K-ETA for Brazilian citizens is a mandatory digital travel authorization required before boarding any flight or ship to South Korea in 2026. The fee is 10,000 KRW (approximately USD $7-8 / GBP £6-7), processing takes up to 72 hours, and the authorisation is valid for 3 years with multiple entries. Brazil is not on the 2026 temporary exemption list, so all Brazilian passport holders must apply at k-eta.go.kr before departure.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. Requirements may change; always verify on the K-ETA portal at k-eta.go.kr (external source) before applying.
What Is K-ETA?
K-ETA for Brazilian citizens is a mandatory pre-clearance system operated by the Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea, effective since 1 September 2021. It is not a visa. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization does not guarantee entry into South Korea; the final decision rests solely with the Korea Immigration Service officer at the port of entry. Brazilian passport holders must obtain K-ETA before boarding a flight or ship; applying after boarding or while in Korea results in entry restrictions. Required items: valid passport, valid e-mail, digital ID photo, and a credit or debit card.
Do Brazilian Citizens Need a K-ETA in 2026?
Yes. Brazil is not on the 22-country temporary exemption list valid until 31 December 2026, making the K-ETA for Brazilian citizens mandatory for all ordinary passport holders. Although Brazil has had visa-free access since 20 May 2002 (90-day stay), Brazilian citizens are not exempt from the 2026 K-ETA requirement.
Quick facts: Eligible? Yes. K-ETA required? Yes. Exempt in 2026? No.
Permitted activities include tourism, visiting relatives, attending events or conferences, and business purposes. Commercial activities and employment (including teaching) are strictly prohibited and illegal. Travellers must present an onward or return ticket upon arrival. The passport expiration date must occur after the date of leaving South Korea.
Age exemptions: travellers aged 17 and under or 65 and over (on the date of entry) are exempt from K-ETA application. Diplomatic, official, and UN passport holders are also exempt.
K-ETA Application Fee for Brazilian Citizens
The K-ETA for Brazilian citizens costs 10,000 KRW (approximately USD $7-8 / GBP £6-7) per application. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied. Payment is by credit or debit card only; an online payment fee is charged separately from the base 10,000 KRW.
Brazilian cardholders should account for the IOF tax (4.4%) levied on international transactions by Brazilian banks, plus potential international transaction surcharges from the card issuer. Check with your bank before applying to avoid payment failures. Ensure your card has international transactions enabled.
K-ETA Processing Times and Applying Safely
K-ETA processing for Brazilian citizens takes up to 72 hours, with applications assessed in the order received. No expedited service is available. Processing may exceed 72 hours due to unexpected increases in applications. Apply at least one week before departure.
Check application status on the portal using your passport number and date of birth, or your application code.
Scam warning: the only legitimate K-ETA portal is k-eta.go.kr (external source). Third-party sites may charge excessive fees or collect personal data fraudulently. Verify the URL is www.k-eta.go.kr with HTTPS; no fees beyond 10,000 KRW plus the separate online processing fee should apply.
For inquiries, use the [Ask Us] online form at k-eta.go.kr. The K-ETA Center (02-2666-0463) does not provide telephone or face-to-face consultations. The Immigration Contact Center (+82-1345) operates weekdays 09:00-22:00 KST.
How to Apply for K-ETA: Step-by-Step Guide
Applications are submitted online at k-eta.go.kr (external source) in a 7-step process. The portal interface is available only in English and Korean; no Portuguese interface. Use browser translation tools and prepare all information in English.
Required items: valid passport, valid e-mail address, digital ID photo (JPEG/PNG, under 300 KB, passport-style, biometric), and a credit or debit card.
Terms and Conditions Agreement
Review and accept the portal terms before proceeding.
Sign up (Member) or Email Verification (Non-member)
Create an account or verify your e-mail to continue as a guest.
Enter Passport Information
Provide your valid Brazilian passport details accurately.
Enter Application Information
Fill in application details, including any accompanying persons.
Check Information
Review all entered data for accuracy before payment.
Make Payment
Pay the 10,000 KRW fee plus the online processing fee by credit or debit card.
Application Complete
Receive confirmation and track your application status on the portal.
The Member path lets you track all applications; recommended for multiple trips.
ID Photo Requirements
Digital photo must be passport-style and biometric: JPEG or PNG format, under 300 KB, neutral expression, light background. Glasses should be removed. Religious headwear is permissible per the K-ETA portal FAQ.
Language Tips for Brazilian Applicants
The K-ETA portal offers English and Korean only. Use browser translation tools and prepare all information in English. Contact the K-ETA Center via the [Ask Us] online form only; no phone or in-person consultations are available.
K-ETA Validity and Multiple Entries
K-ETA for Brazilian citizens is valid for 3 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. If your passport expires within less than 3 years, K-ETA validity is shortened to match passport expiry. Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period, with stays up to 90 days per entry. The validity period is separate from the visa-free stay period.
Re-apply if your passport is reissued or if criminal/health information changes. Update travel information on the [Update Travel Information] page if details change after approval, including accompanying persons; failure may result in entry denial.
Arrival Requirements Beyond K-ETA
Beyond K-ETA, Brazilian travellers arriving in South Korea must meet additional requirements.
- e-Arrival Card: free, online, submitted within 72 hours before arrival. K-ETA holders are exempt from submitting the arrival card.
- Q-Code (Quarantine Pre-Entry System): mandatory for travellers from Quarantine Inspection Required Areas. The UK is classified as a Quarantine Inspection Required Area. Brazilian residents in the UK must complete Q-Code starting 7 days before arrival. Health screening non-compliance can result in a fine of up to KRW 10 million.
- Passport and return/onward ticket required.
- Travel health insurance strongly recommended.
K-ETA Refusal: What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
A K-ETA refusal does not bar re-application. Brazilian applicants can reapply immediately with corrected details or apply for a consular tourist visa through a Korean embassy. The 10,000 KRW fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Common refusal scenarios: criminal record mismatch, document quality issues, incomplete or incorrect information, prior overstays. Submitting false or inaccurate information leads to approval refusal or cancellation, legal penalties, and entry restrictions for you and all accompanying applicants.
Appeals and inquiries: use the [Ask Us] online form at k-eta.go.kr only. No phone or in-person appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Brazilian citizens need a K-ETA to visit South Korea in 2026?
Yes. Brazil is not on the 22-country exemption list valid until 31 December 2026. K-ETA for Brazilian citizens is mandatory.
How much does K-ETA cost for Brazilian passport holders?
10,000 KRW (approximately USD $7-8), non-refundable. Brazilian cardholders pay additional 4.4% IOF tax and potential international transaction surcharges.
How long does K-ETA processing take for Brazilian citizens?
Up to 72 hours. No expedited option. Apply at least one week before departure.
Can I apply for K-ETA from the UK as a Brazilian resident?
Yes. The application is entirely online at k-eta.go.kr and can be completed from any country.
What documents do I need for the K-ETA application?
A valid Brazilian passport, a digital passport-style biometric photo (JPEG/PNG, under 300 KB), a valid e-mail address, and a credit or debit card.
How long is K-ETA valid for Brazilian citizens?
3 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first), with multiple entries and stays up to 90 days each.
What happens if my K-ETA application is denied?
You can re-apply immediately with corrected details or apply for a consular visa. The 10,000 KRW fee is non-refundable.
Do I need to print my K-ETA approval?
A digital copy is generally accepted, but printing a backup is recommended for check-in and immigration.
Is K-ETA the same as a South Korea tourist visa?
No. K-ETA is a digital travel authorisation, not a visa. It does not guarantee entry; the final decision rests with the Immigration officer.
Can I extend my 90-day stay in South Korea?
No. The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended from within South Korea. You must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa through a Korean consulate.
