Entering Korea will change from 2026! How to register the electronic arrival card

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•02/27/2026

Entering Korea will change from 2026!
A guide to registering the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card)

✈️ An entry procedure guide to check before traveling to Korea

Presented by YEPPURIKO, Korea’s one-stop guide for enjoying Korean beauty, travel, food, and more with peace of mind.

🛬 Pre-registering the arrival card online is becoming the norm

Many of you may have thought, “Writing out the paper arrival card on the plane is a little tedious every time…”

Declarations when entering Korea can now be completed in advance using the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card).

The electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card), which can be registered online in advance, has been introduced.

In this article, we will clearly walk you through the registration timing, procedures, and frequently asked questions.

Checking and registering your e-Arrival Card in advance before traveling to Korea
will make the entry procedures smoother.

📱 What is the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card)?

Republic of Korea electronic arrival declaration logo_ e-Arrival card

The Electronic Arrival Card is a system for registering the information required when entering Korea online in advance.

The Electronic Arrival Card can be registered free of charge on the official website, and the declaration can be submitted online before entering the country.

Registration is completed through the official website (www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr), and there is no fee.

✅ Basic Information Summary

・Official website: e-arrivalcard.go.kr
・Fee: Free
・Application period: Declaration period: From 3 days before arrival in Korea
・Validity period: After submission, it is valid until arrival in Korea, so registering shortly before departure is recommended
・Individual declarations are available for 1–9 people, and group declarations are available for 2–1,000 people

🗂️ What to Prepare Before Registration

Preparing the following information in advance will make the registration process smoother.

📋 Required Items

📕 Passport (supports taking a photo for automatic entry)
✈️ Flight information (flight number, etc.)
🏨 Accommodation address (in English or Korean)
📧 Email address

To make entering the accommodation address smoother, save it in advance from your booking confirmation email or map app.

If you have trouble entering the information, switching the display to English or Korean and trying again may help.

📝 Registration Process (5 Steps)

The registration process is easy to complete even from a smartphone.

✅ Step-by-step process

1️⃣ Visit the official website (e-arrivalcard.go.kr)
2️⃣ Set the language to “Japanese”
3️⃣ Agree to the terms of use and enter your email address
4️⃣ Enter or scan your passport information and check the required details
5️⃣ Enter and submit your arrival date, itinerary, accommodation information, and other details

After registration, you can look up and modify your information using the Issue Number.

For peace of mind, it is recommended that you save a screenshot.

You can also look up and modify your information after submission using the issuance number or email verification.

🛂 About the Day of Immigration Inspection

On the day of immigration inspection, checks will primarily focus on your passport, so it is reassuring to have your pre-registration details readily available for immediate confirmation.

For peace of mind, save your issuance number and registration screen so they can be shown immediately if necessary.

✅ About Automated Gates (SES)

At airports such as Incheon Airport, you may be eligible to use automated gates. Be sure to check the airport guidance and official information for details.
Please check the conditions of use and registration procedures in the guidance provided by each airport or through official sources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What if I have a K-ETA?

If you hold a valid K-ETA, you may be exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement. Please check the official guidance for the latest conditions.

Q. I don't know whether I need a K-ETA

Some countries and regions, including Japan, had been notified of temporary exemptions from the K-ETA requirement, but the official tourism information states that this applies until December 31, 2025. Be sure to check the official website for the latest information.

However, requirements vary depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, so please check the latest information with the Korea Tourism Organization or official institutions.

If you have a visa or residence status, the items subject to declaration may differ.

Q. What should children do?

If you are traveling with companions, including minors, it is recommended to apply together while checking the registration details for everyone.

Q. I'm worried about fake websites…

The official website (e-arrivalcard.go.kr) is free to use.

Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge fees, and always access the site by entering the official URL directly.

📌 Points to check before traveling to Korea

✅ Key points for reservations and transportation

・The e-Arrival Card can be registered starting three days before arriving in Korea, so prepare it in advance to avoid rushing right before your trip.
・If your flight number or place of stay changes after registration, you can check and update the information using the Issue Number or email verification.
・It is easiest to register once your flight and accommodation reservations are confirmed and all the necessary information is available.

✅ Notes on holidays and crowds

・During major holidays in Korea, such as Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok, flights tend to be crowded and waiting times at Incheon Airport tend to be longer.
・If you are planning to travel during these periods, it is a good idea to allow plenty of time for the immigration process.

✨ Summary

We’ve compiled the key points to check before traveling to Korea.

☑ You can register the electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card) online before entering Korea

☑ Free registration is available through the official website (e-arrivalcard.go.kr)

☑ Registration is available from 3 days before arriving in Korea

☑ Prepare your passport, flight information, accommodation details, and email address

☑ It is recommended to save the issuance number as a screenshot for peace of mind

☑ Since eligibility varies depending on whether you have K-ETA or a residence status, it is recommended to check in advance

☑ If you are traveling with companions, it is reassuring to review the registration details together in advance

☑ Beware of unofficial websites that charge a fee

For details about the system and the latest information, please check the official guidance from the Korea Immigration Service and the Korea Tourism Organization.