The K-ETA electronic travel authorization offers a simpler process than a visa and can be applied for using a PC, smartphone, or tablet. After application, the Ministry of Justice of Korea reviews the application and notifies the applicant within approximately 72 hours of either “Travel Authorization Granted,” “Conditional Travel Authorization Granted,” or “Travel Authorization Denied.” The K-ETA is valid for three years from the date of issuance (two years for applications submitted before July 3, 2023). However, if your passport expires within the 3-year validity period, your K-ETA will also expire on the same day, requiring a new application. Applicants who receive a “Travel Authorization Denied” result may reapply, but there are limits on the number of applications. If you are denied travel authorization three or more times within a 180-day period, you will be ineligible to reapply for 180 days from the date of the first denial notification.
If traveling to Korea without using K-ETA, a visa must be obtained at the Embassy or Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Japan. Visa processing takes approximately 2-3 weeks from application to issuance, and multiple documents must be submitted in advance.