K-ETA — entry to Korea without a visa!
Before the pandemic, citizens of more than 120 countries could enter South Korea without a visa. During the pandemic, the country introduced mandatory sighting, which took about 14 days. But starting on September 1, 2021, first in a pilot mode, Korea proposed new rules for visiting the country - obtaining an electronic entry permit.
Since April 1, 2022, Russia and Kazakhstan have been among the countries allowed to receive C-ETA.
Let's figure out how patients from these countries can now receive approval to enter South Korea for treatment within 1-2 days, and sometimes several hours.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic entry permit to the Republic of Korea for foreign citizens who enter the Republic of Korea under a visa–free regime for the purpose of tourism, visiting relatives, participating in events, meetings or other similar types of non-commercial activities.
You can also travel by ETA for the purpose of treatment.
Obtaining a permit is necessary not only for adults, but also for children.
Currently, citizens of 112 countries have the opportunity to receive a C-ETA. The list of countries sometimes changes, so always check if your country's extradition has been suspended. Otherwise, you may get into a situation where you may be returned to Korea upon arrival.
Over time, this moment will be regulated when boarding a plane, but so far airlines do not have much information and let passengers through with erroneous permits.
It is important that obtaining a C-ETA does not guarantee passage of the border. As before, you may have to prove to the airport's border service the true purpose of your arrival in the country.
Obtaining an ETA is not a complicated procedure, it is necessary to prepare some documents for uploading (photo and passport) and fill in all the fields correctly.
The permit is issued for a period of 2 years and may expire earlier along with the validity period of your passport.
An application for a permit must be submitted no later than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft.
The cost of the permit is 10,000 Korean won (approximately $ 8-9), and it is difficult to pay with Russian bank cards, but our managers will help you with this issue.
Carefully check all the information before submitting the application, because the system provides the ability to edit information, but only some fields — the purpose of the visit, the place of stay. If there were errors in the full name, date of birth or passport number, you will have to submit the application again with a re-payment of the service fee.
The length of stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan has changed for Russians, this is no more than 60 consecutive days with the possibility of entering the country for another 30 days, in total it should be no more than 90 days within 180 days.
For citizens of Kazakhstan, 30 consecutive days and the opportunity to add 2 more times for 30 days, also for 180 days.
Are there refusals in the C-ETA and what should I do?
There are refusals to apply for an ETA, and in this case you can either try to apply again later or apply for a visa in the usual way.
If you need medical treatment in Korea, Hospitals-Travel will help you choose a clinic, doctor, and help you overcome all the necessary formalities to enter the country.
