Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) for Saudi Arabian Citizens

If you’re a Saudi Arabian citizen planning to visit South Korea for tourism, business, or transit, you’ll need to obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) before your trip. This online travel permit allows visa-free entry and must be approved before boarding your flight. The application process is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes, but it’s essential to understand the requirements and timelines to avoid any last-minute issues. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the KETA, including eligibility, application steps, processing times, and important travel tips to ensure a hassle-free experience in South Korea.

Eligibility for KETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) – Saudi Arabian Citizens

If you're a Saudi Arabian citizen planning a trip to South Korea, it's important to check whether you need a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) before departure. The KETA is a mandatory entry requirement for short-term visitors traveling for tourism, business, or transit. This electronic permit allows visa-free entry but must be approved before boarding your flight. Below, we outline the eligibility criteria to help you determine whether you need to apply for a KETA.

Category	KETA Requirement	Details
Saudi Arabian Passport Holders	✅ Required	Must obtain a KETA for tourism, business, or transit.
🛂 Visa-Free Entry with KETA	✅ Allowed	Stay up to 90 days per visit without a visa.
🔁 Multiple Entries	✅ Valid for 2 Years	No need to reapply for each trip within the validity period.
🎫 Holders of a Valid South Korean Visa	❌ Exempt	Do not need a KETA if they already have a valid visa.
🏛️ Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders	❌ May Be Exempt	Depending on agreements between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
🎓 Long-Term Travelers (Work, Study, Residence)	❌ Exempt	Must apply for the appropriate visa instead of KETA.

KETA Requirements for Saudi Arabian Citizens

If you're a Saudi Arabian citizen planning to visit South Korea, you must meet certain requirements to successfully apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA). Below is a complete list of what you need to prepare before submitting your application.

Valid Passport: Your Saudi passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in South Korea. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
Recent Passport-Style Photo:A clear, high-quality digital photo (taken within the last 6 months). Must meet standard passport photo requirements (white background, neutral expression).
Personal and Travel Information
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, and gender
- Passport details (number, issue date, expiration date)
- Planned address in South Korea (hotel, Airbnb, or host’s address)
Contact Details
- A valid email address (KETA approval will be sent here).
- A working phone number in case further verification is needed.
Payment Method:A credit or debit card to pay . Payments are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
Health and Security Questions:You must answer a few background questions about past travel history, criminal records (if any), and health conditions. Providing false or misleading information may result in rejection or denial of entry.

KETA Validity for Saudi Arabian Citizens

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) for Saudi Arabian citizens is valid for two years from the date of approval, allowing multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. A new KETA is required if the passport expires, is replaced, or if there are changes in personal details such as name or nationality. While an approved KETA facilitates entry, final admission is at the discretion of South Korean immigration authorities. Travelers must also ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended travel date.

KETA Application Process for Saudi Arabian Citizens

Saudi Arabian citizens must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) before traveling to South Korea. The South Korea eVisa application process is entirely online and requires a few essential steps.

Complete the Application Form:Provide personal details, passport information, and travel plans, including your intended address in South Korea.
Upload a Passport-Style Photo:Submit a recent digital passport photo that meets official requirements, such as a white background and a neutral expression.
Pay the Application Fee:Use a credit or debit card to pay the required fee. Payments are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
Submit and Wait for Approval:Once submitted, applications undergo a review process. Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation via email.
Present Your KETA Upon Arrival:Keep a digital or printed copy of your approved KETA, as immigration officers may request it upon entry.

KETA Processing Time and Fees for Saudi Arabian Citizens

Before traveling to South Korea, Saudi Arabian citizens must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA). Understanding the processing time and associated fees is essential for a smooth application process. Since applications are reviewed individually, it is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any unexpected delays. Below are key details regarding processing times and fees.

Processing Time

The KETA is typically processed within a short period, but approval times may vary based on application volume and individual circumstances. Travelers should submit their applications as early as possible before departure to prevent last-minute issues.

Application Fees

A non-refundable fee is required for each KETA application, and payment must be made online using a credit or debit card. The fee amount may vary, so applicants should verify the latest details before completing their submission.

KETA Extensions for Saudi Arabian Citizens

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) is a multiple-entry travel permit that remains valid for two years from the date of approval or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. However, KETA cannot be extended—once it expires, travelers must submit a new application to continue visiting South Korea under the visa-free entry program.

What to Do When Your KETA Expires?

Since extensions are not permitted, travelers whose KETA has expired or whose passport has been replaced must apply for a new KETA before their next trip to South Korea. The application process remains the same, requiring updated personal and travel information, a valid passport, and payment of the application fee.

Staying Beyond the Allowed 90 Days

The KETA allows Saudi Arabian citizens to stay in South Korea for a maximum of 90 days per visit. If a traveler needs to stay longer for reasons such as work, study, or residency, they must apply for the appropriate long-term visa through the relevant South Korean immigration authorities. Overstaying a KETA-approved visit can result in penalties, fines, deportation, or restrictions on future travel to South Korea.

Reapplying for KETA

If your KETA is still valid but you need to renew your passport, you must apply for a new KETA using your updated passport information. South Korean immigration authorities do not transfer existing KETA approvals to a new passport. Additionally, if any personal details (such as name or nationality) change, reapplication is required.

Common Reasons for KETA Rejection for Saudi Arabian Citizens

While many Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) applications are approved without issues, some may be rejected due to errors, security concerns, or previous immigration violations. Below are some common reasons why an application may be denied.

Incorrect or Incomplete Information:Providing incorrect personal details, passport numbers, or travel information can lead to rejection. Missing sections or inconsistencies between the application and passport details may also cause issues. Applicants should carefully review their forms before submission.
Passport Issues:A passport that is expired or valid for less than six months from the intended travel date may result in automatic rejection. Additionally, using a damaged or unreadable passport could prevent the application from being processed successfully.
Previous KETA or Visa Denials:If an applicant has been previously denied a KETA or South Korean visa, their new application may face additional scrutiny. Failing to address the reason for past rejections or providing incomplete information can lead to another denial.
Criminal Record or Security Concerns:South Korean authorities conduct background checks to ensure public safety. If an applicant has a criminal record or is flagged for security concerns, their KETA may be denied. Providing false or misleading information can also result in immediate rejection.
Overstaying in South Korea or Other Immigration Violations:If an applicant has overstayed a previous visit to South Korea, worked without authorization, or violated immigration laws, they may be deemed ineligible for KETA. Past violations can lead to strict entry restrictions.
Unclear Travel Intentions:Applicants must clearly state their purpose of visit and provide an address in South Korea. Vague, incomplete, or inconsistent travel plans may raise concerns and result in a rejected application.
Technical Issues or Multiple Applications:Uploading an incorrect passport-style photo or submitting multiple applications at once may cause system errors or delays in processing. Applicants should ensure all uploaded documents meet the official requirements before submission.

What to Do If Your KETA Is Rejected?

If an application is rejected, applicants should carefully review the reason (if provided) and correct any errors before reapplying. It is advisable to wait before submitting a new application to avoid repeated denials. If KETA approval is consistently denied, applying for a visa through the South Korean embassy may be a better option.

Benefits of KETA for Saudi Arabian Citizens

Obtaining a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) offers several advantages for Saudi Arabian travelers visiting South Korea. It streamlines entry procedures, enhances travel convenience, and provides multiple-entry access for short-term visits.

Faster and Easier Entry Process: With an approved KETA, travelers can experience a smoother immigration process upon arrival in South Korea. It reduces the need for additional paperwork or visa applications, allowing for a quicker entry experience at airports and seaports.
Multiple Entries for Two Years:The KETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, enabling Saudi Arabian travelers to visit South Korea multiple times without needing to reapply for each trip. This is especially beneficial for frequent visitors, including business travelers and tourists.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving:Since KETA eliminates the need for a traditional visa for short stays, it saves travelers both time and money. The application process is fully online, meaning there is no need to visit an embassy or consulate, making it a convenient option for eligible travelers.
Increased Travel Flexibility:Having a valid KETA allows for spontaneous or last-minute travel to South Korea without the hassle of waiting for visa approvals. Whether for tourism, business meetings, or short visits, travelers can plan their trips more flexibly.
Enhanced Security and Pre-Screening:KETA provides a secure and regulated entry process by pre-screening travelers before they arrive in South Korea. This reduces the chances of unexpected immigration issues at the border and ensures a safer experience for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Saudi Arabian citizens must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KETA) before traveling to South Korea for short-term visits, including tourism and business. Without an approved KETA, boarding a flight or entering the country may not be allowed.

KETA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers can make multiple trips to South Korea without reapplying.

Each visit allows a stay of up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa through the South Korean immigration authorities.

No, KETA cannot be extended. Once it expires, a new application must be submitted. Travelers who need to stay longer than the permitted 90 days must apply for a visa.

If your application is denied, you may review the reason (if provided) and correct any errors before reapplying. If rejection persists, you may need to apply for a visa instead.

It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel date. If your passport is close to expiration, it is advisable to renew it before applying for KETA.

While a printed copy is not always required, it is advisable to keep a digital or printed copy of your approved KETA in case immigration officers request it upon arrival.

No, KETA is strictly for tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. Any form of employment or paid work requires a proper work visa.

If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new KETA, as approvals are linked to the passport number used during the application.

It is recommended to apply well in advance of your departure to allow sufficient processing time and avoid last-minute travel disruptions.

Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.