The South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online system made by the government to help visitors enter the country without a visa for short stays. It makes travel easier by letting people get approval before they leave. This approval helps South Korea check travelers in advance and speed up border checks at the airport. It’s important to know that the K-ETA is not a visa – it’s permission to travel without one.
Taiwanese travelers do not currently need a K-ETA to enter South Korea. The requirement has been temporarily waived for Taiwanese citizens as part of the ‘Visit Korea’ year initiative. However, this exemption is expected to last until December 31, 2025, after which travelers may need to apply for K-ETA before visiting South Korea
Here are the key requirements for Taiwanese citizens to be eligible for the K-ETA:
The K-ETA application process for Taiwanese citizens includes:
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1. Visit the Official K-ETA Website Begin your application at the official K-ETA portal. |
2. Fill in the Application Form Provide personal information, travel details, and the purpose of your visit. |
3. Upload a Photo Submit a recent passport-style photo in digital format. |
4. Make the Payment Use a credit or debit card to pay the processing fee and wait for approval. |
The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) application form is an online document that travelers must complete before entering South Korea for short-term stays. It collects key personal, travel, and security-related details to assess eligibility for visa-free entry. Here's a breakdown of the main sections:
Taiwanese passport holders applying for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) can generally expect their applications to be processed within 1-6 Working Days. Usual processing times include;
Citizens of Taiwan are required to pay a processing fee when applying for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). This fee is paid online at the time of application and is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied. The fee helps cover administrative and processing costs associated with reviewing each application. Since the fee is subject to change and may vary depending on updates from the immigration authorities, it’s important for applicants to check the official K-ETA website for the most up-to-date information before submitting their application. To determine the fee, you can visit the 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
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for citizens of Taiwan is valid for up to three years from the date of approval or until the passport expires—whichever comes first. This means travelers can make multiple short-term visits to South Korea during that period without reapplying. However, if you renew your passport, you must apply for a new K-ETA, as it is directly linked to your passport number.
Taiwanese citizens holding a valid Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) are permitted to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days per entry. This duration applies to each visit within the K-ETA's validity period, which is typically three years or until the passport's expiration, whichever comes first.
It's important to note that while the K-ETA allows for multiple entries during its validity, each stay must not exceed the 90-day limit. Overstaying can lead to penalties or restrictions on future travel to South Korea.
Additionally, travelers should ensure that their purpose of visit aligns with the activities permitted under the K-ETA, such as tourism, short-term business, or visiting family. If the purpose of travel changes to activities like employment or long-term study, the appropriate visa must be obtained before entering South Korea.
Before traveling to South Korea, Taiwanese citizens must ensure they meet all entry conditions tied to their approved K-ETA. These requirements help facilitate smooth processing at immigration.
Important: If your travel purpose changes (e.g., to study or work), you must apply for the appropriate visa.
The K-ETA permits Taiwanese passport holders to visit South Korea for short-term stays without a visa, but only for specific, limited purposes. Understanding what is and isn’t allowed helps avoid issues at the border or during your stay.
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Category |
Activity |
K-ETA Status |
|
Tourism |
Sightseeing, cultural experiences, guided tours, and visiting attractions |
✅ Allowed |
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Family Visits |
Visiting relatives or family members living in South Korea |
✅ Allowed |
|
Short-Term Business (Non-Profit) |
Attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations without pay from a Korean company |
✅ Allowed |
|
Participation in Events |
Attending exhibitions, academic seminars, conventions, or sports events |
✅ Allowed |
|
Transit |
Short-term stay in Korea while en route to a third country |
✅ Allowed |
|
Employment/Profitable Activities |
Paid work, performances, modeling, consulting, or business promotions |
❌ Not Allowed |
|
Long-Term Study |
Enrolling in a full academic program (e.g., university, college) |
❌ Not Allowed |
|
Long-Term Residence |
Residing in Korea beyond the permitted stay limit |
❌ Not Allowed |
|
Marriage Immigration |
Entering Korea to marry a Korean citizen and live permanently |
❌ Not Allowed |
|
Investment/Business Operation |
Starting or managing a business for profit directly |
❌ Not Allowed |
|
Other Visa-Specific Activities |
Activities requiring D-, E-, or F-series visas (e.g., work, study, residence) |
❌ Not Allowed |
⚠️ Important: Attempting any “Not Allowed” activities with a K-ETA may result in denied entry, deportation, fines, or future bans. Always apply for the correct visa type based on your purpose of travel.
Applying for a K-ETA is straightforward, but some applicants encounter issues that can delay or lead to rejection. Below are common problems and tips to help ensure a smooth application experience:
|
Problem |
Solution |
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Photo Rejection |
Use a high-quality, recent passport-style photo with a plain white background. |
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Mismatched Info |
Double-check all entries, especially passport number, name, and birthdate. |
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Email Issues |
Enter a valid email address and monitor your inbox and spam folder. |
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Passport Expiry |
If your passport expires, your K-ETA becomes invalid—reapply with the new one. |
|
Unclear Purpose of Visit |
Be clear about your travel intent (e.g., tourism, business) and ensure it matches what’s allowed under K-ETA. |
|
Applying Too Late |
Apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid last-minute complications. |
Taiwanese citizens interested in working in South Korea must obtain an appropriate work visa, as the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is designated solely for short-term visits such as tourism or business meetings. Engaging in employment activities without the correct visa is illegal and can result in penalties.
Here are some of the main work visa categories available:
No, for short-term stays under 90 days, Taiwanese citizens only need a K-ETA—not a traditional visa.
Yes, especially if you've renewed your passport or changed your travel purpose.
Yes, within its 3-year validity period, you can enter South Korea multiple times.
No, you must apply for a separate work or student visa for those purposes.
You’ll need to contact the South Korean embassy or consulate to inquire about visa options.
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.