Everything you need to know about South Korea’s new e-Arrival card system
Traveling to South Korea any time soon? Here's something you should know: The country is rolling out its E-Arrival Card, a new digital system that will simplify the process of entering the country.
In a social media post, the Korea Tourism Organization in Manila said that starting on Monday, Feb. 24, travelers will no longer need to worry about filling out paper forms upon arrival.
With this card, travelers can complete and submit their entry declaration form online in advance instead of submitting the paper form to the immigration officer.
To know more about e-Arrival cards, continue reading below.
How to submit?
All foreign nationals entering Korea can submit the form up to three days before their arrival. It's available via the Republic of Korea e-Arrival card website,
Registered residents in Korea, valid K-ETA approval holders, and airline crew members are exempted from submitting the entry declaration form.
Take note that the e-arrival card service is free of charge.
For individual declarations, you can submit up to 9 people by additional travelers. If you have 10 or more traveling with you, you can make group declarations through the website.
How does it work?
To use the e-Arrival Card, travelers must visit the official online portal and fill out the required entry declaration form.
The form will ask for basic details such as passport information, flight details, purpose of entry, place of residence, and contact information.
The online submission system will be available on mobile and websites, so you can complete the form easily whether you’re on the go or at home.
As of writing, the website is not yet accepting submissions. It will officially start on Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
In other news, the Taguig-based Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) said in a Facebook post on Nov. 28 that online advance reservations will be discontinued starting Jan. 1.
The post noted that all applicants with an online reservation for January 2025 can still use their booking as it remains valid.
The center said applicants who wish to apply for a Korean visa have three options. They may use a courier service via WExpress, which the KVAC allowed in May, or turn to the KVAC's designated travel agencies in several parts of Metro Manila. The list can be found on the center's website. They may likewise resort to a walk-in application. The KVAC is accepting walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during weekdays.
"We are committed to providing excellent service during this transition. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation," the KVAC said.
The KVAC announced the availability of online reservation slots starting Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. through its website. There were six slots per hour.
Advance online reservations were available two months from the booking date.
If you're not sure about the documents needed for your application, check out our guide on What you'll need to apply for a South Korean visa.
