Last updated: 15 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Korea or the Korea Immigration Service. Always verify requirements at k-eta.go.kr.
Do Argentine citizens need K-ETA in 2026? Yes. Argentine citizens must obtain a K-ETA before travelling to South Korea. The application costs 10,000 KRW (approximately USD 7-8 / GBP 5.50-6.00), is completed online at k-eta.go.kr, and is typically approved within 72 hours. K-ETA is valid for 3 years with multiple entries, provided your passport remains valid.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory digital travel permit for South Korea, not a visa. Argentine citizens must obtain K-ETA before departure in 2026. Peru and Venezuela also require it, while Chile and Colombia are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026.
K-ETA applies to ordinary passport holders from visa-waiver countries for short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting relatives. The application costs 10,000 KRW and is processed within 72 hours. Once approved, the authorisation remains valid for 3 years, allowing multiple entries into the Republic of Korea.
K-ETA Eligibility for South American Citizens in 2026
K-ETA eligibility criteria for South American citizens stipulate that this electronic travel authorisation must be obtained before boarding. A temporary visa exemption covers 67 visa-waiver countries until 31 December 2026, but Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela are not included. K-ETA for Argentine citizens is therefore mandatory.
| Country | K-ETA Required? | Exempt Until 31 Dec 2026? | Permitted Stay | Visa-Free Since | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 90 days | 1994 | Apply now |
| Chile | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 90 days | 2004 | Wait (prepare) |
| Colombia | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 90 days | 1981 | Wait (prepare) |
| Peru | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 90 days | 1982 | Apply now |
| Venezuela | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 90 days | 2007 | Apply now |
The temporary K-ETA exemption for Chile and Colombia expires on 31 December 2026. If travelling after that date, you will need to apply.
Applications are submitted via k-eta.go.kr.
K-ETA Requirements for Argentine Citizens: Fees, Processing, and Validity
K-ETA for Argentine citizens requires a non-refundable application fee of 10,000 KRW (approximately GBP 5.50-6.00 / USD 7-8), plus an online payment surcharge bringing the total card charge to approximately 10,300 KRW. The fee is not refunded even if the application is denied.
- K-ETA processing time: Assessment is completed within 72 hours of submission, with no expedited service available. Applications are processed in the order received; delays beyond 72 hours may occur during Korean public holidays such as Chuseok and Seollal.
- K-ETA validity period: Valid for 3 years from the date of approval, or until the linked passport expires if that occurs sooner. (Applications submitted before 3 July 2023 carried a 2-year validity.) Multiple entries are permitted within the validity period.
- Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, and JCB cards with 3DS authentication are accepted. South American applicants should confirm that their bank permits international transactions before applying.
This pre-authorization is separate from the visa-free stay period of 90 days granted to Argentine passport holders. Passport validity must extend until your departure date from South Korea.
How to Apply for K-ETA as a South American Passport Holder
K-ETA applications are submitted exclusively at k-eta.go.kr or via the K-ETA mobile app (App Store and Google Play) in seven steps.
Terms Agreement
Review and accept the terms of use.
Email Verification (non-member) or Sign Up (member)
Verify your email address or create an account.
Passport Info
Enter your passport details as shown on the biographical page.
Application Info
Provide your travel and personal application information.
Check Info
Review all entered details for accuracy before submission.
Payment
Pay the 10,000 KRW fee with Visa, Mastercard, or JCB (3DS required).
Complete
Receive confirmation and await approval within 72 hours.
Apply only at k-eta.go.kr; third-party sites add fees with no benefit. K-ETA reapplication is mandatory after passport reissue, any criminal-record change, or a new infectious-disease declaration.
Common Application Mistakes for Argentine, Colombian, and Peruvian Applicants
- Maiden name vs. married name on Argentine passports listing both
- Omitting middle name or middle initial
- Date format confusion between DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY
- Uploading a selfie instead of a passport-scanned photo
- MRZ scan errors from low-quality passport scans
K-ETA Exemptions: Who Does Not Need K-ETA?
Certain travellers are exempt from K-ETA regardless of nationality. According to the Korea Immigration Service, the following categories do not require K-ETA pre-authorization:
- Age exemptions: Travellers aged 17 or under and 65 or over on the date of entry are exempt (effective 3 July 2023).
- Diplomatic and official passport holders: Exempt from K-ETA requirements.
- UN passport holders and ABTC (APEC Business Travel Card) holders: Exempt.
- Transit passengers passing through South Korea: Exempt.
- Registered foreigners in Korea and valid Korean visa holders: Exempt.
- US Armed Forces (SOFA) and aircraft/ship crew: Exempt.
Dual-nationality strategy for Argentine citizens: Approximately 1.5 million Argentines hold dual nationality (Italian, Spanish, German). If you hold an Argentine passport plus an EU passport, use the EU passport to benefit from the temporary K-ETA exemption until 31 December 2026. If you enter on your Argentine passport, K-ETA is required. Always enter South Korea using the same passport you used for the exemption check.
Final Checks: K-ETA Approval, Denial, and Entry Requirements
| If Approved | If Denied |
|---|---|
| K-ETA approval does not guarantee entry; the immigration officer decides at the port. Approved K-ETA holders benefit from arrival card exemption. Your passport must remain valid until your departure date from South Korea. Proof of onward/return travel may be requested. | If denied, you face denied boarding. Apply for a C-3 short-term visa at the Korean embassy in Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Lima, or Santiago. You cannot board your flight without K-ETA or a valid visa. |
Travellers without K-ETA must submit a free e-Arrival Card at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days before arrival. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be inspected for arrivals from endemic South American territories, including parts of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil; refusal carries a fine up to KRW 10 million.
FAQ
Do Argentine citizens need K-ETA to visit South Korea in 2026?
Yes. Argentina is not included in the temporary exemption list for 2026. Argentine citizens must obtain a K-ETA before boarding their flight to South Korea. The application is completed online at k-eta.go.kr, and the standard processing time is within 72 hours.
Can I apply for K-ETA with a Venezuelan passport?
Yes. Korean immigration accepts Venezuelan passports regardless of political conditions. Venezuelan citizens must complete the standard online application and pay the 10,000 KRW fee before departure.
I hold dual nationality (Argentine + Italian). Which passport should I use?
Use your Italian passport. Italian citizens are part of the 67 countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. If you enter on your Argentine passport, you must apply for K-ETA. Always enter South Korea using the same passport you used for the exemption check.
Will my South American credit card be accepted for the K-ETA fee?
Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are accepted for the 10,000 KRW fee. Enable international transactions on your card before applying, as some South American banks block overseas charges by default. The payment system requires 3DS verification. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
How long does K-ETA processing take?
Standard processing time is within 72 hours, with no expedited service available. Korean public holidays such as Chuseok and Seollal may cause delays beyond 72 hours. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure during holiday periods.
What if my K-ETA is denied?
If your K-ETA is denied, you cannot board your flight to South Korea. Apply for a C-3 short-term visitor visa at the South Korean embassy in Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Lima, or Santiago.
Can I change status from K-ETA to a student or work visa inside Korea?
No. You must apply for the appropriate visa (D-2, E-series) at a Korean consulate before entry. K-ETA only covers short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
How do I reapply after my passport expires?
Your K-ETA validity is tied to your passport. If your passport expires, your K-ETA becomes void. Reapply online at k-eta.go.kr using your new passport number. The standard validity period is 3 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
