Korea e-Arrival Card Guide: Mandatory Steps for Travelers

As of January 2026, paper arrival cards in South Korea have been officially discontinued, replaced by the mandatory and free e-Arrival Card for all foreign visitors without a K-ETA. You must submit this digital registration via the official portal (www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr) within 72 hours of your flight to receive a QR code, which is now the only way to clear immigration. In this guide, I will walk you through the updated 2026 entry requirements to ensure you don’t get stuck in the airport terminal without the right digital credentials.

1. The Shift to Digital: Why the e-Arrival Card is Mandatory in 2026
2. K-ETA vs. e-Arrival Card: Which One Do You Need?
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out Your e-Arrival Card
4. Local Insider Tips for a Seamless Arrival
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Shift to Digital: Why the e-Arrival Card is Mandatory in 2026

If you have visited Korea in the past, you probably remember scribbling your hotel address on a small yellow slip of paper while on the plane. As of January 1, 2026, those paper slips are officially history. The Korean government has fully transitioned to the e-Arrival Card system to modernize border security and slash wait times at major hubs like Incheon International Airport.

I’ve seen the transition firsthand, and while it might seem like more “homework” before your trip, it actually makes the arrival process significantly faster. Instead of waiting for a flight attendant to pass out cards, you simply scan your QR code at the immigration desk and go. It’s important to note that this is a mandatory requirement—if you land without having submitted the form online, you will be directed to an airport kiosk to complete it, which can lead to long delays during peak hours.

💡 Local Note: The e-Arrival Card is separate from the Q-Code (Health Declaration). While Q-Code focuses on your health status, the e-Arrival Card is specifically for your immigration and stay details. If you’re navigating health entry requirements, check out our guide: 2026 South Korea Quarantine Guide: How to Fix Errors, Q-Code vs. Paper Forms.

K-ETA vs. e-Arrival Card: Which One Do You Need?

There is often confusion between the K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and the e-Arrival Card. While both are digital, they serve different purposes. The K-ETA is essentially a “pre-visa” for citizens of certain countries, while the e-Arrival Card is a digital version of the old arrival slip. Even though many countries (like the US, UK, and Japan) have a K-ETA exemption extended until December 31, 2026, those travelers must still fill out the e-Arrival Card.

2026 South Korea Entry Requirement Comparison

If you’re curious about the K-ETA process and whether it’s still worth the fee even if you are exempt, check out our guide on K-ETA Guide: Costs and Tips. Essentially, if you have a valid K-ETA, you can skip the e-Arrival Card entirely.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out Your e-Arrival Card

The registration process is straightforward but requires precise information. I recommend doing this on your mobile phone or PC about two days before your flight. The system will not allow you to submit the form more than 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Korea.

• Step 1: Access the Official Site – Visit www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Avoid third-party sites that ask for payment; the official government service is always free.
• Step 2: Upload Your Passport – Use the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature to upload a photo of your passport’s bio-page. This will automatically fill in your name, nationality, and passport number.
• Step 3: Enter Travel Details – You will need your flight number (e.g., KE101) and your exact arrival date.
• Step 4: Accommodation Information – You must provide a valid address and contact number in Korea. “Grand Hyatt Seoul” is not enough; you need the full street address and a phone number (the hotel’s number works fine).
• Step 5: Review and Save QR Code – After submitting, a QR code will be generated. Download the PDF or take a high-quality screenshot. You will need to show this to the immigration officer upon arrival.

Local Insider Tips for a Seamless Arrival

There are a few “rookie mistakes” that travelers make with the new digital system. First, the website is strictly based on Korea Standard Time (KST). If you are flying from the US or Europe, make sure you calculate your arrival date and time correctly when filling out the form.

Secondly, keep your QR code easily accessible. Don’t rely on the airport Wi-Fi, which can sometimes be spotty in the immigration tunnel. Having a saved screenshot in your “Favorites” folder on your phone will save you from fumbling at the desk. Finally, if you are traveling with children under 14, one adult can submit the forms for the entire family under a “Group Submission” option on the website.

📌 Local Note: If your accommodation changes after you submit the card, you can log back into the portal using your passport number and update the address before you land. Accuracy is key to avoiding questioning during entry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to print the e-Arrival Card?

No, you do not need a physical printout. Showing the digital QR code on your smartphone is sufficient for the immigration officers. However, having a backup copy in your email or as a PDF on your device is always a good safety measure.

Can I still use the paper form if I forget to do it online?

As of 2026, the paper forms have been removed from the aircraft and the arrival halls. If you forget to complete it, you must use the digital kiosks located before the immigration lines. This can add 20–30 minutes to your wait time, so it is highly recommended to do it before you board your flight.

Is the e-Arrival Card the same as a Visa?

No. The e-Arrival Card is simply an entry declaration. It does not grant you legal permission to enter the country if you are required to have a visa. Always check your visa status based on your nationality before booking your flight.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

Editorial Department

The KCulture Editorial Team is dedicated to providing deep insights and accurate information about the vibrant world of Korean culture.