United Arab Emirates to South Korea visa requirements

UAE ordinary passport holders can travel to South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. No visa or mandatory K-ETA is required through 31 December 2026, but K-ETA-exempt travelers should submit the free e-Arrival Card online from 3 days before arrival unless they hold a valid K-ETA. Under the Korea-UAE visa-waiver arrangement, UAE passport holders, including ordinary passport holders, may enter the Republic of Korea without a pre-entry visa and stay for up to 90 days. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is normally used by visa-exempt nationals, but South Korea has extended the temporary K-ETA exemption through 31 December 2026, so UAE travelers currently do not need a mandatory K-ETA. Travelers who want K-ETA benefits, including exemption from the arrival card, may still apply voluntarily; the official K-ETA fee is KRW 10,000 plus a separate online payment fee. K-ETA-exempt foreign nationals are subject to the Korea e-Arrival Card unless they hold a valid K-ETA or another listed exemption. The e-Arrival Card is free, can be filed from 3 days before arrival based on Korean Standard Time, and remains editable until Korean immigration inspection. The visa waiver covers tourism, visits, events, conferences, and short business purposes without commercial activities; work, study, or long-term stays require an appropriate visa.