How to Use Korea’s E-Arrival Card and Foreign Resident Registration After You Land

Arrival checklist

If you are entering Korea as a short-term visitor, or as a long-term visa holder who has not yet completed foreign resident registration, the e-Arrival Card is the first step to prepare before inspection. The official system is free, can be submitted from three days before arrival until just before immigration inspection, and is meant to replace the paper entry declaration process.

After you land, long-term visitors who will stay more than 90 days must apply for foreign resident registration within 90 days of arrival. That registration is handled in person through the competent immigration office.

Before you fly

1. Check whether you need the e-Arrival Card.
2. Prepare your passport, travel details, accommodation address, contact number, and email address.
3. Use your primary place of stay; if you do not have one, use the first place you will stay.
4. Submit the form before entry inspection and save the confirmation for your records.

After entry

1. If you will remain in Korea beyond 90 days, file foreign resident registration within 90 days of arrival.
2. Keep your address and stay information consistent with your actual living situation.
3. If your accommodation or other submitted details change before entry inspection, update the e-Arrival Card first.

What to know about updates and changes

The e-Arrival Card can be edited before entry inspection if your accommodation, purpose of entry, occupation, or travel details change. For long-term stays, the foreign resident registration step is separate from the arrival declaration and becomes relevant once your stay passes the 90-day threshold.

Simple rule of thumb

• Short stay: prepare and submit the e-Arrival Card if eligible.
• Long stay over 90 days: submit the e-Arrival Card first, then complete foreign resident registration after arrival.
• If details change before inspection: edit the e-Arrival Card.

Use the official immigration sites only. Avoid lookalike pages, since the ministry has warned that fraudulent sites exist.