Korea e-Arrival Card for Jeju: What First-Time Visitors Need to Know
Last updated: August 2026
If you're planning a trip to Jeju, there's one more step besides booking flights and hotels: Korea's e-Arrival Card. Here's what Jeju-bound travelers actually need to know — who has to submit it, when, and how.
What Is the Korea e-Arrival Card?
Korea introduced the e-Arrival Card in February 2025, run by the Ministry of Justice (Korea Immigration Service). Both paper and electronic forms were accepted through the end of that year. Since January 2026, the online declaration has become the standard route for most travelers, replacing the paper card that used to be handed out in-flight.
Who Needs to Submit It?
In principle, every foreign national entering Korea needs to submit one. A few groups are exempt:
- Holders of a Korean Residence Card (RC, formerly ARC)
- Travelers entering with a valid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Airline crew members
- Certain group tourist visa holders — check the official Navigator tool on the site to confirm your category
One exception worth knowing: if you hold a valid K-ETA but are actually entering on a visa, you still need to submit the e-Arrival Card. The exemption only applies when you're entering under the K-ETA itself.
Do You Need It for Jeju?
Yes. Jeju is a special self-governing province, but entry procedures at Jeju International Airport follow the same rules as Incheon or Gimpo. If you're not covered by one of the exemptions above, you'll need to submit the e-Arrival Card before flying into Jeju.
When Should You Submit It?
You can submit starting 3 days before arrival, and it stays valid for 72 hours after submission — all based on Korea Standard Time (KST).
Because of the time difference, this trips up more travelers than you'd expect. The safest move is to submit the day before your flight, so it doesn't expire before you land.
How to Fill It Out
- Go to www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr (works on both PC and mobile)
- Choose "Individual" (1–9 people) or "Group" (2–1,000 people)
- Enter your passport details, flight information, accommodation address, contact info, purpose of visit, and occupation
- Submit and save your confirmation
If you're traveling as a family, one person can submit for up to 9 people — including children — in a single application.
What Information Do You Need?
- Passport (matching the photo page exactly)
- Arrival and departure flight numbers
- Accommodation address in Korea
- Contact information (email)
- Purpose of visit and occupation
If your accommodation isn't confirmed yet, it's worth waiting until it is before you submit — it saves you from having to go back and edit later.
What Happens After You Submit?
After submitting, save your issue number or confirmation. If your travel purpose, stay details, or departure date change, you can go back and edit them on the official site before your immigration check — though the arrival date itself can only be corrected within 3 days of your original submission.
Do You Need to Print It?
Usually not. Immigration officers can pull up your submission when they scan your passport. That said, saving your confirmation number or a screenshot is a smart backup in case of a system hiccup.
e-Arrival Card vs. Visa vs. K-ETA
These three get mixed up constantly, so here's the quick version:
| Visa | Grants your actual right of entry |
|---|---|
| K-ETA | Pre-travel authorization for visa-free short-term entry |
| e-Arrival Card | Online version of the entry declaration form |
Having a valid K-ETA does exempt you from the e-Arrival Card when you enter under that K-ETA — but the e-Arrival Card can never substitute for a visa or K-ETA. They each do a different job.
What to Do When You Arrive at Jeju Airport
- Present your passport at the immigration counter — your submitted information is pulled up automatically
- No extra paperwork needed if everything checks out
- Collect your luggage, then head to customs
If you weren't able to submit online beforehand, you can still fill it out at the airport before your immigration check, or use a paper form as a backup. Not submitting in advance won't block your entry — it just means a bit more time at the counter.
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- Submit the e-Arrival Card 3 days before arrival, once your flight and accommodation are confirmed
- Double-check you're on the official .go.kr domain — never pay a "fee" for this
- If you have valid K-ETA and are entering under it, you can skip this step entirely
- Save your confirmation number or a screenshot
- Don't let it sit past 72 hours before you land
Getting this sorted before you fly means one less thing to think about once you're actually on the ground in Jeju.
☀️ One More Thing from Sunny
As a local resident of Jeju, I explore the island in person and share practical tips, honest experiences, and photos from my travels.
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