can apply for a South Korea ETA online by completing a quick questionnaire.

It takes just a few minutes to fill out the form and submit the request, following the steps below:

  • 1. Complete the online K-ETA application form
  • 2. Pay the Korea ETA fee and send the request
  • 3. Receive the approved visa waiver by email

The K-ETA application process is 100% online. Travelers do not need to visit the South Korea Embassy in Paris at any point.

Documents Required for a Korean Visa Waiver From France

To apply for the K-ETA, French nationals need a:

  • Valid French passport
  • Email address
  • Debit or credit card
  • Recent photograph

Travelers who meet these requirements can proceed with the K-ETA application from France.

Korea ETA Application Process for French Travelers

The K-ETA for French tourists requests basic personal and passport information, including:

  • Full name
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Passport issue date
  • Passport expiry date
  • Passport number

There are also some health and security-related questions. French applicants will receive their visa approval by email in 24-48 hours provided the form was completed correctly.

The French passport used to complete the visa waiver application process must be used when entering the country.

The K-ETA for French citizens is valid for 3 years, or until the passport expires, and multiple trips to South Korea.

Travel to South Korea from France

There are direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). The non-stop flight takes just over 11 hours.

Flights to Seoul with one or more stops depart from several French airports including Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille.

Alternatively, French visitors can travel to other South Korean destinations such as Daegu, Busan, and Jeju Island on indirect flights from Paris.

With a valid K-ETA, French passengers are no longer required to complete an arrival card. Border crossings are also faster and more efficient.

South Korea Entry Requirements for French Citizens

Visitors need the following documents to travel from France to South Korea without a visa:

  • Valid French passport
  • South Korea ETA or arrival card
  • Customs declaration
  • Return/onward travel ticket

French passport holders should check all the latest entry requirements.

South Korea Embassy in France

You do not need to visit an embassy to travel to South Korea for 90 days or less—you can enter the country visa-free.

French nationals who apply for a K-ETA do not need to visit the South Korean Embassy at any point. The application is 100% online and can be submitted from home.

A South Korea visa for French citizens is needed to stay for longer than 90 days or purposes not covered by the visa exemption.

Visa applications are made through the South Korea Embassy in Paris:

125 rue de Grenelle, 75005, Paris, France

FAQs About Travelling to South Korea from France

Can French citizens go to South Korea? Toggle faqs

Yes, citizens of France may visit South Korea provided they have the relevant travel documents.

Can French passport holders get a visa on arrival in South Korea? Toggle faqs

No, French passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Visa applications are made in advance through the South Korean Embassy in Paris.

Can French citizens go to South Korea without a visa? Toggle faqs

French citizens may travel to South Korea without a visa and stay for up to 90 days for tourism or on business.

A South Korea visa from France is required to stay for longer or other purposes.