South Korea e-Arrival Card Guide: Requirements & How to Apply

Before flying to South Korea, Filipino travelers need to prepare their passport, Korean visa, flight tickets, and other required travel documents. One important thing to check is whether you need to complete the South Korea e-Arrival Card.

The South Korea e-Arrival Card is a free online immigration declaration that allows eligible foreign travelers to submit their arrival information before entering the country. Here's what Filipino travelers need to know about the requirements, application process, submission period, and exemptions.

What Is the South Korea e-Arrival Card?

The South Korea e-Arrival Card is an electronic immigration declaration introduced by the Korean Ministry of Justice on February 24, 2025. It allows foreign travelers to submit their personal and travel information online before arriving in South Korea.

Instead of completing a paper arrival card, eligible travelers can submit their information through the official South Korea e-Arrival Card website.

The form collects important details, including:

• Passport information
• Nationality and personal details
• Arrival date and flight number
• Purpose of visiting South Korea
• Accommodation address in South Korea
• Occupation and contact information
• Expected departure details, if available

The South Korea e-Arrival Card is completely free and can be submitted within 3 days before arrival, based on Korea Standard Time (KST). Once submitted, the declaration is valid for 72 hours and does not require separate approval.

⚠️ Important: The e-Arrival Card is not a visa or an entry permit. Filipino travelers must still meet South Korea's visa and immigration requirements before entering the country.

Do Filipinos Need a South Korea e-Arrival Card?

Yes, most Filipino tourists entering South Korea with a regular Korean tourist visa must complete an arrival declaration. They can do this through the official e-Arrival Card website.

However, some travelers are exempt depending on their immigration status or the documents they hold.

For example, Filipino travelers who already have a valid Korean Residence Card generally do not need to complete an arrival declaration.

Who Needs to Complete the e-Arrival Card?

The following travelers generally need to submit an e-Arrival Card:

• Filipino tourists entering South Korea with a regular Korean tourist visa
• Foreign travelers with valid Korean visas who are not exempt
• Travelers who qualify for a Korean visa exemption but are still required to submit an arrival declaration
• Foreign travelers entering South Korea for short-term visits who do not fall under an exempt category

Who Is Exempt From the e-Arrival Card?

According to South Korea's official immigration guidance, the following travelers are generally exempt:

• South Korean citizens
• Holders of valid Korean Residence Cards
• Holders of valid K-ETA approval, subject to certain exceptions
• Eligible group electronic visa holders
• Certain foreign airline crew members
• Other travelers covered by specific immigration exemptions

Important exception: Travelers who hold K-ETA approval but enter South Korea using a Korean visa must still complete an arrival declaration when required.

💡 Pro Tip: Not sure whether you need the form? Visit the official South Korea e-Arrival Card website and use the e-Arrival Card Navigator to check your eligibility.

Is the South Korea e-Arrival Card the Same as K-ETA?

No. The South Korea e-Arrival Card and K-ETA are two different systems with different purposes.

For most Filipino tourists holding ordinary Philippine passports, a Korean tourist visa is generally required for regular trips to Seoul, Busan, and other parts of mainland South Korea.

K-ETA is intended for eligible visa-free travelers. Holding a Philippine passport does not automatically make someone eligible to apply for K-ETA.

⚠️ Important: Special visa-free entry arrangements may apply to certain travelers or itineraries, including qualifying Jeju Island visits and transit programs. These have their own conditions and should not be confused with general visa-free entry to mainland South Korea.

For the latest visa requirements, visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines.

When Should You Submit the South Korea e-Arrival Card?

You can submit the South Korea e-Arrival Card within 3 days before your scheduled arrival in South Korea, based on Korea Standard Time.

The declaration is valid for 72 hours after submission. If you do not enter South Korea within that period, you must complete and submit a new declaration.

Example of When to Apply

These dates are examples of the three-day filing window. The actual 72-hour validity period begins when you submit the declaration.

💡 Pro Tip: Complete your e-Arrival Card one or two days before your flight, once your travel details are confirmed. This gives you time to check your information while keeping the declaration within its validity period.

South Korea e-Arrival Card Requirements for Filipino Travelers

Before starting your application, prepare the following information and documents.

You can complete the form on a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection.

Do You Need a Passport Photo?

The official website allows applicants to upload an image of their passport information page so the system can read the details.

If the passport image cannot be uploaded or processed, you may enter your passport information manually.

You do not need to upload a separate passport-style selfie simply to complete the e-Arrival Card.

How to Fill Out the South Korea e-Arrival Card Online

The application process is straightforward and can be completed through the official South Korean government website.

Follow these steps to submit your arrival declaration before your trip.

Step 1: Visit the Official South Korea e-Arrival Card Website

Open the official South Korea e-Arrival Card website.

Select English if needed, then choose the option to submit an individual e-Arrival Card.

The website also provides an option for group declarations.

⚠️ Important: Make sure you are using the official government website. The South Korea e-Arrival Card is free, so you should not pay an application fee to submit the declaration.

Step 2: Agree to the Terms and Enter Your Email Address

Read the terms and conditions and agree to the collection and use of your personal information.

Next, enter your email address as instructed.

Use an email address you can access during your trip, as the system sends your submitted declaration information and issue number by email.

Step 3: Enter Your Passport Information

Prepare your valid Philippine passport and upload a clear photo of its bio-page (the page containing your photo and personal details). The system will automatically fill in your passport information.

Make sure the uploaded image includes the entire passport bio-page, including the machine-readable lines at the bottom.

After uploading, check the following details:

• Full name as shown on your passport
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Gender
• Passport number
• Passport expiration date

If the system cannot read your passport image, you can enter the information manually.

💡 Pro Tip: Check all the automatically filled details before continuing. Make sure your name, passport number, and expiration date match your Philippine passport exactly.

Step 4: Enter Your Travel Information

Next, complete the travel itinerary section.

You will be asked to provide information such as:

• Expected date of arrival in South Korea
• Flight number
• Purpose of visit
• Accommodation address
• Contact information in South Korea
• Occupation
• Expected departure information, if available

If you are staying at a hotel, refer to your booking confirmation for its correct address.

For travelers staying with friends or relatives, prepare their address and relevant contact details.

Step 5: Review Your Information

Before submitting, carefully review all the information you entered.

Pay particular attention to:

• Passport number
• Full name
• Nationality
• Arrival date
• Flight number
• Accommodation address

If you notice an error, correct it before proceeding.

Providing accurate information is important because false or incorrect declarations may lead to immigration problems.

Step 6: Submit Your e-Arrival Card

Once all the information is correct, submit your declaration.

After submission, you can receive an issue number and save the declaration details as a PDF.

The official system also sends the submission information to the email address provided.

You do not need to wait for a separate approval.

Although a printed copy is not required for immigration inspection, saving the confirmation email or issue number can be helpful for your own reference.

How Much Does the South Korea e-Arrival Card Cost?

The South Korea e-Arrival Card is 100% free when submitted through the official government website.

There is no government application fee for the declaration.

⚠️ Important: The Korean Ministry of Justice has warned travelers about fake websites that imitate the official e-Arrival Card service.

If a website asks you to pay for the government declaration, check the website address carefully.

Can You Edit Your South Korea e-Arrival Card After Submission?

Yes. South Korea's official e-Arrival Card website allows travelers to check and edit certain information after submitting their declaration.

You can make changes before completing Korean immigration inspection.

Examples of information that may be updated include:

• Purpose of entry
• Accommodation details
• Stay information
• Expected departure date

Changes to the arrival date are subject to a specific restriction. The official guidance states that the arrival date can only be corrected within three days from the initial submission date.

How to Update Your Declaration

1. Visit the official e-Arrival Card website.
2. Select Check/Edit.
3. Retrieve your declaration using your issue number or the available email verification method.
4. Review the information you need to change.
5. Make the permitted corrections and save them.

💡 Pro Tip: If your flight is delayed or rescheduled, check whether your existing declaration is still valid. If the 72-hour validity period has expired, submit a new e-Arrival Card.

Can You Submit an e-Arrival Card for Your Family?

Yes. South Korea allows travelers to submit arrival declarations for multiple people.

The official website supports individual declarations for up to nine people.

For larger groups, the desktop website provides a separate group declaration option.

For children aged 14 or younger, a family member or another eligible person must submit the declaration on their behalf.

The person submitting the information should make sure all passport and travel details are correct.

Other Entry Requirements for Filipinos Traveling to South Korea

Aside from the South Korea e-Arrival Card, Filipino travelers should prepare the following documents before their trip:

• Valid Philippine Passport: Make sure your passport is valid and meets the applicable travel requirements. Filipino tourists should check the six-month passport-validity requirement before departure.
• Valid Korean Visa: Filipino ordinary passport holders generally need a Korean tourist visa to visit mainland South Korea, unless they qualify for a specific entry exemption. Check the latest requirements through the Korean Embassy in the Philippines.
• Return or Onward Flight Ticket: Keep a copy of your confirmed return or onward flight booking, as airline staff or immigration officers may request it.
• Accommodation Details: Prepare your hotel booking confirmation or the address of your accommodation in South Korea. Make sure the information matches your e-Arrival Card.
• Philippine eTravel Registration: Complete the required Philippine eTravel registration through the official eTravel website within 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

⚠️ Important: Completing the South Korea e-Arrival Card does not guarantee entry into the country. The final decision rests with Korean immigration authorities upon arrival.

Important Tips for Filipino Travelers Completing the South Korea e-Arrival Card

Here are some useful reminders before your trip.

• Use the official website: Submit your declaration through the Korean government's e-Arrival Card website to avoid fraudulent services.
• Check your visa requirements: The e-Arrival Card does not replace a Korean tourist visa.
• Submit within the correct period: Complete the form within three days before arriving in South Korea, based on Korean time.
• Prepare your hotel address: Keep your accommodation booking details ready before starting the form.
• Double-check your passport details: Make sure your name, passport number, and nationality are entered correctly.
• Save your issue number: Although printing is not required, keeping a digital copy may be useful.
• Review flight changes: If your arrival schedule changes, check whether your declaration needs to be updated or submitted again.
• Avoid unofficial paid websites: The government e-Arrival Card service does not charge an application fee.

💡 Pro Tip: Before leaving the Philippines, keep your passport, visa, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and e-Arrival Card confirmation details in one folder on your phone. This makes it easier to find your travel documents when needed.