K-ETA Validity Period and How to Renew It
If you are planning to visit Korea under the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system, it is important to understand its validity period and how to renew it when needed.
Ensuring that your K-ETA remains valid will help you avoid travel disruptions and ensure a smooth entry into Korea.
Here’s everything you need to know about the K-ETA validity period and renewal process.
1. K-ETA Validity Period
Once approved, K-ETA is valid for three years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If your passport expires before the three-year period, your K-ETA will become invalid, and you will need to apply for a new one with your updated passport.
- You can use your K-ETA for multiple entries to Korea within its validity period, meaning you do not need to reapply for each trip.
- Even if you do not use your K-ETA immediately after approval, it remains valid until its expiration date.
2. When to Renew Your K-ETA
You will need to reapply for K-ETA if any of the following situations occur:
- Your passport expires before your current K-ETA’s validity period ends.
- You change your passport information, such as your name or nationality.
- Your K-ETA reaches its three-year expiration date.
- Your purpose of travel to Korea changes (e.g., from tourism to business).
Since K-ETA is not automatically renewed, you must submit a new application when your current one becomes invalid.
3. How to Renew Your K-ETA
Renewing your K-ETA is a straightforward online process, similar to the initial application. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the ETAPORTAL website and access the K-ETA application section.
- Fill out the application form with your updated passport details and travel information.
- Upload a recent passport-style photo that meets the required specifications.
- Pay the K-ETA processing fee using a credit or debit card.
- Submit the application and wait for approval (usually within 72 hours).
To avoid any travel disruptions, it is recommended to reapply for K-ETA at least a week before your current one expires.
