ETIAS for South Korean Citizens - Your Complete Guide for 2026
South Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to Europe. This will not change, but from late 2026, you must apply for ETIAS before your trip. Here’s what you need to know.
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What It Means for You
What ETIAS means for South Korean travellers
As a South Korean citizen with a strong passport, you are part of a growing number of tourists and business travellers visiting Europe, with approximately 2 million Koreans visiting annually. The EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement has further boosted business travel. ETIAS will not alter your visa-free status but introduces a mandatory pre-travel registration, similar to the K-ETA system for visitors to South Korea.
Not a Visa
ETIAS does not replace your visa-free access to Europe. Your South Korea passport still qualifies for visa-free short stays. ETIAS is a pre-registration that screens travellers before they arrive.
Linked to Your Passport
Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your South Korea passport. No stickers, no stamps, no paper documents. Just travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Three Years, Unlimited Trips
One ETIAS covers unlimited trips to any of the 30 Schengen countries for three years, or until your passport expires. No need to reapply for each trip.
Minutes to Apply
The application is entirely online. Enter your details, answer a short set of background questions, and most approvals come through within minutes.
South Korea-Specific Details
Key information for South Korean passport holders
Familiarity with K-ETA
South Korea's K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is very similar to ETIAS. If you have helped a foreign friend apply for K-ETA, the ETIAS process will be straightforward.
Business Travel & EU-Korea FTA
The EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement facilitates business travel. ETIAS covers business trips up to 90 days, perfect for attending meetings, conferences, and trade fairs.
K-Pop and Cultural Tourism
The global popularity of K-pop and Korean culture is leading to more cultural tourism to Europe. ETIAS makes it easy for fans and artists to travel for concerts, fan meetings, and cultural exchange events.
Dual Citizenship
If you hold a passport from an EU member state in addition to your South Korean passport, you do not need ETIAS. Travel on your EU passport to enter Europe without ETIAS.
Strong Passport Advantage
The South Korean passport is one of the strongest in the world, granting visa-free access to many countries. ETIAS is a straightforward requirement for an already powerful travel document.
Comparison
ETIAS vs South Korea K-ETA - how they compare
South Koreans are already familiar with the K-ETA system that many foreign visitors use to enter South Korea. Here is how ETIAS compares to the system you already know.
| Feature | EU ETIAS | South Korea K-ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Small one-time fee | ₩10,000 |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 90 days / 180-day period | Varies by nationality (usually 90 days) |
| Countries covered | 30 Schengen countries | South Korea only |
| Application time | ~5 minutes online | ~10 minutes online |
| Approval speed | Usually minutes, up to 30 days | Usually within 24 hours |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, transit | Tourism, visiting relatives, events, business (non-profit) |
| Age exemptions for fee | Under 18 & over 70 | Under 17 & over 65 |
Step by Step
How South Korean citizens apply for ETIAS
The process is entirely online. No embassy visit, no interview, no biometrics.
Confirm you need ETIAS
As a South Korea passport holder who currently visits Europe visa-free, you will need ETIAS once it launches. If you also hold an EU passport, you do not need one.
Complete the online form
Enter your personal details, passport information, employment history, and answer a short set of security and health questions. The form takes around 5 minutes.
Pay the application fee
A small fee is paid online by debit or credit card at the time of application. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fee waivers apply for certain age groups.
Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation. Your ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport. No printing needed.
Travel to Europe
Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically. It covers unlimited trips for three years across all 30 Schengen countries.
Questions from South Korean Travellers
ETIAS FAQ for South Korea citizens
The most common questions South Korean travellers are asking about ETIAS.
Other Guides
ETIAS guides for other nationalities
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