Planning a trip to South Korea? Get ready for a smoother arrival experience! Starting February 24, 2025, South Korea is rolling out the e-Arrival Card, a digital entry form designed to simplify immigration procedures for international travelers.
This paperless system is set to replace traditional arrival cards, allowing visitors to complete the process online before arrival—reducing wait times and making entry more seamless.
Why the Change?
South Korea is joining the ranks of other Asian countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand, which have already embraced digital entry systems. The e-Arrival Card is designed to:
✅ Streamline the immigration process
✅ Reduce processing time at entry points
✅ Enhance efficiency for both travelers and border officials
How Does the e-Arrival Card Work?
Instead of filling out paper forms upon arrival, travelers can now complete their entry details online before their trip. The form collects essential information, including:
📅 Travel dates and flight details
🏨 Accommodation information
🎯 Purpose of visit
Who Needs to Complete the e-Arrival Card?
Most international visitors will be required to submit the e-Arrival Card within three days before arrival in South Korea. However, some travelers are exempt, including:
✈️ Airline crew members
🛂 Holders of a valid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
🏠 Registered residents of South Korea, including Permanent Resident Card and Overseas Korean Resident Card holders
Transition Period Until December 2025
During the initial rollout, travelers will have the option to use either the paper arrival card or the e-Arrival Card until December 2025. However, from January 2026, the process will be fully digital, and paper forms will no longer be accepted.
How to Complete the e-Arrival Card
The official e-Arrival Card website (e-arrivalcard.go.kr) is currently under development. Once live, travelers can follow these simple steps:
1. Accept Terms & Conditions
✔️ Agree to the platform’s terms
✔️ For minors under 14, a guardian or family member must submit the form
2. Upload Passport Information
📸 Upload a clear photo or scanned copy of the passport’s data page
🔍 The system will use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract details
3. Enter Travel Information
📍 Arrival & departure dates, flight/ship details
🏨 Local accommodation address & contact details
🎯 Purpose of visit
4. Submit & Save Confirmation
✅ Click “Submit”
📂 Download the PDF confirmation or take a screenshot
📧 A confirmation email will be sent for reference
If travelers need to edit their details, they can log into the website and update the information before arrival.
What This Means for Travelers
With the e-Arrival Card, entering South Korea will be faster and more convenient. By eliminating paper forms and enabling pre-arrival submission, visitors can expect:
🔹 Shorter immigration queues
🔹 Faster processing times
🔹 A more efficient border experience
Final Thoughts
As South Korea moves toward a more digital-friendly travel experience, international visitors should stay updated on the latest entry requirements. Be sure to complete the e-Arrival Card before your trip to avoid any delays at immigration.
For official updates and step-by-step guidance, check the e-Arrival Card website (once live) or consult South Korean immigration authorities before departure.
✈️ Safe travels and enjoy your time in South Korea!
