K-ETA Exemption for Japanese Passport Holders Extended to December 31, 2026: What to Check Before Entering Korea

Bottom line: Japanese nationals can enter South Korea for tourism or visits through December 31, 2026 without applying for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). However, this K-ETA exemption does not remove the requirement to submit an arrival card, Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1/2 layout changed in January 2026 so airlines on Japan routes are now split between the two terminals, and souvenirs commonly bought in Japan — such as konjac jelly, processed meats, and certain cold medicines — face import restrictions or bans.

If you didn't know: Travelers who fail to voluntarily declare items exceeding the duty-free allowance (US$800 per person) and are caught during customs inspection face a formal surcharge. Pouch-type konjac jelly has been banned outright since August 2023 and is confiscated in full on discovery. Medicines containing sildenafil or tadalafil require a Korean doctor's prescription to clear customs — even a single bottle for personal use is refused without one. Arriving at the wrong terminal because you didn't check your ticket means an extra shuttle-train transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

At a glance: ▲K-ETA temporary exemption period: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 (KST) ▲Optional K-ETA fee for exempt travelers: KRW 10,000 (non-refundable once issued) ▲Standard duty-free allowance: US$800 per traveler ▲Contacts: K-ETA Center inquiry board (k-eta.go.kr), Korea Customs Service hotline 125 (domestic), Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency 1588-9987, Incheon International Airport general information 1577-2600.

The K-ETA was temporarily waived in April 2023 for nationals of certain countries and regions who can visit Korea visa-free, and Japan has been on that exempt list. According to a notice posted on the official K-ETA website (k-eta.go.kr), the Ministry of Justice has extended this temporary exemption by another year to support the tourism industry, applying it from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 (Korea Standard Time). Travelers can confirm their exemption status instantly: scanning a passport's photo page in the K-ETA application screen triggers an "exempt" pop-up if applicable.

According to official guidance, being K-ETA-exempt does not remove the requirement to submit an arrival card on entry. To skip filling out the arrival card, exempt travelers must voluntarily apply for a paid K-ETA; the notice also states that any K-ETA already issued remains valid only until its original expiry date and is non-refundable.

According to official guidance, Incheon International Airport reorganized its terminal assignments starting at midnight on January 14, 2026, to reflect the integration of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. With Asiana's move to Terminal 2, the major flag carriers operating Japan routes (Korean Air and Asiana Airlines) now use Terminal 2, while low-cost carriers such as Jeju Air and T'way Air mostly use Terminal 1. Because assignments can vary by airline or route, travelers should recheck the terminal on their ticket and on Incheon airport's flight-information page (airport.kr) before departure. Separately, Gimpo International Airport, closer to central Seoul, also operates flights to and from Tokyo Haneda, so travelers from Japan should first confirm on their ticket whether their destination is Incheon or Gimpo.

According to official guidance, konjac jelly — a common souvenir from Japan — has been banned in cup form since 2017 and in pouch form since August 2023. Processed meat products such as ham, sausage, jerky, and bacon are classified as livestock products and are banned from personal import outright, with the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency conducting intensive checks at airports. For medicines, restrictions are determined by active ingredient rather than brand name: cold remedies containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and products containing sildenafil or tadalafil, are refused clearance without a prescription.

According to official guidance, Incheon International Airport Corporation updates expected hourly congestion forecasts on its website (airport.kr) every day at 5 p.m., allowing travelers to check arrival-hall congestion in advance for a given entry date. Checking the congestion level for your expected arrival time before departure can help you gauge how long immigration processing may take.

This article summarizes official information and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

Journey stage: ①Before departure · Verified 2026-10-11 · Source Korea Immigration Service K-ETA Center, Korea Customs Service, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Incheon International Airport Corporation