UPDATED: January 5, 2026

How to Complete Korea’s e-Arrival Card Before Your Flight

If you’re flying to Korea for work, school, or any long-term stay, you can now submit your entry declaration online
before you land using Korea’s
e-Arrival Card.

The most important detail is timing: you can submit it within 72 hours of arrival. It’s free, takes only a few minutes,
and works on both desktop and mobile.


Korea e-Arrival Card website main page (submission screen)

Who Needs to Complete the e-Arrival Card?

You need to complete it if:

  • You are entering Korea for the first time on a long-term visa (E-2, E-7, D-2, etc.).
  • You are a short-term visitor from a K-ETA exempt country.
  • You do not yet have a Residence Card.

You do not need to complete it if:

  • You already hold a valid
    Residence Card.
  • You have an approved
    K-ETA.
  • You are a diplomat or airline crew member.

Korvia Tip: Most first-time teachers and professionals entering Korea will need to complete the e-Arrival Card.

Key Rules Before You Start

72-Hour Submission Window

You can submit the form only within 72 hours before arrival.
If you submit earlier, it expires and you’ll need to submit again.

One Entry Only

Each submission is valid for one arrival. If you leave Korea and re-enter later, you must submit a new one.

You Can Re-Submit

If you notice a mistake, submit again. Immigration typically checks the most recent submission tied to your passport.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the e-Arrival Card

Step 1 — Prepare Your Information

Have these ready:

  • Passport
  • Flight number and arrival date
  • Address in Korea (hotel, dormitory, or housing)
  • Local contact number (school, employer, recruiter, or a reachable number in Korea)

Step 2 — Open the Official Site

Language options typically include English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.

Step 3 — Fill Out the Form

You’ll enter your personal and travel details (passport, flight, address, and contact number).
If mobile passport scanning is unreliable, manual entry is usually faster and more stable.

Step 4 — Submit and Keep a Record

After submission, save the confirmation screen (a screenshot is fine). At immigration, officers can retrieve it when they scan your passport.

What If You Don’t Complete It?

You will not be denied entry just because you didn’t submit it in advance.

If you arrive without it, airlines often provide the paper arrival card on the plane.
Completing the e-Arrival Card beforehand simply helps you move through arrival procedures more smoothly.

Common Questions

Is this the same as Q-Code?

No. Q-Code was used for health declarations. The e-Arrival Card is an immigration entry declaration.

Can I use it if I already have a Residence Card?

No. Residence Card holders are generally exempt.

What if I submitted it too early?

It will expire. Submit again within 72 hours of your arrival time.

Final Thoughts

Completing Korea’s e-Arrival Card before your flight is a small step that can reduce hassle on arrival—especially for first-time long-term entrants.

If you’re coming to Korea with Korvia, we can walk you through it as part of your pre-departure support.