The South Korean authorities have announced that the country has decided to expand the number of countries as well as regions that are permitted entry without being required to obtain a visa with K-ETA authorization.
According to an official announcement made by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines, as of November 1, 2022, the following eight countries and regions have been added to the list of countries that do not need a visa to enter South Korea:
Japan
Kiribati
Micronesia
Macao
Solomon Islands
Samoa
Taiwan
Tango
Even though travelers from the countries mentioned above can now enter South Korea without having to obtain a visa for limited activities, Corporate Immigration Partners explains that they are still required to submit a Korean electronic travel (K-ETA) authorization.
In addition, the same noted that applicants must complete the K-ETA registration at most 72 hours before their departure.
In general, K-ETA authorization remains valid for multiple trips over a two-year period or until the passport of an applicant expires if this happens sooner.
This means that once nationals of the above-mentioned countries complete the registration, they will be able to use the same authorization for the next two years, VisaGuide.World reports.
Since the number of applicants is expected to increase, the government said that delays in K-ETA application assessments are expected and, at the same time, pointed out that if there are any changes in applicants’ personal information, they must apply for K-ETA again.
“There may be some delays in K-ETA application assessment due to increased applications following the additional inclusion of countries, so please apply for your K-ETA at least 72 hours before boarding the flight. If there are any changes to your personal information or you had your passport reissued after obtaining K-ETA approval, you must apply for K-ETA again regardless of the existing K-ETA approval’s validity,” the statement of the Embassy reads.
The list of countries whose citizens can travel to South Korea without obtaining an entry visa includes tens of other countries, including those that are part of the European Union/Schengen Area.
Travelers from countries that are not permitted visa-free entry to South Korea need to apply for the document. South Korean visas are divided based on the duration as well as the number of entries they allow. South Korea issues single-entry visas, which are valid for a single entry for up to 90 days, and multiple-entry visas.
Depending on the purpose of entering Korea, those who need a visa can apply for a Tourist Visa, Family Visit Visa, Business Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, and Working Holiday Visa.
The post South Korea Adds 8 Countries & Regions to Visa-Free Entry Program appeared first on VisaGuide.World.
