If you are planning your first trip to Korea, you might be wondering about the immigration requirements upon arrival. One common thing you need to keep in mind is submitting an arrival card. It is a crucial step for any traveler entering Korea who hasn’t registered their stay in advance.
In this blog post, we will break down everything you need to know about the Korea Arrival Card, guiding you through the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth immigration process. So read the article and get ready for your adventure in Korea with all the essentials covered!
Understanding Arrival Card and its Purpose
What is Korea Arrival Card? The Korean immigration card plays an essential role in keeping track of personal information for tourists when they enter the country from various parts of the world. By collecting this information, the government can effectively manage the flow of tourists and monitor the large number of visitors traveling freely within Korea.
If you have already applied for automatic customs clearance or hold a “Foreigner Registration Card,” you won’t need to fill out the arrival card. However, in such cases, it’s important to complete the relevant customs declaration form.
When filling out the arrival card, it’s crucial to include the address and phone number of your accommodation in Korea. If your trip involves multiple hotels, simply provide the contact information for your first hotel. This way, the immigration officials can easily verify your stay in the country.
While you can write your answers in either English or Korean, certain fields must be completed in English. Specifically, the “Family Name” and “Given Name” must match the names in your passport to ensure consistency.
Overall, having the arrival card filled out accurately and completely will help you move through immigration smoothly, allowing you to start your adventure in Korea without unnecessary delays.
Information Required to Fill in Korea Arrival Card
During your flight to Korea, the cabin crew will hand out arrival cards to all passengers. This card is essential for your entry into the country.
The Korea arrival card is printed in two languages: English and a non-English language, such as Chinese, Japanese, Thai, or Vietnamese. These languages are chosen to accommodate the large number of tourists arriving from those countries.
The card has two sides. The front side contains a form that visitors need to fill out carefully. This form gathers important information about your arrival in Korea. On the back side, you will find brief instructions on how to complete the form correctly. Make sure to read these instructions carefully to avoid any confusion and ensure a smooth immigration experience. Having a correctly filled arrival card is key to making your entry into Korea as easy as possible.
| No | Field Name | Description |
| 1 | Family Name | Last name as written on passport |
| 2 | Given Name | First and middle name as written on the passport. Given names can also be written according to the MRZ of the passport. |
| 3 | Gender | Binary gender: Male or Female |
| 4 | Nationality | Nationality of passport holder |
| 5 | Date of birth (year) | Four-digit year of birth as written on passport |
| 6 | Date of birth (month) | The two-digit month of birth as written on the passport |
| 7 | Date of birth (day) | Two-digit date of birth as written on passport |
| 8 | Occupation | Visitor’s occupation in the origin country |
| 9 | Phone number | Contactable phone number during the stay in Korea |
| 10 | Address in Korea | Address of accommodation or place of stay in Korea |
| 11 | Purpose of visit | Purpose of visit: tour, business, visit, employment, or other |
| 12 | Signature | Registered/recorded signature |
How to Fill Out Korea Arrival Card?
To fill out the Korea arrival card correctly, you will need to gather information primarily from your passport. This document provides the essential details required for your entry into the country. To illustrate the process, we will refer to a few sample passports that demonstrate how to extract the necessary information.
By understanding the directions mentioned below, you can efficiently complete most sections. Key details such as your full name, nationality, passport number, and expiration date must be transferred accurately to ensure a smooth immigration process upon arrival in Korea. Using these directions will help you understand how to fill out the form with confidence.
Understanding the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
- Location: The MRZ can be found in the lower section of the passport data or identity page.
- Structure: It consists of two rows, each containing specific information extracted from the identity page, formatted in a particular way.
- Validation: The data in the MRZ helps validate the information represented in the upper section of the identity page. The numbers in the MRZ section correspond directly to those in the general passport data section, confirming their accuracy.
Middle Name Considerations
- Philippine Passport: In this specimen, the MRZ does not include a middle name. This means that entering your middle name on the arrival card is optional.
- Other Passports: In many other passports, the middle name may appear in the MRZ. Therefore, it’s best to include both your first and middle names in the “Given Names” field on the arrival card for consistency and clarity.
Completing Additional Fields
- Occupation: Provide your current job title or profession.
- Phone Number: Enter a relevant phone number. This can be the number of your hotel or accommodation, a friend or family member’s number in Korea, or a local phone number that you will be using during your visit.
- Address in Korea: Make sure to include the complete address of your first hotel or accommodation.
- Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the reason for your trip (e.g., tourism, business, visiting family).
Sample Cards for Reference
If you are unsure how to fill out specific fields, you can find completed samples of the arrival card at immigration desks located before the immigration checkpoint. These samples can serve as helpful references to ensure your form is filled out correctly.
Following these guidelines will assist you in completing your Korea arrival card with ease, making your entry into the country more efficient.
Wrapping Up South Korea Entry Confirmation
After passing through immigration clearance, you will receive a South Korea Entry confirmation paper from the immigration officer. This document outlines your stay status and the validity of your visa or stay permit, so pay close attention to the departure date. It’s crucial to leave the country by this date to avoid fines or complications during future visits. If you wish to extend your stay, visit a local immigration office and request a visa extension. Additional documents may be required based on your original status and nationality.
As you have now collected the info on What is Korea Arrival Card you can enjoy your time in Korea!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a document for visitors requiring Name, Gender, Birthdate, Occupation, Address, Nationality, etc., to provide personal information when arriving in Korea.
It’s a form that records the personal information of travelers entering Korea.
The purpose of the Korean Arrival Card is to manage and track visitor information for immigration.
Yes, all travelers need to complete an arrival card upon entry.
Yes, U.S. citizens require K-ETA for entry into Korea.
No, K-ETA is a travel authorization; the arrival card gathers entry details.
