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.

Do Taiwanese Citizens Need a K-ETA?

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

K-ETA Eligibility Requirements for Taiwanese Passport Holders

Here are the key requirements for Taiwanese citizens to be eligible for the K-ETA:

• Valid Passport: You must possess a valid passport from Taiwan that remains valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into South Korea.
• No Grounds for Refusal: You must not have any past criminal records in South Korea or other countries, or any history of overstaying previous visas/entries in South Korea. The K-ETA system performs a pre-screening to assess your eligibility for entry.
• Health Status: You may be asked questions about your health status, particularly concerning infectious diseases.
• Travel Purpose and Intent: You must genuinely intend to enter South Korea for the stated short-term, non-profitable purpose, and have no intention of engaging in unauthorized activities (e.g., illegal employment).
• Accommodation and Financial Means: While not always strictly requested during the online application, it's advisable to have details of your accommodation in South Korea and be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration officials upon arrival.
• Valid Email Address: Essential for receiving K-ETA approval and any communications.
• Credit/Debit Card: Required to pay the non-refundable application fee.
• Digital Photo: A clear, passport-style digital photo for upload.

How to Apply for the K-ETA for Citizens of Taiwan

The K-ETA application process for Taiwanese citizens includes:

K-ETA Application Form Explained

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:

• Personal Information: This includes full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. Make sure all entries exactly match your passport to avoid delays or rejection.
• Passport Details: You’ll need to enter your passport’s issue and expiration dates, as well as upload a recent, high-quality passport-style photo in digital format.
• Contact Details: Applicants must provide a valid email address (to receive notifications) and phone number. Double-check these for accuracy.
• Travel Information: You'll need to state your expected arrival date, purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business), and accommodation details or address in South Korea.
• Health & Background Questions: There are a few yes/no questions related to your health, criminal history, and any previous immigration issues. Answer honestly, as false information can lead to denial of entry.
• Payment Section: At the end of the form, you'll pay the required processing fee using a credit or debit card.

Processing Times for the K-ETA from Taiwan

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;

• Standard: Most applications are processed within 1-6 Working Days.
• Faster Approvals: Many applicants receive approval within 1- 3 Working Days , especially when submitting complete and accurate information.
• Immediate Approvals: In some cases, approvals are granted within 24 Hours if there are no issues with the application.

K-ETA Fees for Citizens of Taiwan

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

What is the validity period of the K-ETA for citizens of Taiwan?

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.

K-ETA Stay Limits for Taiwan Citizens

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.

Entry Requirements for Taiwanese Citizens with a K-ETA

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.

• Valid Taiwanese passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
• K-ETA approval linked to the passport
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Purpose of travel must match the K-ETA (e.g., tourism, family visit)

Important: If your travel purpose changes (e.g., to study or work), you must apply for the appropriate visa.

Activities Allowed and Not Allowed by the K-ETA

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.

⚠️ 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.

Common Problems and Solutions for K-ETA Application

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:

Working in South Korea as a Taiwanese Citizen

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.

Common Work Visa Options for Taiwanese Citizens

Here are some of the main work visa categories available:

• E-2 Visa (Foreign Language Instructor): For teaching English at schools or language institutes. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree and a job offer from a Korean employer.
• E-7 Visa (Special Occupation): For professionals in specialized fields like IT, engineering, or design. Requires a relevant degree, work experience, and a job offer from a Korean company.
• D-8 Visa (Corporate Investment): For individuals investing in or managing a business in Korea. Applicants must demonstrate a significant investment and submit a detailed business plan.
• D-10 Visa (Job Seeker): For those seeking employment or planning to start a business in Korea. Applicants should have relevant qualifications and may need to provide proof of financial stability.
• H-1 Visa (Working Holiday): Available to young adults (typically aged 18–30) under reciprocal agreements. Allows for short-term work and travel, but not suitable for long-term employment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Taiwanese citizens still need a visa to visit Korea? Can I apply for a new K-ETA before the current one expires? Is the K-ETA valid for multiple entries? Can I work or study in Korea with a K-ETA? Q5: What happens if my K-ETA 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.