What Is the e-Arrival Card? Do Thai Travelers Need to Complete It Before Entering South Korea?

If you are planning a trip to South Korea, there is one important travel requirement you should know about in addition to checking visa and K-ETA requirements: the e-Arrival Card.

The e-Arrival Card is an electronic arrival declaration system that allows travelers to submit their entry information online before arriving in South Korea, instead of completing a paper arrival card.

The system is available through the official website and can be accessed using a computer or mobile phone. Best of all, submitting the e-Arrival Card is free of charge.

However, not every traveler is required to complete an e-Arrival Card. The requirement depends on the traveler's immigration status and the documents used to enter South Korea.

For Thai travelers visiting South Korea, it is important to understand the difference between travelers holding a valid K-ETA and those who are exempt from the K-ETA requirement, as their arrival card requirements may be different.

Official e-Arrival Card website:
https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/main/index.do?locale=EN

 

What Is the e-Arrival Card Used For?

The e-Arrival Card is South Korea's electronic arrival declaration system. It allows travelers to submit the required entry information online before proceeding through immigration.

The information submitted includes personal details, travel plans, and accommodation information during the stay in South Korea. All information should match the traveler's passport and actual travel arrangements.

Once the e-Arrival Card has been successfully submitted, travelers do not need to complete a paper arrival card again, as the electronic declaration replaces the paper form under the applicable conditions.

However, the e-Arrival Card is only an arrival declaration. It is not a travel authorization and cannot replace a visa or K-ETA when either is required.

 

Do Thai Travelers Need to Complete the e-Arrival Card?

Whether you need to submit an e-Arrival Card depends on your individual immigration status. You should not determine the requirement based on nationality alone.

Traveler's Status	Important Information
Holds a valid K-ETA	Generally exempt from submitting an e-Arrival Card
Exempt from K-ETA but does not hold a valid K-ETA	May need to submit an e-Arrival Card, depending on the applicable requirements
Holds a South Korean visa	Check the e-Arrival Card requirements based on visa status and applicable conditions
Holds a valid South Korean Residence Card	Generally exempt from submitting an arrival card
Airline crew or other specifically exempt categories	Check the applicable exemption conditions on the official website

Important information for Thai travelers: If you have an approved and valid K-ETA, you are generally exempt from submitting an e-Arrival Card. However, travelers who are exempt from K-ETA, such as those who qualify for an age-based exemption, should check whether they still need to submit an e-Arrival Card.

Being exempt from K-ETA does not automatically mean that you are also exempt from the arrival declaration requirement.

Travelers holding visas or other specific immigration statuses should use the Navigator feature on the official e-Arrival Card website, as requirements may vary depending on the travel documents used.

 

How to Check Whether You Need to Submit an e-Arrival Card

1. Visit the official website: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/

2. Select the Navigator menu.

3. Choose your document status, such as Visa, K-ETA, Residence Card, or None.

4. Select your country or region, passport type, and destination in South Korea as requested by the system.

5. Check the result to see whether you are required to submit an e-Arrival Card.

Using the Navigator helps you identify the requirements applicable to your individual travel circumstances before completing the form.

 

When Should You Complete the e-Arrival Card?

The South Korean government allows travelers to submit the e-Arrival Card starting 3 days before their scheduled arrival in South Korea, based on Korea Standard Time (KST).

For example, if you are scheduled to arrive in South Korea on November 15, you can start submitting the form on November 13, according to Korean local time.

Here are some important points about the submission period:

• You cannot submit the form at any time in advance. It should be submitted within the permitted 3-day period before arrival.

• The submitted declaration remains valid for 72 hours from the time of submission.

• If you do not arrive in South Korea within this validity period, you will need to submit a new declaration.

• Once you have passed through South Korean immigration, the previous declaration becomes invalid for a subsequent entry. Check the requirements and submit a new declaration when necessary.

• If your travel date changes, check whether you need to edit or submit a new form.

We recommend preparing all the required information in advance and submitting the form only when you enter the permitted submission period. This helps prevent the declaration from expiring before your arrival.

 

Is There a Fee for the e-Arrival Card?

No. The e-Arrival Card is completely free of charge when submitted through the official South Korean government website.

Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees or claim that payment is mandatory to submit the arrival declaration. The official government submission process does not require a service fee.

Official website:
https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/

 

What Do You Need to Prepare Before Completing the e-Arrival Card?

Before starting the application, prepare the following information to help you complete the form accurately and efficiently.

1. Passport

Prepare the passport you will use to enter South Korea. Your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number must match the information shown on your passport.

2. Valid Email Address

Use an email address that you can access, as the system will send your reference number and submission information to the email address provided.

3. Expected Arrival Date

Check the date your flight is scheduled to arrive in South Korea. Use the arrival date based on South Korean local time, which may differ from your departure date in Thailand.

4. Arrival Flight Number

Prepare the flight number of your inbound flight to South Korea. You can find this information on your flight ticket or booking confirmation.

5. Expected Departure Date

Prepare your planned departure date from South Korea, along with your outbound flight information if requested or available.

6. Purpose of Entry

Select your actual travel purpose, such as tourism, visiting family, or another purpose listed in the system.

7. Place of Stay in South Korea

Prepare the name and address of your hotel, accommodation, or intended place of stay. If you plan to stay at multiple locations, check which accommodation details the system requires.

8. Contact Information in South Korea

Prepare a contact telephone number for your accommodation or other contact details as requested by the form.

9. Occupation

Prepare your current occupation information so that you can select or enter the appropriate details according to the options provided by the system.

The information requested may vary depending on the traveler's category and immigration status. Always provide accurate information that applies to your circumstances.

 

How to Complete the e-Arrival Card Step by Step

Travelers can submit the e-Arrival Card themselves through the official website. The process generally includes accepting the terms and conditions, entering passport information, providing travel details, reviewing the information, and submitting the declaration.

Step 1: Visit the Official e-Arrival Card Website

Go to the official website:

https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/

You can access the website using a computer or a mobile phone browser. The website provides several language options, including Thai and English.

Before starting, use the Navigator feature to confirm whether you are required to submit an e-Arrival Card.

Step 2: Read the Terms and Conditions and Enter Your Email Address

Select the option to submit an e-Arrival Card. Read and accept the terms and conditions regarding the collection and use of personal information as required by the system.

Enter the email address of the traveler or authorized representative, following the instructions, and re-enter it to confirm that it is correct.

If you are submitting the form on behalf of a family member, make sure that the email address is accessible. The system will send the reference number to the email address provided.

Please note that individuals aged 14 or under cannot act as the representative submitting the form themselves.

Step 3: Enter Your Passport Information

The system may allow you to take or upload a photo of your passport's information page so that the details can be automatically recognized.

If automatic scanning is unsuccessful, you may enter the information manually using the options provided by the system.

The following information should generally be checked:

• Surname: Your surname as shown on your passport.

• Given Name: Your given name as shown on your passport.

• Date of Birth: Your date of birth.

• Sex: Your sex as recorded in your travel document and according to the available system options.

• Passport Number: Your passport number.

• Passport Expiry Date: The expiration date of your passport.

• Nationality / Country or Region: Your nationality or country information as requested by the system.

Always review the information recognized by the system. Automatic passport scanning may occasionally produce errors.

Step 4: Enter Your Travel Information

After entering your passport details, complete the travel information requested by the system. This may include the following:

Arrival Information

Enter your expected arrival date in South Korea and your inbound flight number or other arrival information requested by the system.

Departure Information

Enter your expected departure date from South Korea and your outbound flight number, if available or required.

Purpose of Entry

Select the purpose that matches your actual travel plans. For example, choose Tourism if you are visiting South Korea for a holiday.

Place of Stay

Enter the name and address of your hotel or accommodation in South Korea. If the system requests the accommodation details in Korean or English, follow the format specified on the form.

Contact Information

Enter a contact telephone number in South Korea as requested. For example, you may use your hotel's contact number.

Occupation

Select your current occupation based on the options available in the system.

Before proceeding, check that your arrival and departure dates match your flight tickets and that your accommodation details are consistent with your actual booking.

Step 5: Review Your Information Before Submission

Before submitting the form, carefully check all the information, especially:

• Your first and last names match your passport.

• Your passport number and date of birth are correct.

• Your arrival and departure dates are correct.

• Your flight numbers match your travel itinerary.

• Your purpose of entry is correct.

• Your accommodation name and address are correct.

• Your occupation and contact information are accurate.

• Your email address is active and can receive messages.

If you find any mistakes, correct them before submission. Providing false or inaccurate information may cause problems during the immigration process.

Step 6: Submit the Form and Save Your Reference Number

Once all the information has been completed and checked, submit the form according to the instructions displayed by the system.

After successful submission, the system will display your submission details and issue a reference number, which will also be sent to the email address you provided.

We recommend taking the following steps:

1. Confirm that your form has been successfully submitted.

2. Check your email for the reference number.

3. Save the submission information or download the form as a PDF if you wish to keep a copy.

4. Keep your reference number for future checking or editing.

Generally, you do not need to print a copy of the e-Arrival Card to present at immigration. However, keeping your reference number and confirmation email is recommended for easier access to your submission details.

 

What Should You Do If You Make a Mistake on Your e-Arrival Card?

If you discover incorrect information after submitting your e-Arrival Card, you can check and edit your declaration through the official website before completing immigration procedures, subject to the system's conditions.

Information that may be reviewed or edited includes:

• Purpose of entry.

• Accommodation information during your stay in South Korea.

• Expected departure date.

• Other details that the system allows you to modify.

However, the arrival date can only be edited within 3 days from the original submission date. If your arrival date changes and the system does not allow you to edit it, check the official website for further instructions before traveling.

 

How to Check or Edit Your Information

1. Visit the official website: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/

2. Select Check and Edit.

3. Choose to search using your reference number or verify your email, depending on the available options.

4. Enter the required information, such as your passport number, date of birth, or reference number.

5. Review the information you previously submitted.

6. Edit the details allowed by the system and save your changes.

If you submitted the form on behalf of another person, you may be able to check their information using the representative's email address, subject to the system's conditions.

Representatives are still responsible for ensuring that all submitted information is accurate.

 

Do Families or Groups Traveling Together Need to Submit Separate e-Arrival Cards?

The system supports submitting e-Arrival Cards for multiple travelers in one session, depending on the submission method.

• Individual or small-group submissions through the mobile website support up to 9 travelers per submission.

• Group submissions through a computer support up to 1,000 travelers per submission, making this option suitable for managing larger groups.

• Children aged 14 or under cannot act as the representative submitting the form themselves. A parent or another person may submit the form on their behalf, subject to the system's conditions.

Even when submitting multiple forms in one session, make sure to check each traveler's passport information carefully, as the details will be different for each person.

 

What If You Have Not Completed the e-Arrival Card Before Arriving in South Korea?

If you have not submitted your e-Arrival Card before arriving in South Korea, it does not automatically mean that you will be denied entry.

According to the official FAQ, travelers may still complete the e-Arrival Card or use a paper arrival card before going through immigration, provided they are required to submit an arrival declaration.

However, we recommend completing the form in advance within the permitted submission period to avoid unnecessary stress or delays.

Make sure you have your passport, flight number, and accommodation details ready before completing the form.

 

Do You Need an e-Arrival Card If You Are Only Transiting Through South Korea?

If you are transiting through South Korea without passing through immigration, you generally do not need to submit an arrival card simply because you are changing flights.

However, if you need to pass through immigration, for example, to collect your baggage, check in again, or leave the transit area, you should check the applicable entry requirements based on your travel status.

For travelers transiting on the same day who need to pass through immigration, the official system provides guidance on entering the relevant airport address in the accommodation field, subject to the conditions of each airport.

Check with your airline and the official e-Arrival Card website before traveling, especially if you need to change airports or collect your baggage yourself.

 

What Is the Difference Between the e-Arrival Card and K-ETA?

Although both systems are related to entering South Korea, they serve different purposes.

Category	e-Arrival Card	K-ETA
Purpose	Declares arrival information	Provides advance travel authorization for eligible visa-free travelers
Can it replace a visa?	No	It does not replace a visa for all travel purposes
Fee	Free	Application fee required
When to complete it	Within 3 days before arrival in South Korea	Apply in advance and wait for approval before traveling
Travelers with a valid K-ETA	Generally exempt from submitting an e-Arrival Card	Travel under the conditions of their approved K-ETA
Guarantees entry into South Korea?	No. It is not an entry authorization	No. Final entry decisions remain with immigration officers

Important: If you are required to obtain K-ETA approval or hold a visa under the conditions applicable to your travel, submitting an e-Arrival Card cannot replace those required documents.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the e-Arrival Card

1. Is There a Fee for the e-Arrival Card?

No. Submitting the e-Arrival Card through the official South Korean government website is completely free of charge.

 

2. Can I Complete the e-Arrival Card Using My Mobile Phone?

Yes. You can access the official website using a mobile phone browser or a computer. You do not need to download a separate e-Arrival Card application.

 

3. Do I Need to Print the e-Arrival Card and Show It at the Airport?

Generally, you do not need to print a copy to present during immigration. However, keeping your reference number or confirmation email is recommended for easy access to your submission information.

 

4. How Many Days Before Arrival Can I Submit the e-Arrival Card?

You can submit the form starting 3 days before your scheduled arrival in South Korea, based on Korea Standard Time (KST). The declaration remains valid for 72 hours after submission.

 

5. Do I Need to Submit an e-Arrival Card If I Already Have K-ETA?

If you hold a valid K-ETA and enter South Korea using that status, you are generally exempt from submitting an e-Arrival Card.

However, if you are traveling with a visa or under another immigration status, check the Navigator feature on the official website to confirm your requirements.

 

6. Can I Complete the e-Arrival Card at the Airport If I Did Not Submit It Before Traveling?

According to the official FAQ, travelers who are required to submit an arrival declaration may still complete the e-Arrival Card or a paper arrival card before passing through immigration.

Nevertheless, completing the form in advance is recommended to avoid unnecessary delays.

 

7. What Should I Do If I Enter Incorrect Information on My e-Arrival Card?

Visit the official website and select Check and Edit to retrieve your form and update the information that the system allows you to change before completing immigration procedures.

Please note that there are restrictions on editing the arrival date, so it is important to check all details carefully before submitting the form.

 

Check Your e-Arrival Card Requirements Before Traveling to South Korea

Completing the e-Arrival Card in advance is one of the steps that can make your arrival declaration process more convenient. However, travelers should first confirm whether they are required to submit the form or qualify for an exemption.

Before departure, check your passport details, flight information, travel dates, and accommodation details carefully. Remember to save your reference number after successfully submitting the declaration.

 

Official Websites to Bookmark

• e-Arrival Card: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/main/index.do?locale=EN

• K-ETA: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/

• Korea Visa Portal: https://www.visa.go.kr/

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/th-en/

Entry requirements may change. Always check the latest information on official government websites before traveling.

 

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