ETA South Korea for Italian Citizens

K ETA for Italians

As an Italian citizen, you can now apply for a K-ETA online to speed up border procedures.

If you have an approved K-ETA you do not need to submit an arrival card at the port of entry.

Find out more about the benefits of traveling from Italy to South Korea with an ETA and get started with your application.

Benefits of Traveling From Italy to Korea With the ETA

Although the K-ETA is not currently mandatory for Italians, it is recommended. The K-ETA requirement has been temporarily waived for citizens of Italy and over 20 other countries.

You can still apply for K-ETA with an Italian passport. Benefits include:

  • No need to submit an arrival card
  • Enjoy a streamlined border-crossing experience
  • Avoid delays at immigration

In addition, the K-ETA is valid for 3 years and multiple entries. Apply now and your travel authorization will be valid until 2026 when the K-ETA for Italians is once again mandatory.

How to Get a South Korea Visa Waiver from Italy

Italians who meet the South Korea visa waiver requirements can apply for a K-ETA in 3 steps:

  • 1. Fill out the Korean ETA application form
  • 2. Pay the visa waiver fee and submit the request
  • 3. Receive the approved K-ETA by email

K-ETA processing is fast. Most Italians will receive their approved travel authorization in 1 or 2 days.

Complete the Korean ETA Application for Italians

You need your valid Italian passport and a recent passport-style photograph to apply for a K-ETA.

To fill out the online form, you’ll need to provide:

  • Basic personal information
  • Passport details
  • Information about your trip

It’s simple to upload your passport photo. No additional supporting documents are required.

Italian passengers with a K-ETA no longer have to complete an arrival card for South Korea. The electronic travel authorization makes border crossing more efficient.

If you do not have an ETA, you’ll need to complete and submit an arrival card at the port of entry. This is a mandatory requirement for all visitors without a K-ETA.

South Korea Entry Requirements for Italians

These are the documents to travel to South Korea from Italy:

  • Valid Italian passport—Required
  • Korean ETA—Recommended
  • Return/onward travel ticket—required

Do Italian Passport Holders Need a Visa for Korea?

Italians do not need a visa to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days for tourism and business activities.

You can travel to Korea on vacation, to visit friends and family, and to attend meetings and other events without getting a visa.

Italians usually need a K-ETA to travel without a visa, however, this requirement has been temporarily waived to celebrate ‘Visit Korea Year’. You can still apply to streamline your border crossing.

Visit South Korea from Italy with a K-ETA

Direct flights to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) are available from Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP). A direct flight takes around 11 hours.

There are also flights with one or more stops to other top Korean tourist destinations. Jeju Island and Busan can be reached from Rome, Milan, and Venice.

Thanks to the introduction of the K-ETA visa waiver, Italian passengersl no longer have to complete an arrival card for South Korea. The electronic travel authorization has made border crossing more efficient.

South Korean Embassy in Italy

Italians traveling with a K-ETA do not need to visit the South Korean Embassy in Italy. The visa waiver application can be completed online from home or the office.

Italian passport holders who are not eligible for a K-ETA must apply for a South Korean visa for Italians. South Korean visas are obtained through the embassy or consulate.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Italy is located at the following address:

Via Barnaba Oriani 30, 00197, Rome, Italy

FAQs About Italians traveling to South Korea

Can Italian citizens get a visa on arrival in South Korea? Toggle faqs

No, Italian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in South Korea. Visas for Korea must be obtained in advance through an embassy.

Italians traveling to South Korea for 3 months or less can travel without a visa. Visa-exempt visitors can get a K-ETA online instead of completing an arrival card.

What vaccines do I need to travel from Italy to South Korea? Toggle faqs

You should be up to date with all your routine vaccines before traveling to South Korea. Depending on where you will stay and your planned activities whilst in South Korea, other vaccines may be recommended by your doctor.

Speak to a medical professional in the weeks leading up to your trip.

What activities can Italians engage in while visiting South Korea? Toggle faqs

Italians can engage in tourist and business activities in South Korea without a visa. This includes vacations, visiting family or friends, and attending business meetings, conferences, or other events.

To travel for other reasons, such as to work or study, Italians need to apply for the relevant visa.

How long can Italians stay in Korea without a visa? Toggle faqs

With an Italian passport, you can visit South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. You need to be traveling for business or tourism and meet the visa-free entry requirements.

Italians need a visa to stay in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days.