South Korea extends K-ETA exemption until the end of 2026

From April 2023, Italian travelers and those of 21 other nationalities are Exempted from the requirement to obtain a travel authorization electronics or K-ETA when they visit South Korea. This authorization had first been introduced in 2021 when the Asian nation had reopened to travel in the post-pandemic period.

The exemption introduced last year was set to expire on Dec. 31, but the government decided to extend it through 2025.

K-ETA exemption extended

South Korea's Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an automated system for verifying entry eligibility for those who can travel to the country without a visa. As is often the case when one has to apply for these authorizations there is also a cost to bear 10,000 KRW (about 6.5€).

As is the case with the U.S. ESTA when it is approved Is valid for multiple entries within two years using the same passport. In a move similar to that of China, which I recall eliminated the need to apply for visas to spur tourist arrivals, Korea also hopes to simplify bureaucracy and attract more travelers.

This temporary exemption is now valid for arrivals until December 31, 2025. Unfortunately, the list does not include all European countries, but a selection of passports from around the world-Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, U.S.A.

Without K-ETA arrival card required

I honestly do not understand, in 2025, what more use can there be for these postcards that look like a memory from 1990. I have always wondered what the meaning of these self-declarations was, and more importantly who ever checks them.

However, passengers who take advantage of the exemption at K-ETA must fill out this card, which must be handed in to the immigration officer.

From Italy three airlines fly, nonstop, to Seoul

Until the merger between Korean and Asiana will not be completed there will be three carriers flying nonstop from Seoul to Milan and Rome. In addition to the two best-known airlines there is also. T'way the low-cost that took the place of remedy taker as wanted by Brussels to authorize the merger.

Alitalia has historically always flown here, and there are still signs of this connection that ITA Airways never decided to reactivate.

In conclusion

Exemption from this levy is certainly a very good thing, not so much for the financial savings as for the bureaucratic simplification. One less thing to think about means less stress for traveling.