From September 1, 2021 French and European citizens have to follow the new measure imposed by South Korea. Exempt from short-stay visas (tourist or business), they will nevertheless have to obtain a new type of e-document entitled K-ETA. What does it actually mean? How do you go about obtaining it?
What is K-ETA?
South Korea becomes the first Asian country and the 5th country in the world to introduce a electronic travel system. The K-ETA is not a recent measure. In fact, the immigration authorities in South Korea began to experience efficiency of this system in May 2021. Also, obtaining it was optional and free of charge until last August for certain countries. These include Albania, Mexico, the United Kingdom, New Caledonia and Venezuela.
However, from September 2021, anyone whose nationality is visa-exempt and who wishes to travel to South Korea will have to present a e-visa. Tourists wishing to discover this Asian country must now apply for a K-ETA.
While South Korea waives visa requirements more than 108 countries including France, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland, nationals of these destinations will be required to present this document when passing through border control. At the time of covid-19, this approach is in line with theESTA adopted in the United States, or theAVE Canadian.
K-ETA stands for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization. electronic travel authorization. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to apply to K-ETA at least 24 hours before departure in South Korea.
Applying for K-ETA
All you need to do is access a dedicated website. You can also download the application of the same name (K-ETA) to get your e-visa on your computer. mobile device.
Firstly, at the time ofaccess the formPlease fill in the required fields carefully. Include your e-mail address, passport number and contact details before proceeding to the next step.payment stage. Your application will then be examined by the Korean government. Finally, you will receive a reply, and can confirm your stay if the visa has been granted.
The cost of K-ETA is KRW 10,000, equivalent to 8 euros or so. However, it should be noted that this fee does not cover any additional services provided by the agencies. If your application is rejected, please note that these fees are not refundable under any circumstances.
In addition, there is a payment option for groups and travel agencies. In fact, a single person can apply for several individuals (up to 30 names) and make the payment. in one go. If you submit incorrect information or your contact details are inaccurate, your e-visa, although accepted, may be cancelled. This will result in you being refused entry to South Korea, and may even incur penalties under Korean law. This penalty also applies if you have submitted an application on behalf of a third party.
The K-ETA has a valid for 2 years. However, this will not guarantee you entry into the Republic of Korea. This will depend on the decision of the immigration officer during your passage through border inspection. Similarly, if your information (name, gender, nationality, etc.) or your travel document number have changedyou must submit a new application even if your current e-visa is still valid. This security measure is also applicable if you have committed an offence or in the case of infectious disease.
Travelers who have obtained their K-ETA can pass through border control more easily. They will not need to show their arrival cards.
K-ETA: Who is exempt?
There are several cases that provide you with to obtain a K-ETA.
- You are in transit/transfer
- You visit Jeju Island ONLY
- You are part of the flight crew (crew member: flight or ship)
- You are holder of a South Korean residence permit
- You have an APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) business travel card.
- You have a diplomatic passport or official with the agreement of the South Korean Ministry of Justice to be exempt from K-ETA
- You are a member of the United States Armed Forces Korea (USFK).
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