Entry Requirements & K-ETA
Yaan Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Most visa-free visitors to Korea need a K-ETA, but nationals of 22 countries and regions, including the US, UK, Japan, Australia and Canada, are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026. Exempt travelers without a K-ETA submit an online e-Arrival card instead. Others may need a visa. This guide for Yaan Clinic patients links to the official Korean government sources.
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Do I need a K-ETA to visit Korea for treatment?
It depends on your nationality. Visitors from visa-free countries normally need a K-ETA, but nationals of 22 countries and regions, including the US, UK, Japan, Australia and Canada, are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026. Visitors from other countries may need a visa. Always confirm on official Korean government websites.
This page summarizes entry rules for international patients traveling to Yaan Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, as of October 2026. Entry rules change, and Yaan Clinic cannot advise on individual immigration cases, so use the official links below to check your own situation before you book flights.
At a glance
| K-ETA | Electronic travel authorization for visa-free nationals |
|---|---|
| K-ETA fee | 10,000 KRW, via the official site or app only |
| Temporary exemption | 22 countries/regions, until 31 December 2026 |
| e-Arrival card | Online arrival declaration, up to 3 days before arrival; not needed with a valid K-ETA |
| Visa-required nationals | Check the Korea Visa Portal |
| Official sources | k-eta.go.kr, e-arrivalcard.go.kr, visa.go.kr |
What is the K-ETA?
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online pre-travel authorization for nationals of countries that can enter Korea without a visa. You apply on the official website or app before your trip. The official site lists a fee of 10,000 KRW and says processing generally takes up to 72 hours.
Apply only through the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) or its official app. The site warns against third-party services that charge extra fees. K-ETA approval is generally valid for multiple trips for a set period within your passport's validity; check the official site for the current validity rules.
Which countries are exempt from K-ETA in 2026?
Korea's Ministry of Justice extended the temporary K-ETA exemption for 22 countries and regions until 31 December 2026. Travelers from these places can enter visa-free without a K-ETA during that period.
| Region | Exempt countries/regions (until 31 December 2026) |
|---|---|
| Americas | Canada, United States (including Guam) |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan |
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom |
Exempt travelers may still choose to apply for a K-ETA, which lets them skip the arrival card. The exemption is temporary, so check the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr) for any updates after 2026.
Good to know: Entry rules can change at short notice. The information on this page was checked against official and reputable sources in October 2026. Confirm your own requirements before you travel.
What is the e-Arrival card?
The e-Arrival card is Korea's online arrival declaration for foreign visitors, introduced in February 2025. You can submit it up to three days before arrival on the official website. Holders of a valid K-ETA do not need to submit one.
Submit through the official e-Arrival card website (e-arrivalcard.go.kr). If you are from a K-ETA-exempt country and do not hold a K-ETA, you complete the arrival card instead.
Do I need a visa for medical treatment in Korea?
Nationals of countries without visa-free entry need a visa to visit Korea. Korea also has visa categories for medical treatment. The Korea Visa Portal explains which visa applies to your nationality and purpose of travel.
Check the Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr) or contact your nearest Korean embassy or consulate. For an overview of how visits work, see your first visit and costs and payment. If you need documents from Yaan Clinic for a visa application, ask the team when you book; the clinic does not publish a visa-letter service, so confirm what is available.
For international patients: Sort out your K-ETA, visa or e-Arrival card before booking non-refundable flights. Then message Yaan Clinic on WhatsApp (+82 10 5308 0499) with your dates to schedule your consultation.
What should I bring for my treatment trip?
Bring your passport (valid for your whole stay), proof of your K-ETA or visa if needed, a list of medications, records of previous cosmetic procedures, and a payment card. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for aftercare.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Passport | Entry to Korea and identification at the clinic |
| K-ETA approval or visa (if required) | Entry requirement for your nationality |
| Medication list and prescriptions | Your doctor needs to know; carry medicines in original packaging |
| Records of previous procedures | Fillers, threads and lasers affect treatment planning |
| Payment card | Payment at the clinic; confirm accepted methods with your coordinator |
| Travel insurance details | Recommended for any international trip |
| Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat | Protect skin after laser and lifting treatments |
What happens after I land?
After immigration and customs, you can travel to Yaan Clinic directly with your luggage or check in to your hotel first. Share your estimated arrival time with the team, because immigration queues and traffic vary.
See getting to Yaan Clinic for airport routes and where to stay near COEX for hotels. Then plan your days with the trip planner, read how to book, or return to the Foreigners Guide. For general travel information, visit the Korea Tourism Organization's VISITKOREA website.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a K-ETA in 2026?
No, not until 31 December 2026. The United States, including Guam, is one of 22 countries and regions temporarily exempt from K-ETA. US travelers can still apply voluntarily to skip the arrival card. Check k-eta.go.kr for the latest rules.
How much does a K-ETA cost?
The official K-ETA website lists a fee of 10,000 KRW. Apply only through k-eta.go.kr or the official app, because unofficial websites may charge extra service fees. Fees are not refunded if you apply and later turn out to be exempt.
How long does K-ETA approval take?
The official K-ETA website says applications are generally processed within 72 hours. Apply well before your flight to allow time for any delays, and make sure the passport you apply with is the one you will travel on.
Do I need an e-Arrival card if I have a K-ETA?
No. Holders of a valid K-ETA do not need to submit the e-Arrival card. Travelers without a K-ETA, including those from exempt countries, can submit it online up to three days before arrival at e-arrivalcard.go.kr.
Can Yaan Clinic help with my visa?
Yaan Clinic cannot advise on immigration decisions. For visa rules, use the Korea Visa Portal or contact a Korean embassy. If you need documents from the clinic, ask the team when you book to see what is available.
Related pages
Book a consultation at Yaan Clinic
WhatsApp / international line: +82 10 5308 0499 · KakaoTalk · Email: yaan09@naver.com
English & Chinese interpreters · Same prices as local patients · How to book
About this information: Prepared from Yaan Clinic's published treatment information. Treatments at Yaan Clinic are performed by licensed physicians — meet our doctors. Last updated: October 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation; suitability, dosage and results are confirmed by your doctor.
