Do I have to fill out the e-Arrival Card? Can I do a paper one at the airport?

From 2026, Korea is phasing out paper arrival cards in favor of the electronic e-Arrival Card. It's strongly recommended to complete it online before departure — filling it out on the spot with unstable airport Wi-Fi is stressful right before immigration.

When can I fill out the e-Arrival Card? What if I do it too early?

It only opens within 3 days before your arrival date. Submitting too early invalidates it and you'll have to redo it, so complete it 1–2 days before departure.

How do families or groups file together?

After entering the first person's details, don't submit yet — scroll back to the top and tap 'Add Applicant', enter each companion, then submit together to receive the QR codes as a set.

How do I use it at Gimhae Airport?

A confirmation email with a QR code arrives within minutes of submitting. Screenshot it or print it, and present it at Gimhae immigration to be scanned.

Is the e-Arrival Card the same as K-ETA?

No. K-ETA is the electronic travel authorization (many travelers are currently under a temporary waiver — check the latest official notice); the e-Arrival Card is the arrival declaration. They serve different purposes — confirm both before departure.

Korea e-Arrival Card 2026 Guide: How to Fill It Out + Gimhae Airport Arrival

Korea's paper arrival cards are going fully electronic in 2026. Learn when and how to fill out the e-Arrival Card, how to file for a group/family, and the full arrival process at Busan Gimhae Airport.

From 2026, Korea’s traditional paper arrival declaration is going fully electronic, making the e-Arrival Card a must before entry. This guide walks you in plain terms from filling it out online all the way through clearing immigration and collecting your bags at Busan Gimhae Airport — so a first solo trip to Busan is stress-free.

What is the e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is Korea’s official electronic arrival declaration, replacing the handwritten paper card. After filling it out, the system generates a QR code you scan on arrival to speed up immigration.

Key point: the e-Arrival Card is free on the official site. Never use unknown paid agent websites.

When to Fill It Out

Opens only within 3 days before arrival.
Submitting too early invalidates it — you’ll have to redo it.
Complete it 1–2 days before departure to avoid last-minute connectivity issues.

Step-by-Step

Go to Korea’s official e-Arrival declaration site.
Enter passport details (name, passport number, nationality, birth date).
Enter flight and arrival date (date and flight number into Gimhae).
Enter accommodation details (hotel name, address, phone).
Enter purpose of travel, occupation, and email (the QR code is sent here).
Review and submit; the confirmation email with QR code arrives within minutes.

Groups/families: after the first person, don’t submit — return to the top, tap ‘Add Applicant’, add companions, and submit together.

Arrival Process at Gimhae Airport

Deplane → follow Arrival signs to Immigration.
Have your passport and e-Arrival QR code ready (screenshot or printout).
At the counter, scan your passport, show the QR code, give fingerprints and a face scan.
Proceed to Baggage Claim for checked luggage.
After customs you reach the arrival hall — with T-money/WOWPASS machines, currency exchange, airport buses, and the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to the city.

Getting into the City

From Gimhae you can take the Light Rail + subway, an airport bus, or a taxi/private transfer. With big luggage, a late arrival, or a family trip, a pre-booked transfer is easiest. Getting online and sorting transport is the final step to a smooth arrival.

Korea eSIM Unlimited Data

Get online the moment you land to scan QR codes, check transport, and call rides. Buy your eSIM before departure so you skip hunting for a Wi-Fi router.

KKday

Gimhae Airport Transfer / Private Car

Best with big luggage, late arrivals, or family trips — door to door from Gimhae Airport to your city hotel with no luggage transfers.