Do Australians need a visa for South Korea?
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Australians can enter South Korea visa-free for 90 days. Australia is on the temporary K-ETA exemption list, so no travel authorisation is needed - but because you will not hold a K-ETA, the e-Arrival Card is mandatory and must be filed before you land.
Entry requirements for South Korea at a glance
Passport validity
Valid for the duration of your stay; 6 months recommended
Length of stay
90 days
Onward ticket
Required - airlines check this at Australian check-in.
Blank passport pages
1
e-Arrival Card
Mandatory since 1 January 2026. It replaced the paper disembarkation card. Travellers holding a valid K-ETA are covered by it instead, but Australians are exempt from K-ETA and so must file the e-Arrival Card.
Apply on the official siteWhat it costs
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA | ₩10,300 - currently waived for Australians | Check the exemption is still current before you fly |
How to get sorted, step by step
- Check your passport has at least six months validity beyond your arrival date.
- File the free e-Arrival Card online within three days of departure - it is mandatory for Australians and replaces the paper form.
- Confirm Australia is still on the K-ETA exemption list at k-eta.go.kr - the waiver runs to 31 December 2026.
- Get an International Driving Permit in Australia if you plan to drive.
- Set up a T-money card on arrival, or check whether your accommodation offers one.
What catches Australians out
The K-ETA exemption for Australians runs to 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027 you will need to apply and pay for a K-ETA before boarding unless it is extended again.
Being exempt from K-ETA is what makes the e-Arrival Card compulsory - the two are alternatives, and Australians file the arrival card.
Korea has strict rules on some medications, including certain ADHD and codeine drugs.
Japanese and Korean power plugs are different - don't assume one adapter covers a two-country trip.
Some banks' cards don't work in all Korean ATMs; look for 'Global ATM' signage.
Health cover for Australians in South Korea
No reciprocal agreement. Korean hospitals are excellent and comparatively affordable, but you pay upfront.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required. Routine Australian immunisations recommended.
Medications: Some ADHD, codeine and sedative medications are restricted. Carry prescriptions and original packaging.
Compare travel insurance for South KoreaMore South Korea essentials
Further reading: Do Australians need a visa? A country-by-country guide
How these comparisons are made
Entry rules on these pages come from the destination's own immigration authority first, Smartraveller second, and the destination's embassy in Australia third - each page links the exact sources it used. An automated job re-reads those government pages every day and moves the review date only when a person or the checker has confirmed the page still says what we say it says. Read the full editorial policy.
South Korea entry requirements FAQs
Is the e-Arrival Card required for Australians visiting South Korea?
Yes. Australian passport holders entering South Korea must complete the e-Arrival Card. It is free, and you submit it within 3 days before arrival. Mandatory since 1 January 2026. It replaced the paper disembarkation card. Travellers holding a valid K-ETA are covered by it instead, but Australians are exempt from K-ETA and so must file the e-Arrival Card.
Do Australians need a K-ETA for South Korea?
Not currently. Australia is on South Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption list, so you can enter visa-free for 90 days with no travel authorisation. The exemption is renewed annually, so confirm it's still in place at k-eta.go.kr before you fly.
Do Australians need a visa for South Korea?
No. Australian passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in South Korea?
Yes, if you plan to drive. Korea accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP issued in Australia, carried with your Australian licence and passport.
Planning South Korea?
We will send you the South Korea guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.