The Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) is a mandatory digital permit for citizens of visa-free countries travelling to South Korea. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or transit, obtaining a K-ETA is a crucial step before boarding your flight. One of the most commonly asked questions is: How much does the K-ETA cost, and how do I pay for it? This guide provides a clear overview of the current K-ETA fee, available payment options, refund policies, and access to a convenient visa fee calculator tool to assist travellers in planning their application.

K-ETA Visa Fee Overview

The K-ETA application fee applies uniformly to all eligible nationalities, regardless of age or the length of stay within the visa-free period. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or cancelled, as it covers the administrative and screening costs.

What the Fee Covers:

• Processing of your application by the immigration authorities
• Access to the secure digital apply for K-ETA
• Background screening and travel pre-authorisation

While the official fee is fixed in Korean Won, it typically converts to a modest amount in USD, depending on the current exchange rate and any applicable foreign transaction or processing fees from your bank or credit card provider.

🔔 Reminder: The fee is per person, including infants and minors, and is paid at the time of application. Always double-check your information before submitting to avoid loss of payment due to errors or rejection.

Validity of K-ETA and Fee Coverage

Once approved, the K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of issuance and allows for multiple entries into South Korea within that period. This means that you only need to pay the application fee once every two years, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or short-term events, you can return to Korea as many times as needed without reapplying—as long as your passport remains valid. If your passport expires before the K-ETA does, you'll need to apply for a new K-ETA using the updated passport information.

💳 Accepted Payment Methods

The K-ETA application fee must be paid online during the application process. The K-ETA portal accepts various international credit and debit cards. Below are the most commonly accepted options:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• JCB
• American Express (AMEX)

💡 Tip: Make sure your card is authorized for international transactions before submitting your application.

Step-by-Step Payment Process for K-ETA

The payment step typically comes towards the end of the K-ETA online application process, after you have filled in all your personal and travel information and uploaded your photo. Here's a general outline:

1. Review Application Details: Before proceeding to payment, carefully review all the information you have entered to ensure accuracy. Mistakes can lead to denial, and the fee is non-refundable.
2. Navigate to Payment Section: The system will prompt you to the payment page.
3. Enter Card Details: You will be asked to enter your credit or debit card details, including: Card Number, Cardholder Name, Expiration Date (Month/Year) and CVV/CVC (3 or 4-digit security code on the back/front of your card)
4. Confirm Payment: After entering the details, you will usually click a "Pay" or "Submit Payment" button.
5. Payment Processing: The system will process the transaction. 
6. Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen, and usually, a payment receipt will be sent to your registered email address.

K-ETA Payment Confirmation

After completing payment, you'll receive:

• A confirmation email with a receipt
• An application reference number
• Status updates via email (Approved, Pending, or Rejected)

Make sure you double-check your email address during the application to ensure successful delivery of status updates.

K-ETA Refund Policy

The K-ETA fee is non-refundable, even if:

• Your application is rejected
• You decide not to travel
• You make mistakes in your application
• You apply multiple times unnecessarily

🛑 Important: Double-check all information before submitting your application to avoid errors that could lead to rejection and lost fees.

K-ETA Fees for Children and Minors

The K-ETA visa application requires an application fee that applies to all eligible travelers, including children and infants. This fee helps cover administrative and security checks by the immigration authorities. It must be paid online when submitting your application. While the fee is charged in South Korean Won, the final amount you pay may vary depending on the exchange rate and any fees from your bank or card provider. Be sure to enter your details correctly, as mistakes can lead to rejection and the fee will not be refunded.

Can You Get an Invoice after the K-ETA Payment?

Yes, after successful payment and submission, you can download or print an electronic receipt/invoice from the K-ETA portal under the application status section.

What If the K-ETA Fee Payment Fails?

If your payment attempt fails, consider the following:

• Check Card Details: Double-check that you have entered all card details correctly (number, expiry, CVV).
• Insufficient Funds: Ensure there are enough funds or credit available on your card.
• International Transaction Block: Contact your bank to confirm that international online transactions are not blocked on your card.
• Technical Glitch: Sometimes, there might be a temporary issue with the payment gateway. Wait a few minutes and try again.
• Try Another Card: If possible, try using a different eligible credit or debit card.

Important Considerations for Payment of the K-ETA Fee

Online Payment Enabled: Ensure that your credit or debit card is enabled for international online transactions. Some banks may require you to activate this feature before making an international payment.

Sufficient Funds: Verify that your card has sufficient funds or a credit limit to cover the K-ETA fee.

Security: The payment gateway on the official K-ETA website is secure. Always use the official website.

Transaction Fees: Be aware that your bank or card issuer may charge a small foreign transaction fee or conversion fee in addition to the K-ETA application fee. These charges are separate from the K-ETA fee itself.

Single Payment for Multiple Applicants: If you are applying for multiple people (e.g., family members or a group), the K-ETA system allows you to submit applications for up to 50 people at once and make a single, combined payment for all of them.

Summary Table: K-ETA Visa Fee & Payment

Aspect	Details
Fee Amount	varies
Validity	2 Years – Multiple Entries
Payment Methods	Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)
Refundable?	❌ No
For Minors	✅ Required, same fee

✅ Final Thoughts

Understanding the K-ETA visa fee and payment process is essential for a smooth and hassle-free application. By applying through the official platform, using valid payment methods, and carefully reviewing your information, you can avoid unnecessary charges or delays. Whether you're planning a short vacation or multiple business trips to Korea, the K-ETA is a small but essential step toward a successful journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for multiple K-ETA applications at once? What should I do if my payment fails during the application process? When in the application process do I pay the K-ETA fee? Is the K-ETA fee refundable if my application is denied?

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.