The Korean government has implemented an Electronic Arrival Declaration (e-Arrival Card) system for foreign visitors. American citizens, including Korean-American citizens, can now complete the declaration form in advance using their smartphones.
According to the Consulate General of Korea in Los Angeles (Consul General Youngwan Kim), South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has been promoting the use of the electronic immigration declaration system for foreign nationals since February 24.
The consulate explained, “Foreign visitors no longer need to submit paper arrival declaration forms to immigration officers at airports such as Incheon.” It added, “Visitors can complete the arrival declaration online in advance, allowing them to skip the paper form process upon arrival.”
The electronic arrival declaration can be completed by visiting the website (www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr) starting three days before arrival in Korea.
This applies to foreigners with short-term visas (under 90 days), such as those holding an Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), as well as long-term visa holders who have not yet completed the alien registration process.
When filling out the electronic arrival declaration, applicants must provide their email address, passport information, travel details (entry and exit schedule), and stay information (accommodation and contact details).
Once the declaration is completed and submitted, visitors do not need a separate confirmation and can proceed with the normal immigration screening process.
Additionally, the Ministry of Justice announced that until December 2025, visitors can still use traditional paper arrival declaration forms at immigration checkpoints.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has extended the temporary exemption for the Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system, which had been applied to certain countries, including the United States, until December 31, 2025.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
