As South Korea continues to welcome more international travelers, the South Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) has become an essential requirement for visa-free visitors, including citizens of Malaysia. Introduced to streamline border procedures and enhance security, the K-ETA allows eligible Malaysian travelers to enter South Korea for short-term stays related to tourism, business, or family visits without obtaining a traditional visa. Malaysian passport holders must secure K-ETA approval before boarding their flight to South Korea. The process is fully digital, quick, and typically completed within a few days.
The South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an official online travel authorization system introduced by the government. It applies to citizens of countries that do not need a visa for short stays in South Korea, including Malaysia. Instead of applying for a visa at an embassy, travelers can now submit their application online. The K-ETA is used to assess whether travelers meet the conditions for visa-free entry, enhancing border security and simplifying travel for legitimate visitors.
The K-ETA is mandatory for travelers entering Korea for purposes like:
This system was launched to reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints, automate security screening, and provide faster entry for visitors.
Yes, Malaysia is included among the list of K-ETA eligible countries. This means that Malaysian citizens can apply for a K-ETA instead of a traditional visa if they are traveling to South Korea for tourism or short business visits. The eligibility reflects the good diplomatic relations between Malaysia and South Korea and allows Malaysian passport holders to benefit from streamlined entry procedures.
Being eligible for the K-ETA does not mean that entry is guaranteed; approval is required in advance and is subject to review by the immigration authorities.
Although Malaysian citizens are allowed to enter South Korea without a visa for short stays, the K-ETA is still required as a pre-entry screening tool. This helps the government:
For Malaysian travelers, this means they can enjoy easier travel while complying with South Korea’s updated security regulations. Without a valid K-ETA, airlines will not allow boarding, and entry to South Korea will be denied at the port of arrival.
Applying for a K-ETA is a quick and convenient process. Here’s a detailed guide for Malaysian citizens:
The processing time for a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is typically between 1-6 Working Days after submission. However, during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is required, processing may take longer. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the K-ETA at least 72 hours before your planned departure to South Korea to account for any unforeseen delays
Before starting your K-ETA application, make sure you have the following documents and details ready:
Your photo is a vital part of the K-ETA application. Follow these guidelines:
Upload failures are common—make sure the file size and format meet requirements and avoid scanning printed passport photos.
It’s recommended that Malaysian citizens apply for the K-ETA at least 72 hours (3 days) before departure. However, to be safe:
Once approved, the K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. This allows Malaysian citizens to:
If your passport expires or is replaced, you must apply for a new K-ETA, even if your previous one is still valid.
Malaysian citizens can use a single K-ETA to enter South Korea multiple times within its 3-year validity period, as long as each visit does not exceed 90 days. This feature is especially convenient for repeat tourists, frequent business travelers, or individuals visiting family in Korea on a regular basis. The ability to make multiple entries without having to reapply for each trip offers significant time and effort savings.
With an approved K-ETA, Malaysian citizens are permitted to stay in South Korea for up to 90 consecutive days per visit. This duration is well-suited for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or participating in short-term business activities like meetings, events, or training programs. It is crucial to depart South Korea before the 90-day limit expires, as overstaying can lead to penalties, fines, or even restrictions on future entry into the country.
No, the K-ETA does not allow you to extend your stay beyond the permitted 90 days. If you need to remain in South Korea longer, you must:
Extensions are generally not granted under the K-ETA. Always plan your trip to stay within the allowed time frame.
Malaysian citizens are required to pay a processing fee when applying for the K-ETA. This fee must be paid online using a credit or debit card and is used to cover the cost of processing and pre-screening the application. It is important to note that the fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied. To determine the fee, you can visit the South Korean K-ETA fee page, which provides a fee checking tool. This allows you to easily find and verify the K-ETA fee based on your specific requirements.
Once your K-ETA is approved, it is electronically linked to your passport. Upon arrival in South Korea:
For faster processing:
Malaysian citizens transiting through South Korea do not need a K-ETA if they remain within the international transit area of the airport and do not go through immigration. However, if they plan to exit the airport—for example, to collect luggage, recheck bags, or explore the city during a layover—they must apply for and receive a K-ETA before their trip. It's essential to review your transit plans carefully and ensure all necessary authorizations are in place to avoid delays or issues during travel.
If you make a mistake on your K-ETA form—such as entering incorrect personal information, passport details, or travel plans—it’s important to know that the system does not allow edits once the application has been submitted. In such cases, the only option is to submit a new K-ETA application with the correct information and pay the processing fee again. Mistakes can lead to delays, denial of the K-ETA, or even issues upon arrival in South Korea. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to double-check all entries before submitting the application to avoid complications or additional costs.
To increase the chances of approval, follow these best practices:
No, Malaysian citizens can travel visa-free to South Korea for short stays but must obtain a K-ETA before departure.
The K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online travel permit required for citizens of visa-free countries. It pre-screens travelers for eligibility and security purposes.
Malaysian travelers can stay for up to 90 consecutive days per visit.
Yes, the K-ETA is valid for multiple entries over a 3-year period, provided the traveler uses the same passport.
No. If you make a mistake, you must submit a new application and repay the fee.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in June 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.