K-ETA Singapore 2026: Do Singaporeans Need a Korea Visa?

A K-ETA¹, or Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, allows eligible visa-free travellers to visit South Korea for approved short-term purposes. It is an electronic travel authorisation, not a visa.

Singapore passport holders are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. ² However, foreign residents living in Singapore must check the requirements for their own passport.

This guide covers the 2026 K-ETA exemption for Singaporeans, how to apply voluntarily, the fee and validity, and when you need a South Korean visa or e-Arrival Card instead.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Who else may be exempt from K-ETA?

K-ETA requirements depend on your passport and how you are entering South Korea. Travellers who may not need to apply include:

• Passport holders covered by the temporary exemption
• Passengers remaining in international transit without entering South Korea
• Eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders using their card
• Dual nationals entering with a valid Korean passport
• Travellers who already hold an appropriate South Korean visa or residence status

Check your individual status through the official K-ETA website before travelling.

What about foreign residents in Singapore?

Your Singapore immigration status does not determine whether you need a K-ETA or South Korean visa.

If you live in Singapore but hold another country’s passport, check whether your nationality:

• Is eligible for visa-free entry and requires K-ETA
• Is covered by the temporary K-ETA exemption
• Requires a South Korean visa

When an exempt passport is scanned during an online K-ETA application, the system should display a message explaining that the traveller does not need to apply.

What is K-ETA?

K-ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for eligible travellers entering South Korea without a visa. It does not replace a visa when your nationality or intended activity requires one.¹

Here is a quick overview.

*Details correct at the time of research - 25th August 2026

K-ETA approval does not guarantee admission. A Korean immigration officer makes the final decision when you arrive.

How to apply for K-ETA

Singaporeans do not currently need to apply, but you can submit a voluntary application if you want the associated arrival-card exemption.

Foreign residents of Singapore who are eligible for K-ETA may need to obtain approval before boarding their flight or ship.

Use only the official K-ETA website or official mobile app. The Korean authorities warn travellers about unofficial agencies and websites that charge higher fees.

K-ETA application steps

1. Open the official K-ETA website.
2. Select Apply for K-ETA.
3. Choose whether to apply as a member or non-member.
4. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
5. Enter and verify your email address.
6. Scan or upload your passport biodata page.
7. Enter the requested personal and travel information.
8. Review the application carefully.
9. Pay the application and online payment fees.
10. Check your email or the website for the result.

Use information that matches your passport. False or inaccurate details may result in refusal, cancellation or entry restrictions.

K-ETA application requirements

You will generally need:

• A valid passport from a K-ETA-eligible country
• An email address
• A recent digital photograph
• A scan or image of your passport biodata page
• Your address and contact number in South Korea
• A debit or credit card for payment
• Information about the purpose and dates of your visit

If your passport is not eligible for K-ETA, check whether you need to apply for a South Korean visa instead.

K-ETA fee and processing time

The official K-ETA application fee is 10,000 KRW, excluding the separate online payment fee.¹

The fee is non-refundable, including when:

• Your application is refused
• You qualify for an exemption but apply voluntarily
• Your travel plans change after applying

Assessment normally takes 72 hours or less, but it can take longer when application volumes increase or other circumstances affect processing. There is no expedited K-ETA service.

Apply several days before departure rather than relying on the standard assessment period.

How long is K-ETA valid?

K-ETA is generally valid for three years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever happens first.¹

Applications submitted before 3 July 2023 are generally valid for two years. Check the expiry date if you already have an older approval.

You need to submit a new application if:

• Your passport is reissued
• Your passport details change
• Certain personal information relevant to the application changes

If only your travel information changes, such as your accommodation, contact number or intended arrival date, update it through the K-ETA website before travelling.

K-ETA vs a South Korea visa

K-ETA and a South Korean visa serve different purposes.

A K-ETA does not automatically allow every traveller to remain in South Korea for 90 days. Your permitted stay depends on the visa-free rules for your passport.

When do you need a South Korea visa instead?

You may need a visa if:

• Your passport is not eligible for visa-free entry
• You plan to undertake paid employment
• You intend to study in South Korea
• You will remain longer than the period allowed for your passport
• Your planned activity is not covered by visa-free entry

Check the visa category and application process through the official Korean authorities before travelling. Foreign residents in Singapore should apply according to their passport and intended activity, not their Singapore residence status.

Do Singaporeans need a Korea e-Arrival Card?

Yes, generally. Singaporeans using the temporary K-ETA exemption must submit the free Korea e-Arrival Card unless another exemption applies.⁴

You can submit it starting three days before arriving in South Korea, based on Korea Standard Time. Prepare:

• Your passport
• A valid email address
• Your arrival date and flight number
• Your address in South Korea
• Your departure date and flight number, if available

You do not need to submit an e-Arrival Card if you hold valid K-ETA approval.

After submitting the form, its issue number will be sent to your email address. You are not required to present the completed form at immigration, although keeping the issue number accessible may be useful.⁴

The e-Arrival Card is free. Use only the official Korea e-Arrival Card website.

Convert SGD to KRW at the mid-market exchange rate with Wise

Read our guide to using Wise in South Korea for more information about card payments, supported QR payments, ATM withdrawals and fees.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as free ATM withdrawals up to the value of 100 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

Plus, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your SGD and other currencies, meaning your travel money could be growing right up until you spend it.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

💳 Get your Wise card

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Sources:

1. K-ETA
2. K-ETA exemption notice
3. Embassy of Singapore in Seoul
4. Korea e-Arrival Card