South Korea ETA for German Citizens
ETA Korea for German CitizensThe K-ETA visa waiver is no longer mandatory for German citizens, however a valid ETA allows travelers to skip the South Korea arrival card requirement.
German citizens visiting South Korea must meet the immigration requirements to be eligible for entry. This includes having the correct documents, like a valid passport and a visa or visa waiver (if applicable).
This page contains information about the South Korea entry requirements for German travelers, with details about the K-ETA visa waiver.
Documents Required by Germans Traveling to South Korea
If you’re a German citizen visiting South Korea, you must present the following documents at border control:
- Valid German passport
- K-ETA OR arrival card
- Customs declaration
- Return or onward ticket
Do Germans Need a Visa for Korea?
German citizens who are traveling for tourism or business do not need a South Korea visa for Germans. The maximum visa-free stay is 90 days.
To enjoy this exemption from visa requirements, German passport holders previously had to apply for a South Korea ETA visa waiver. This document is no longer mandatory, however holders of a K-ETA are exempt from completing an arrival card when they get to South Korea.
A visa is required to travel to South Korea from Germany for more than 90 days or activities not covered by the visa exemption policy.
How to Get the K-ETA from Germany
Germans who meet the K-ETA requirements can obtain their South Korean visa waiver in 3 steps:
- 1. Fill out the online K-ETA application form
- 2. Pay the ETA fee and submit the request
- 3. Receive the approved travel authorization by email
K-ETA processing is fast. Most German applicants will receive the approved South Korea visa waiver from Germany in 24-48 hours.
German travelers who need a K-ETA quickly can use the priority service to receive the document in 1 hour.
South Korea ETA Application for Germans
The online visa waiver application for German visitors is easy and straightforward. It is 100% online and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Germans must fill out the form with information including:
- First and last names
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Contact details
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
There are also a few questions related to health and security.
Travel to South Korea from Germany
Tourists travelling to South Korea from Germany can use the electronic travel authorization to travel from several German cities.
There are direct flights to Seoul, the South Korean capital, from:
- Munich International Airport (MUC)
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
A non-stop flight from Germany to South Korea takes just over 10 hours.
Flights with 1 or more stops depart from Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich to other top Korean destinations such as Busan and Daegu. Travelers with a K-ETA must enter the country with the same passport that was used to apply.
Is there a visa from Germany to Jeju Island?
Nicknamed the Hawaii of South Korea, the island of Jeju is a popular destination for German tourists.
German nationals can visit Jeju Island during their stay in South Korea without a visa.
To visit Jeju Island for longer than 90 days, German passport holders must apply for a South Korean visa.
South Korean Embassy in Germany
Germans do not need to go to the South Korea Embassy to request an ETA. The application process for a K-ETA from Germany is 100% online.
Germans who require a South Korean visa should contact the diplomatic mission. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Germany is at the following address:
Stülerstrasse 8/10, 10787 Berlin, Germany
FAQs About Traveling from Germany to South Korea
Can Germans travel to South Korea? Toggle faqs
Germans can visit South Korea provided they have the required travel documents. Germans need a valid passport and a South Korea K-ETA, arrival card, or visa.
Can Germans get a visa on arrival in South Korea? Toggle faqs
No, Germans cannot get a visa on arrival. German citizens who need a visa for Korea must apply in advance through the embassy.
Can Germans visit South Korea without a visa? Toggle faqs
Germans may travel to South Korea from Germany visa-free for up to 90 days for various tourism and business activities.
How can you get a tourist visa for South Korea from Germany? Toggle faqs
German citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. To stay in the country for longer, travelers need to obtain a visa from an embassy or consulate.
How much is a South Korea Visa from Germany? Toggle faqs
A K-ETA for Germans is the most cost-effective travel authorization for South Korea, as applicants avoid the need to go to an embassy to request a visa in person.
The South Korea visa waiver fee is paid for securely online with a bank card.
Can I travel from Germany to Jeju Island with the K-ETA? Toggle faqs
The South Korea K-ETA from Germany allows travelers to visit all parts of the country. This includes Jeju Island, which visitors can easily reach by taking a domestic flight from Seoul.