UAE passport holders must obtain a K-ETA for UAE citizens before travelling to South Korea in 2026. The fee is 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8), processing takes up to 72 hours, and the authorisation is valid for 3 years with multiple entries allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. This article was last fact-checked on 15 September 2026; all fee, validity and exemption data was verified against the K-ETA portal at k-eta.go.kr.
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a mandatory pre-screening system, not a visa. The UAE is not among the 22 temporarily exempt nations (exemption expires 31 December 2026), meaning all eligible Emirati travellers aged 18 to 64 must apply through the government portal at k-eta.go.kr before departure.
K-ETA Eligibility and Application Requirements for UAE Citizens
UAE passport holders must obtain the K-ETA for UAE citizens (a mandatory electronic pre-screening authorisation, not a visa) before travelling to South Korea in 2026, as the UAE is not among the 22 temporarily exempt countries (exemption expires 31 December 2026). Under the bilateral agreement, UAE citizens may stay up to 90 days per visit. The K-ETA is issued by the Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea; the final entry decision rests with a Korea Immigration Service officer at the port of entry.
- Valid UAE passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from the date of entry
- Digital passport-style photograph: JPEG/JPG, under 100 KB, under 700×700 pixels, white background (religious headwear such as hijab permitted if face is fully visible – k-eta.go.kr FAQ Q54)
- Active email address (Gmail users: note the notification delay notice published 13 March 2026)
- Visa or Mastercard with active 3D Secure/OTP authentication
- Travel information: address of stay in South Korea, itinerary details
- Emirates ID is not required for the K-ETA application
Applications are submitted through the K-ETA portal at k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA mobile app. The non-member route replaces Sign Up with Email Verification. Check your status using your application number or passport number plus date of birth.
Terms and Conditions
Review and accept the terms of use.
Sign Up
Create a member account on the portal.
Passport Info
Enter your passport details.
Application Info
Provide travel and personal information.
Check Info
Verify all entered data for accuracy.
Payment
Pay the 10,000 KRW fee by Visa or Mastercard.
Complete
Receive your application number and await approval.
Who Is Exempt from K-ETA?
- Children under 18: exempt
- Travellers aged 65 and over: exempt
- Holders of a valid Korean visa or APEC card: exempt
- 22 temporarily exempt nationalities (UK, USA, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, and others) – UAE explicitly excluded
K-ETA Fees, Processing Times and Validity for UAE Passport Holders
The fee is 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8) plus a separate online payment surcharge, non-refundable. Processing takes up to 72 hours (best case ~24h); no expedited option. UAE-issued cards may encounter 3DS/OTP errors – try another card if payment fails. Apply at least 5 business days before departure. The 10,000 KRW fee is charged in Korean Won; your card issuer will apply its own currency conversion rate.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8) + separate online payment surcharge; non-refundable |
| Processing time | Within 72 hours (best case ~24h); no expedited option |
| Validity | 3 years or passport expiry – whichever is shorter. The 2-year rule (pre-July 2023) is outdated. |
| Entries | Multiple entries within validity period |
| Stay per visit | Up to 90 days under the UAE bilateral agreement (not the standard 30-day limit) |
| Re-application triggers | New passport, criminal record change, health change. Occupation change does NOT require re-application. |
K-ETA vs C-3 Visa, Family Applications and Additional Entry Requirements
UAE passport holders need K-ETA; other nationalities residing in the UAE require a C-3-9 tourist visa (consular processing, ~5-15 working days, 30-day stay, single entry) through the Korean Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residents) or the Consulate General in Dubai (Dubai and Northern Emirates residents).
Families can batch-submit via one member account; each traveller needs their own K-ETA for UAE citizens linked to their own passport. Children under 18 and adults over 65 are exempt.
All travellers, including K-ETA holders, must complete a free e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. A Q-Code is required only if arriving from a quarantine-designated area (the UK is currently designated); submit within 7 days before arrival or face penalties up to KRW 10 million. For airside transit through Incheon without clearing immigration, K-ETA is not required.
K-ETA Denied or Scammed? Recovery Options for UAE Applicants
Only the government portal at k-eta.go.kr is legitimate; third-party K-ETA sites are scams (GOV.UK). No agency can speed up processing, and any fee above 10,000 KRW means it is not the government portal. The K-ETA Center offers support only via its online inquiry board (02-2666-0463); telephone and face-to-face consultations are not provided in principle.
Verify your status
Use your application number or passport number plus date of birth to check the result on the portal.
Review denial grounds
Refusals stem from false information, criminal record changes, or infectious disease disclosures. Penalties under Korean law apply to the applicant and all accompanying applicants.
Re-apply or seek a visa
A denial does not constitute a visa ban. Correct the errors and re-apply, or obtain a C-3-9 tourist visa through the Korean Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.
The K-ETA for UAE citizens must match the exact passport used for flight booking and at the border for dual nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do UAE passport holders need a K-ETA in 2026?
Yes. UAE passport holders must obtain a K-ETA in 2026, as the UAE is not among the 22 temporarily exempt countries (exemption expires 31 December 2026).
How much does K-ETA cost for UAE citizens?
The fee is 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8) plus a separate online payment surcharge, non-refundable even if denied. No expedited tier exists.
How long does K-ETA approval take for UAE applicants?
Processing takes up to 72 hours (best case ~24h); apply at least 5 business days before departure.
Can I use K-ETA for multiple trips to South Korea?
Yes. Valid for 3 years or passport expiry (whichever is shorter), with multiple entries and up to 90 days per visit under the bilateral agreement.
Do children and elderly family members need a K-ETA?
Children under 18 and travellers aged 65 and over are exempt. All travellers still need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
Is K-ETA required if I am only transiting through Incheon Airport?
No. K-ETA is not required for airside transit without clearing immigration, provided your luggage is checked through to your final destination.
What should I do if my K-ETA application is denied?
Check the reason, correct any errors and re-apply. A denial does not trigger a visa ban. Alternatively, apply for a C-3-9 tourist visa through the Korean Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.
Can I apply for K-ETA for my whole family through one account?
Yes, via group batch submission on a single member account. Each person needs their own K-ETA linked to their own passport; there is no single family K-ETA document.
Which payment card should I use for the K-ETA fee?
Use a Visa or Mastercard with active 3D Secure/OTP authentication. UAE-issued cards may encounter 3DS errors; try a different card or contact your bank if payment fails.
What is the difference between K-ETA, e-Arrival Card and Q-Code?
K-ETA is the mandatory pre-travel authorisation. The e-Arrival Card (free) must be completed within 72 hours before arrival. The Q-Code is required only if arriving from a quarantine-designated area.
