South Korea entry requirements for Spanish Citizens

ETA Korea for Spanish Citizens

Spanish passport holders can travel to South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. Visa-free entry is permitted when visiting on vacation for business.

When traveling without a visa, you’re advised to apply for a Korean ETA. The Electronic Travel Authorization speeds up the border crossing process—holders do not need to fill out an arrival card.

You can find out more about the K-ETA and other documents for traveling from Spain to South Korea on this page.

Do Spanish Citizens need K-ETA to travel to South Korea?

Spanish passport holders do not currently need a K-ETA for South Korea. The visa waiver requirement has been temporarily suspended to celebrate ‘Visit Korea’ year.

However, as a traveler from Spain, you can still apply for the K-ETA to improve your border experience.

Spanish with an approved K-ETA do not need to submit an arrival card allowing for faster entry.

The K-ETA is valid for 3 years and multiple entries. Apply now and your K-ETA will still be valid when the temporary waiver ends.

korea eta spanish

Documents to Request a K-ETA from Spain

Spanish tourists need the following items to get the Korean visa waiver online:

  • Valid Spanish passport
  • Recent, individual photo of the applicant
  • Debit or credit card to pay the ETA fees

Passport details are added to the K-ETA application form and the photo is uploaded digitally.

K-ETA processing and approval times from Spain

Most K-ETA applications made by Spanish travelers are processed and approved in 1 to 2 days.

If you would like to get ETA approval even quicker, you can select the Priority Service when you reach the payment page for 1-hour processing.

Other Documents to Travel from Spain to South Korea

  • Valid Spanish passport: Check that your passport is valid for your entire stay in South Korea. You must renew your passport before you travel if it is about to expire.
  • K-ETA or arrival card: You must submit your travel information either online before departure using the K-ETA system (recommended) or at the port of entry using an arrival card.
  • Return or onward travel ticket: To show you will not overstay your 90-day allowance in South Korea, you need to show a return or onward flight or another travel ticket.
  • Customs declaration form: All passengers need to complete a customs declaration form to enter the Republic of Korea. This can be done online if traveling through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 or Gimpo International Airport.
  • Quarantine Questionnaire: Passengers submit some health information before entering Korea. This can be done in advance using the Q code system to save time on arrival.

Travel to South Korea from Spain

There are direct flights to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). The non-stop flight takes just over 12 hours.

Most flights from Spain to South Korea have one or more stopovers. Popular routes include:

  • Madrid to Seoul
  • Madrid to Busan
  • Barcelona to Jeju
  • Bilbao to Seoul

Thanks to the introduction of the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, Spanish air passengers no longer need to fill out an arrival card.

South Korea Embassy in Spain

Spanish nationals do not need to go to the South Korean Embassy to apply for an ETA. The K-ETA system is 100% online.

Travelers can complete the application form from home, using a smartphone, laptop, or another device with internet connection.

Anyone who does not meet all the visa-free entry requirements needs to get a South Korea visa from Spain. Spanish nationals can apply for several different Korean visas through the embassy, including work permits and study visas.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Spain is in Madrid:

Calle González Amigó 15, 28033, Madrid

There are other representations in Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Seville.

Traveling to South Korea from Spain: FAQs

Can Spanish passport holders go to South Korea now? Toggle faqs

Yes, Spanish passport holders can go to South Korea if they have the correct travel documents. There are flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Seoul and other Korean cities.

Spaniards do not need a visa for South Korea for short trips but they must meet the requirements for visa-free entry..

Can Spanish citizens obtain a visa on arrival in South Korea? Toggle faqs

No, Spanish nationals cannot get a visa on arrival at Incheon International Airport.

Visitors from Spain do not need a visa to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. Spanish travelers who do need a visa must apply in advance through the embassy. Visas on arrival are not available.

Can Spanish passport holders enter South Korea without a visa? Toggle faqs

Yes, Spanish passport holders can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days. This is possible providing they have a valid K-ETA visa waiver.

Spanish nationals must register online before departure to get this mandatory authorization.

A South Korea visa from Spain is required to stay more than 3 months or for activities not allowed with the K-ETA.

How much money do I need to travel from Spain to South Korea? Toggle faqs

The total cost of traveling from Spain to South Korea depends on several factors such as flight prices, accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.

On average, a round-trip economy class ticket from Madrid to Seoul can range between €600 and €1,200. Spaniards should take this into consideration when planning their trip.

What are the health requirements for Spanish citizens visiting Korea? Toggle faqs

You should be up to date with routine vaccines before traveling to Korea from Spain. Speak to a medical professional in the weeks leading up to your trip to find out about any additional vaccination requirements.

Passengers provide some basic health information via a quarantine questionnaire either on arrival or using the Q code system.