Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for Thai Citizens

Thai citizens planning to visit South Korea for short-term stays now benefit from the convenient Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system. This online travel permit streamlines the process for eligible visitors by removing the need to visit an embassy or apply for a traditional visa. Whether you're traveling for tourism, business meetings, or cultural events, this guide covers everything Thai citizens need to know about applying for and using a K-ETA

What is the K-ETA for and What Activities Does it Cover?

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online entry approval system required for visa-free travelers entering South Korea. It allows eligible nationals, including those from Thailand, to enter South Korea without applying for a visa, as long as the visit is short-term and for permitted purposes that includes:

Tourism and leisure activities	Exploring cities, historical sites, natural parks, and cultural attractions.
Visiting family and friends	Staying with or meeting relatives and friends living in South Korea.
Attending business meetings, conferences, or trade shows	Allowed for short-term business purposes. Excludes paid work or commercial transactions.
Participation in events or cultural activities	Attending concerts, exhibitions, cultural festivals, or public gatherings.
Short-term study programs (non-degree)	Includes language courses or training sessions that don’t lead to a degree.
Transit through South Korea	If you’re connecting to another international flight and plan to leave the airport transit area.

For any purpose other than those listed above (e.g., long-term study, employment, or residency), Thai citizens must apply for a specific visa through an embassy or consulate in Thailand before traveling.

Can Thai Citizens Apply for the K-ETA?

Yes, Thai passport holders are eligible to apply for a K-ETA when visiting South Korea for short-term stays (up to 90 days). Thai citizens must apply online for K-ETA before boarding their flight to Korea.

K-ETA Validity and Duration of Stay for Thai Citizens

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is valid for three years from the date it is approved, allowing travelers to enter South Korea multiple times during this period without needing to reapply. However, each individual stay must not exceed 90 days. It's important to note that the same passport used for the K-ETA application must be used for travel, as the authorization is linked to that specific document.

Requirements for Thai Citizens to Apply for K-ETA

To successfully apply for a K-ETA, Thai citizens will need the following:

Valid Thai Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. The biographical data page of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details) will need to be clearly scanned and uploaded.
Valid Email Address: An active and accessible email address is essential, as this is where K-ETA application updates and the final approval notification will be sent.
Recent Digital Photo: A clear, high-resolution, recent (taken within the last six months) digital passport-style photo that strictly adheres to K-ETA photo guidelines.
Credit or Debit Card: A valid international credit or debit card is required to pay the non-refundable application fee.

📝 How to Apply for a K-ETA from Thailand

Step 1: Visit the Official K-ETA Website

Go to the official website and start your application by filling in your personal and passport details accurately.

Step 2: Upload a Photo and Pay the Fee

Upload a recent passport-style photo and pay the non-refundable application fee using a credit or debit card.

Step 3: Wait for Approval and Download

Approval usually takes a few business days. Once approved, download and save a digital and printed copy of your K-ETA for your trip.

K-ETA Processing Fee for Thai Citizens

The K-ETA requires an application fee, with additional online payment processing charges that may apply. Payments can be made using a variety of accepted credit and debit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, DISCOVER, UnionPay, and Alipay. It’s important to note that the K-ETA fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or rejected.

K-ETA Processing Time for Citizens of Thailand

For Thai citizens applying for a K-ETA to visit South Korea, the standard processing time is usually within 1-6 Working Days, though many receive approval much sooner—sometimes within minutes or a few hours. However, delays can occur due to factors like application errors, high submission volumes, or manual reviews triggered by discrepancies or security checks. Applications submitted outside Korean business hours may also experience delays. To avoid last-minute issues, it's best to apply at least 72 hours before departure and regularly check your email, including your spam folder, for updates.

How to Check Your K-ETA Status for Thai Citizens

After applying, Thai applicants can check their application status directly on the K-ETA website by:

Visiting the “Check K-ETA Status” page.

Entering your passport number, date of birth, and email address.

Downloading your approval confirmation once issued.

✈️ South Korean Entry Requirements for Thai Citizens

When entering Korea with a K-ETA, Thai travelers should carry:

A valid passport (at least 6 months validity).
A digital or printed K-ETA approval.
Proof of accommodation, return/onward flight ticket, and a general travel plan.

⚠️ Overstaying the K-ETA: Risks for Thai Travelers

Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in:

Fines imposed by the immigration authorities.

Deportation and denial of future entry.

Cancellation of K-ETA and potential entry bans.

Requirement to apply for a full visa for future visits.

Key Benefits of the K-ETA for Thai Citizens

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) offers a convenient alternative to traditional visa applications for Thai citizens visiting South Korea. It streamlines entry for short-term visits by eliminating embassy appointments and providing quick online approval. Key Benefits of the K-ETA for Thai Citizens include:

No need to visit the Embassy for a short-stay visa.
Fully online application process.
Valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries.
Faster processing (within 24 Hours in most cases).
Simplifies travel to Korea for short-term visits.

Korean Travel Insurance Recommendations for Thai Citizens

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), but it is highly recommended for Thai citizens visiting South Korea. Medical treatment in Korea can be expensive for foreigners, and insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs related to illness, accidents, or travel disruptions.

Why You Should Get Travel Insurance:

Medical Coverage: Covers hospitalization, emergency treatments, and doctor visits.
Trip Cancellations/Delays: Reimburses costs for cancelled flights, delays, or missed connections.
Lost or Stolen Luggage: Compensation for lost baggage or personal belongings.
Emergency Assistance: 24/7 multilingual support for emergencies abroad.

Final Travel Tips for Thai Citizens

Here are some final travel tips to help ensure your K-ETA process and entry go smoothly.

Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Use the same passport for your application and travel.
Keep a digital and printed copy of your K-ETA approval.
Carry supporting documents like hotel bookings and return tickets.
Always check your K-ETA expiry date before planning future trips.

Conclusion

For Thai citizens, the K-ETA offers a fast, convenient, and reliable way to visit South Korea without needing a visa for short stays. By following the correct application steps and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations, travelers from Thailand can enjoy a seamless journey to one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. If you're planning a trip to South Korea soon, apply for your K-ETA early, and get ready for a smooth travel experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Not if the visit is short-term and for permitted purposes—Thai citizens can apply for the K-ETA instead.

No. The K-ETA does not permit employment. It is valid only for tourism, business meetings, or cultural visits.

What if my passport changes?You must reapply for a new K-ETA using your new passport.

If your K-ETA is delayed or rejected, start by checking your email and the official K-ETA website for updates. Make sure all the information you entered is correct. If there were mistakes, you might need to fix them and reapply. If the issue continues, you may need to apply for a visa through the Embassy.

Only for short-term non-degree programs like language courses. For full-time or long-term studies, a student visa is required.

Yes. Every traveler, including minors, must have their own K-ETA approved before traveling to Korea.

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.