South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has announced plans to launch an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in September 2021. The ETA system will allow eligible foreign nationals to enter the country without a visa.

Key Points:

  • The ETA system will undergo a pilot launch from May 3 through August and will be fully implemented in September 2021.
  • In September 2021, foreign nationals intending to utilize visa-free entry will be required to apply through the ETA website or mobile application 24 hours before their intended departure to the country.
  • The ETA system will be open to nationals of 66 visa-waiver agreement countries and 46 visa-free countries in September. Initially, the system will be open only to 21 countries, however, because of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional Information: Individuals needing C-4 visas or any other work permit will still be required to obtain visas before travel. Deloitte continues to follow the implementation of the ETA system and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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