South Korea Extends K-ETA Exemption Until 2026: What Muslim Travellers Need to Know

Good news for travellers, especially Muslim globetrotters planning their next Korean adventure! South Korea has officially announced that the K-ETA exemption, which allows visitors from certain countries to enter Korea without applying for the electronic travel authorisation, will continue through 31 Dec 2026. This means that Muslim travellers from eligible countries can enjoy a smoother, hassle-free entry, giving them more time to explore the rich culture, halal food options, and breathtaking destinations Korea has to offer.

Also read: Best Places to Shop Korean Skincare and Makeup in Hongdae, Seoul — Plus Nearby Prayer Spots for Muslim Travellers

What is K-ETA?

Image credit: Korea Travel Post | Official Website

For those who haven’t kept up, the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) was introduced in September 2021. It’s an online permit required for visa-free travellers, similar to other electronic travel systems like Japan’s e-visa or Taiwan’s e-Travel Authorisation. The idea was to make arrivals more efficient while keeping immigration secure.

However, in an effort to boost tourism, South Korea temporarily suspended the K-ETA requirement in 2023 for many nationalities, including major tourism markets like Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Now, this exemption has been extended through 2026, offering Muslim travellers and other international visitors the convenience of travelling without additional paperwork.

Why this matters for Muslim travellers

For Muslim travellers, fewer administrative steps mean more time to focus on halal-friendly experiences in Korea. From exploring halal-certified restaurants in Seoul and Busan to visiting serene mosques like the Seoul Central Mosque, the K-ETA exemption makes spontaneous trips much easier. And if travellers still wish to apply for K-ETA voluntarily, they can enjoy perks such as skipping the arrival card, which can save precious time after a long flight.

Government’s tourism strategy

Image credit: Edinnia | Canva Pro

The announcement came during the 10th National Tourism Strategy Meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and attended by several government ministries. Officials also shared exciting plans to launch a tourist pass in 2026, which will combine public transportation and access to cultural and leisure sites, perfect for visitors who want to explore Korea without the stress of buying separate tickets.

The bigger goal? Attract 30 million international tourists by 2030. To achieve this, South Korea is focusing on promoting K-culture, diversifying destinations beyond Seoul, and highlighting regional attractions, a win for Muslim travellers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, halal dining, and peaceful prayer spots outside the bustling capital.

Who can travel K-ETA free?

Image credit (L-R): Oleksandr | Canva Pro; @halalzilla | Instagram

Currently, citizens of 67 countries and territories are eligible for K-ETA-free travel. This includes:

• Africa: South Africa

• Americas: Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States

• Asia: Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan

• Europe: Most EU countries, the UK, Iceland, Norway, Monaco, the Vatican

• Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu

This is particularly great news for Muslim travellers from countries like Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, or the Middle East, who often look for smooth entry processes for short vacations, cultural trips, or halal food tours.

Digital e-Arrival Card: Making entry even easier

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Since February 2025, South Korea has allowed travellers to complete the e-Arrival Card online up to three days before arrival. While both paper and digital forms are accepted until December 2025, the digital system becomes mandatory in 2026, helping reduce airport queues and making arrivals faster.

Certain travellers are exempt from the e-Arrival Card, including:

• K-ETA holders

• Registered residents in Korea

• Group tourists from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Cambodia

• Jeju transfer passengers and certain student groups

• Airline crew members

Image credit: Visit Seoul | Official Facebook

For Muslim travellers, this means that if they have a valid K-ETA, they can skip the arrival card entirely, streamlining their entry and giving them more time to start exploring halal eateries, prayer spaces, and cultural sites.

Also read: 9 Halal Things That Are Cheaper in South Korea Compared to Singapore

So, start planning that halal-friendly Korean adventure, your next K-drama-worthy travel story awaits!