South Korea, known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and advanced technology, has streamlined its immigration process for short-term visitors through the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system. Since its introduction, K-ETA has made traveling to Korea easier and more efficient for nationals of visa-exempt countries, including Brazil. Brazilian travelers can now enjoy simplified access to Korea for tourism, business, short-term family visits, and other eligible purposes without the need for a traditional visa.

Overview of K-ETA for Brazilian Citizens

The Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a mandatory travel permit for Brazilian citizens planning short-term visits to South Korea for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Instead of obtaining a traditional visa, Brazilians can apply for K-ETA before boarding their flight.

It's important to note that the K-ETA does not permit work or long-term study. All travelers, including minors, must apply individually—even when traveling in groups or with family. This convenient travel authorization streamlines entry procedures and enhances border security while promoting easier access for Brazilian tourists and business visitors to South Korea.

K-ETA Validity and Duration of Stay for Brazilian Citizens

For Brazilian citizens, the K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued. During this validity period, travelers can enter South Korea multiple times without needing to reapply, as long as each visit aligns with the purpose stated in the application. However, while the K-ETA allows for multiple entries, each individual stay cannot exceed 90 days. This makes it ideal for short-term tourism, business meetings, or transit, but not for long-term stays, employment, or academic study.

K-ETA Requirements for Brazilian Applicants

Here are the basic requirements for Brazilians applying for a K-ETA:

1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
2. Recent Photograph: A color photo with a light background, showing a clear, front-facing view of the face.
3. Email Address: For receiving application updates and approval notifications.
4. Credit or Debit Card: To pay the non-refundable application fee.
5. Basic information about the purpose of your trip and planned accommodations.

K-ETA Application Process for Brazilian Citizens

The application process is straightforward and entirely online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official K-ETA Website and Fill Out the Form: Go to and complete the online K-ETA application with your personal, passport, and travel details.
2. Upload Documents and Pay the Fee: Upload a recent passport-style photo, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
3. Wait for Approval and Download Your K-ETA: Most applications are processed within 1–3 business days. Once approved, download and print your K-ETA confirmation to carry with your travel documents.

K-ETA Urgent Processing from Brazil

Brazilian travelers can access urgent K-ETA processing through the official K-ETA website that offers approval within a few hours for an additional fee. This fast-track option is ideal for last-minute trips, allowing Brazilian citizens to obtain their K-ETA quickly and travel to South Korea without unnecessary delays.

K-ETA Processing Fee for Brazilian Citizens

Brazilian citizens applying for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) are required to pay a processing fee at the time of application. This fee must be paid online using a valid credit or debit card. The payment is necessary to complete the application process, and submissions without successful payment will not be reviewed. It’s important to note that the fee is charged per person, including children and infants, and does not guarantee approval of the application. To determine the exact fee, it is advisable to check the official K-ETA website or the platform where you plan to submit your application. This ensures you receive the most up-to-date and accurate pricing based on your individual travel requirements.

Common K-ETA Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Here are some of the common reasons that should be avoided during K-ETA application:

• Incorrect Personal Information – Always double-check spelling and passport numbers.
• Low-quality Photo Upload – Use a clear, recent, passport-style photo.
• Criminal or Immigration Issues – Past violations may affect approval.
• Incomplete Applications – Ensure all fields are filled and documents are uploaded.

Korean Entry Ports and Border Crossings Points for Brazilians with K-ETA

Here is an overview of the main entry ports and border crossing points in South Korea where Brazilian citizens with an approved K-ETA can enter the country:

Main Airports (Most Common Entry Points)

Seaports (For Cruise and Ferry Travelers)

Land Border (Special Case)

South Korea has no open land borders with other countries. Entry is only possible by air or sea. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates South Korea from North Korea and is not a travel entry point.

K-ETA Extension and Overstay Policy for Citizens of Brazil

Brazilian citizens traveling to South Korea under the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) are permitted to stay for up to 90 days per visit. The K-ETA is valid for 3 years from the date of approval, allowing multiple entries during this period.

❌ K-ETA Extension Policy

The K-ETA does not allow for extensions beyond the 90-day stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an appropriate long-term visa (such as for work or study) through a South Korean embassy or consulate before your current stay expires. Remaining in South Korea beyond the authorized period without the proper visa can lead to penalties.

⚠️ Overstay Consequences

Overstaying your authorized period in South Korea can result in:

• Fines: A daily fine that accumulates for each day of overstay.
• Deportation: You may be deported and barred from re-entering South Korea for a certain period.
• Entry Bans: Future visa or K-ETA applications may be denied.

To avoid these consequences, ensure you depart South Korea before your authorized stay concludes.

🔁 Re-entry Option

If you need to stay longer, one option is to leave South Korea before your 90-day period ends and then re-enter using your valid K-ETA, provided it hasn't expired. However, frequent consecutive entries may raise concerns with immigration authorities and could lead to denial of entry. 

✅ Recommendation

For any plans involving stays longer than 90 days, it's advisable to apply for the appropriate visa category that aligns with your purpose of stay, such as work, study, or family reunion. This ensures compliance with South Korean immigration laws and avoids potential penalties.

Living in South Korea as a Brazilian Citizens

If you're a Brazilian citizen planning to live in South Korea, you'll need more than just a K-ETA, which is only for short visits (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or transit. For long-term stays, such as working, studying, or joining family, you’ll need to apply for a proper long-term visa through the Embassy or Consulate in Brazil.

Here are common visa options for Brazilian citizens who want to live in Korea:

FAQs

Can Brazilians work or study with a K-ETA?

No, the K-ETA is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits only. For employment or study, a relevant visa is required.

How early should Brazilians apply for a K-ETA?

It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow for standard processing time.

Can Brazilians extend their stay in Korea beyond 90 days with a K-ETA?

No, extensions are not permitted under the K-ETA. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa.

What happens if my travel plans change after receiving the K-ETA?

As long as the new travel plan still qualifies under the same K-ETA purpose (e.g., tourism), you can use it. If major details change (e.g., passport number), you must reapply.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.