Visiting South Korea: American citizen → South Korea
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No visa and no K-ETA needed — short visit
United States passport holders are visa-free for a short visit to South Korea and are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA through 31 December 2026 — you travel with just your passport.
The bottom line
- Visit visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business or visiting family (no paid work).
- The K-ETA exemption runs 1 January – 31 December 2026; applying for a K-ETA remains optional (it lets you skip the e-Arrival Card).
- All arrivals still complete the e-Arrival Card online before entry. Confirm your status on the official K-ETA site.
Where you'll apply
Confirm your exact requirement on the official K-ETA site →