ETA South Korea for Thai Citizens

ETA Korea for Thai Citizens

The following page explains the South Korea visa requirements for Thai citizens and other important travel information.

Do Thai Citizens Need a Visa for South Korea from Thailand?

Thai passport holders do not need a visa to travel to South Korea from Thailand for 90 days or less.

However, Thai nationals can only enter South Korea without a visa if they have a valid South Korea ETA. This electronic visa waiver is quick and easy to obtain, and the process is completely online.

If you wish to travel to South Korea and stay for more than 90 days, or to work or study, you need to apply for a visa instead.

south korea thai requirements

South Korea K-ETA for Thai Nationals

The K-ETA allows Thai nationals to obtain authorization to travel to South Korea from Thailand. It replaces arrival cards that were previously filled out at the border crossing.

It is important to note that the ETA Korea for Thai citizens is not a visa but a visa waiver, designed for Thai nationals who are eligible to enter South Korea visa-free.

Travelers from Thailand can apply for an ETA Korea if they intend to travel for:

  • Less than 90 days
  • Tourism, family visits, or business trips.

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa From Thailand

You can get a South Korea visa for Thai passport holders by following 3 simple steps:

  • 1. Complete the online application
  • 2. Pay the K-ETA fee and submit the form
  • 3. Receive the travel authorization by email

The visa waiver application process is completely online, avoiding the need to go in person to an embassy or consulate.

For applicants who need the Korea ETA quickly, there is a Priority Service which approves the travel document within 1 hour.

South Korea ETA Requirements for Thai Citizens

Thai passport holders must meet the South Korea visa waiver requirements before applying for an ETA South Korea. These requirements include:

  • Thai passport with the remaining validity of 6 months or more after the departure from South Korea
  • Email address for receiving information about the visa waiver and the K-ETA itself
  • Debit or credit card for paying the online visa processing fee
  • Recent passport photo

Applicants from Thailand must note that it is necessary to travel on the same Thai passport that is used for the K-ETA application.

Travelers must have a reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer to apply for an ETA Korea.

Korea Visa Waiver Application for Thai Passport Holders

The K-ETA application process for Thai citizens is very simple and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Families or groups traveling together have the possibility to apply for a K-ETA from Thailand at the same time. However, minors and children on their parent’s passport must have a separate application form filled out by their parent or guardian.

Thai candidates must start the application by accessing the Korean ETA application form online. They are required to fill in:

  • Personal and Thai passport details
  • Basic information about their trip (accommodation, length of stay)
  • Health-related and security-related questions

The information on the form must be truthful and error-free. If you make a mistake you will be asked to complete a new form. Depending on the nature of the mistakes and omissions, the Korean visa waiver may be denied.

What is the K-ETA processing fee for Thailand?

Thai passport holders have to pay the K-ETA processing fee as part of their application process.

The payment of the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization is done through a secure online system using a valid debit or credit card.

How long should Thai applicants wait for their K-ETA?

The K-ETA for Thai nationals is usually sent by email within 1-2 business days. It is essential that the email address provided in the form is correct.

It is recommended that travelers visiting South Korea apply for the ETA Korea for Thai citizens at least a week in advance, to account for any delays.

Travelers who do not have enough time to wait for their K-ETA can receive their approved South Korea visa waiver within 1 hour by choosing the priority service.

Document Requirements to Enter South Korea from Thailand

To enter South Korea as a Thai citizen you must have the following documents:

  • Valid Thai passport
  • Approved South Korea ETA or visa

southkorea thailand

Your K-ETA should be printed out and presented along with the valid Thai passport upon arrival in South Korea.

Note: The K-ETA for Thailand citizens does not give automatic permission to enter the country. Just like with traditional South Korean visas, this right can only be granted by an immigration official at the port of entry in Korea.

Travel to South Korea from Thailand with a K-ETA

The K-ETA from Thailand is valid for 3 years for multiple entries. If the passport expires earlier, the visa waiver automatically becomes invalid.

It is important that each individual entry does not exceed 90 days. Overstaying a visa waiver is against the law and punishable by fines.

You can travel with a South Korea visa waiver from Thailand easily by plane, which is the most common way. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Seoul, as well as from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to Seoul with 1 stopover.

South Korean Embassy in Thailand

Visitors from Thailand who would like to work, study, or reside in South Korea must apply for a Korean visa in person at their nearest South Korean diplomatic representation.

The South Korean Embassy in Thailand is located at the following address:

23 Thiam-Ruammit Road

Ratchadapisek, Huai Khwang

Bangkok 10310

Faqs about Thai Citizens traveling to Korea

Can Citizens of Thailand travel to South Korea? Toggle faqs

Thai nationals can visit South Korea providing they have the correct travel documents. This includes a valid passport and a K-ETA or visa.

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

There is no visa on arrival service in South Korea. The only way to get authorization to enter the country is by applying in advance before traveling.

Can Thailand citizens visit South Korea without a visa? Toggle faqs

Thai passport holders can enter South Korea without a visa, but they must obtain a South Korea visa waiver for Thai citizens. Without this travel document you cannot enter South Korea.

Can I travel from Thailand to Jeju Island with the K-ETA? Toggle faqs

You can travel to all parts of South Korea with a K-ETA from Thailand, including Jeju Island. There are domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju Island.

How much is a South Korea Visa from Thailand? Toggle faqs

An online South Korea ETA is the most cost-effective way to get permission to enter the country. The visa waiver is paid for securely with a debit or credit card.

How can you get a tourist visa for South Korea from Thailand? Toggle faqs

You do not need a visa to travel to South Korea from Thailand unless you intend to stay for longer than 90 days or you wish to work or study there.

If you need a visa for South Korea you must apply through an embassy or consulate.

How long can Thai citizens stay in South Korea? Toggle faqs

Thai passport holders can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days with a valid South Korea visa waiver for Thai citizens.