Flying to Korea Soon? Don’t Forget the eArrival Card! I just got back from an unforgettable trip to South Korea — eating tteokbokki in Myeongdong 🍢, exploring palaces in Seoul 🏯, and even soaking in a jjimjilbang spa 🧖‍♂️. But before all the fun began, there was one important thing I almost missed: the Korea eArrival Card!

As a Malaysian traveller 🇲🇾, I didn’t need a visa, but I still had to fill in this online immigration form before my flight ✈️. Thankfully, it was super quick (took me less than 10 minutes!), and it saved me from scrambling to fill a paper card on the plane.

If you’re planning your own trip to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju — whether it’s your first time or your fifth — here’s what you need to know about the Korea Arrival Card, and how to submit it before you land. Trust me, it makes entering Korea way smoother. 🙌

📄 What’s the Korea eArrival Card?

The Korea eArrival Card is an online immigration form introduced by the Korean government to replace the traditional paper arrival card. It’s part of South Korea’s move to digitize border entry and improve efficiency at airports.

🔍 In simple terms:
It’s a digital form you fill out within 3 days before arrival, which includes:

• Your full name (as per passport)
• Passport number
• Flight info
• Accommodation address in Korea
• Contact details

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation that your details are registered in Korea’s immigration system — no paper forms needed!

🌐 Official site: https://www.k-eta.go.kr (select “e-Arrival Card”)

🛃 Why Is It Important?

✅ Skip filling forms on the plane or at the airport
✅ Speeds up immigration and reduces queues
✅ Makes the entire entry process smoother
✅ Required from most short-term visitors, including Malaysians

🧾 Is the eArrival Card a Visa?

Nope! Malaysians are eligible for visa-free entry to Korea for up to 90 days, but the eArrival Card is still required for immigration clearance.

So while it's not a visa, it’s a mandatory step before flying — much like checking in online for your flight ✈️.

👥 Who needs to submit the eArrival Card?

If you're a Malaysian citizen visiting Korea for tourism, business, or visiting family, and don’t have a Korean residence card, you need to fill in the eArrival Card before flying in.

📝 How to Fill Out the Korea eArrival Card

💻 Option 1: Online (Highly Recommended!)

Visit: https://www.k-eta.go.kr

Tap “eArrival Card” from the homepage menu.

✅ Step 1: Select Language

Choose your preferred language — English, Bahasa Malaysia (in some cases), or Korean.

✅ Step 2: Enter Personal Info

Fill in:

• Full name (as shown in passport)
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Nationality (Malaysia 🇲🇾)
• Passport number
• Passport expiry date

✅ Step 3: Enter Travel Details

Include:

• Flight number and airline
• Arrival date
• Purpose of visit (e.g. tourism, business)
• Airport of arrival (Incheon, Busan, etc.)

✅ Step 4: Accommodation Info

Provide the name and full address of your hotel or guesthouse 🏨

💡 Pro tip: copy & paste from your hotel booking email to avoid typos.

✅ Step 5: Contact Details

• Mobile number (Malaysia or Korean number)
• Email (where you’ll receive confirmation)

✅ Step 6: Submit

Double-check all entries and hit “Submit”.

📧 A confirmation will appear and may be sent to your email. There’s no QR code required — your data is stored in the immigration system.

🛬 Option 2: At the Airport (Not Recommended)

Although some airports may still offer paper arrival cards, queues can be long, and assistance may be limited. Since Korea is pushing for digital entry, it’s best to do it online beforehand.

✅ Important Notes

🕒 When Should You Submit It?

Submit your Korea eArrival Card within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival. I filled mine out two nights before my flight and it took under 10 minutes on my phone 📱.

❤️ Pro Travel Tips for Smooth Arrival

📸 No QR code needed, but take a screenshot of your submission page

🛬 Have your hotel name and address ready when filling it in

📱 Use your phone browser — the form works well on mobile

⏰ Submit 2–3 days before your trip to avoid last-minute stress

💼 You need to fill it again if you leave and re-enter Korea

📶 Pre-order a Korea eSIM or SIM card so you’re connected instantly after landing

✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget the Korea eArrival Card Before You Fly

As a Malaysian who just came back from Korea — shopping in Hongdae 🛍️, café hopping in Gangnam ☕, and catching cherry blossoms at Yeouido 🌸 — I can honestly say that filling in the Korea eArrival Card saved me time, stress, and a whole lot of airport confusion.

It only took me about 10 minutes on my phone, and I didn’t have to fill out any paper forms on the plane. At immigration, I just showed my passport — everything was already in their system. Easy and smooth! 💼💨

So if you're planning a trip to South Korea soon, don’t leave this step to the last minute. It’s free, simple, and helps you start your adventure the moment you land.

✈️ Book your flight to Korea now on Trip.com

🏨 Find the best hotel deals in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju

📱 Get a Korea eSIM for instant internet the moment you land

Safe travels, and enjoy your Korean adventure! From spicy ramyeon to K-drama filming spots — it's going to be epic ❤️🔥