South Korea Extends K-ETA Exemptions for Remote Workers

South Korea has extended its temporary K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) exemption for citizens of 22 specific countries through December 31, 2026. This move is part of the "Visit Korea Year" initiative, designed to simplify entry for short-term visitors by removing the need for prior online approval. By waiving the standard KRW 10,000 fee and the 72-hour processing time, the government aims to attract millions of additional travelers over the next several months.

Who is eligible for the waiver

The exemption applies to travelers from major digital nomad hubs across the globe. Eligible regions include:

• Americas: United States and Canada.
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, and Austria.
• Asia & Oceania: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macao, Australia, and New Zealand.

What this means for nomads

Digital nomads and remote workers from these regions can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days (or their specific country limit) for tourism or business. This flexibility is ideal for those looking to "test drive" the country before committing to a long-term nomad news or applying for the official Workation Visa. While the K-ETA is not required, all travelers must still possess a passport valid for at least six months, an onward travel ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.

Practical entry steps

While the K-ETA is optional for these 22 countries, travelers are now required to submit an Arrival Card online within three days before landing. This digital form replaces the old paper arrival cards and is mandatory for all non-K-ETA entrants. If you choose to apply for a K-ETA anyway, you will pay the fee but can skip the e-Arrival Card process. The exemption is set to expire on January 1, 2027, at which point the authorization requirement will resume for all 112 visa-free nationalities.

Read our full South Korea guide for the complete picture.