Changes to South Korea’s Entry Procedures in 2026｜What Will Change with the Elimination of Paper Arrival Cards?

 

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Korea Travel Tips 2026 Changes to South Korea Entry Procedures

In 2026, paper entry cards will be discontinued.
You may panic at the airport if you are not prepared

✈️ A pre-travel preparation guide you can complete in 5 minutes

Brought to you by YEPPURIKO.

 

✈️ That paper handed out on the plane no longer exists

If you have traveled to Korea before, you probably remember the entry card handed out on the plane.

That form you used to fill out by hand with your name, passport number, accommodation address, and more has been discontinued as of 2026.

It is no longer distributed on flights, and in principle, there is no longer a need to submit a paper form at immigration.

What you need instead is the smartphone-based
online pre-arrival application: the e-Arrival Card.

If you head to the airport without knowing this, you may get stuck in the immigration line.

This article summarizes the key points of the entry procedure changes introduced in 2026.

 

📋 Three key changes in 2026

Broadly speaking, there are three major changes.

✅ Change ① Paper entry cards discontinued

They are no longer distributed on flights. You no longer need to fill one out by hand.

✅ Change ② Online pre-registration for the e-Arrival Card is required

The system has transitioned to one you register for on your smartphone before departure. Registration is available from 3 days before departure, takes approximately 5 minutes, and is free.

✅ Change ③ Automated gates introduced at Incheon Airport

The immigration process is now faster. A shorter processing time is expected.

These are the main changes to South Korea’s entry procedures in 2026.

 

📱 What do I need to prepare for the e-Arrival Card?

The registration itself is not difficult.

You need three things.

✅ 3 things required for registration

① Smartphone (internet connection required)

② Passport (number, expiration date, etc.)

③ Accommodation address (in English)

You need to enter your accommodation address in English.

The English address is often included in your hotel booking confirmation email, so it is a good idea to save a screenshot or image in advance.

Registration opens 3 days before departure. It takes approximately 5 minutes and is free.

The easiest and smoothest approach is to register everything at once when your accommodation is confirmed while preparing for your trip.

 

🎉 K-ETA exemption extended through December 31, 2026

For K-ETA (electronic travel authorization), the exemption allowing travelers visiting for tourism purposes to enter without applying has been extended through December 31, 2026.

If you are traveling to Korea for tourism or beauty-related purposes, you do not need to complete a separate K-ETA application.

However, we recommend checking official information regularly regarding any future extensions. If your travel plans extend beyond the end of 2026, check the latest information before departure.

 

🔍 Pre-trip checks and transportation tips (summary)

✅ Booking and transportation tips

・Make a note of your accommodation’s English address in advance

・Register for the e-Arrival Card from 3 days before departure (free, approximately 5 minutes)

・If traveling for tourism, you do not need to apply for K-ETA through December 31, 2026

・You may be able to use the automated gates at Incheon Airport (availability varies depending on the situation)

✅ Important pre-trip checks

・Passport validity (at least 6 months from the date of travel is recommended)

・Prepare your accommodation address in English

・For peace of mind, bookmark the official e-Arrival Card website in advance

 

✨ Summary

Let’s review the 2026 changes to South Korea’s entry procedures using this checklist.

☑ Confirmed that paper entry cards have been discontinued

☑ Confirmed that an online e-Arrival Card application is required

☑ Prepared the accommodation address in English

☑ Made plans to register on a smartphone from 3 days before departure

☑ Confirmed that K-ETA is not required for tourism purposes through the end of 2026

☑ Checked the passport expiration date

The procedure itself takes just 5 minutes. Simply knowing what to do can change your airport experience.