South Korea

K-ETA is temporarily waived for U.S. citizens and many other countries until December 31, 2026. It becomes mandatory starting January 1, 2027. Even during the exemption period, applying for K-ETA (via k-eta.go.kr) is optional but offers benefits like skipping the arrival card. Costs $10 USD, valid for 2 years with multiple entries.

US, Canadian, Australian, UK, and many other passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Have proof of onward travel and accommodation details ready for immigration.

Without K-ETA, complete the arrival card on the plane or use the mobile Q-CODE system (download Q-CODE app for faster entry). With K-ETA, you're exempt from the arrival card. Declare all items over $600 USD and cash amounts over $10,000 USD. Immigration is typically efficient.

South Korea requires no specific vaccinations for entry. However, CDC recommends ensuring routine vaccines are current plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid for most travelers. Japanese Encephalitis recommended if visiting rural areas or staying long-term. Yellow fever certificate only required if arriving from endemic countries.

Not required but strongly advised. Korean healthcare is excellent and affordable compared to the US, but can still be expensive for visitors. Get insurance with medical coverage (minimum $50,000) and evacuation. Most hospitals in Seoul have English-speaking staff and international clinics.

Bring medications in original packaging with English prescription and doctor's note. Korea is strict about controlled substances—some common US medications are illegal here. Check with Korean embassy before traveling. Bring extra supply—Korean pharmacies won't fill foreign prescriptions easily.

Korea has extremely strict customs on food and agricultural products. Prohibited: fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds, plants, soil. Even packaged food items may be confiscated. Declare all food products on arrival card—penalties are severe. Some quarantine rules may apply depending on global disease outbreaks.

Allowed without tax: 1 liter of alcohol (under $400 value), 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 60ml perfume, goods up to $600 USD total value. Items over limits subject to duties. Keep receipts for expensive electronics to prove you brought them in.

Must declare cash, checks, or securities worth over $10,000 USD (or equivalent in any currency) when entering or leaving Korea. Use the customs declaration form. Korea tracks currency movements carefully. ATMs widely available—Woori, Shinhan, and KB banks work with most international cards.