Travelling abroad can often be a costly affair.

Apart from flights and accommodations, visa fees may add a significant expense to one's dream destination.

However, for Aussie travellers looking to explore vibrant cultures in East Asia, fantastic news could make your next adventure lighter on the wallet.


Australian and New Zealand passport holders have been granted an exemption from South Korea's tourist visa fees.

This exemption means that travellers planning to visit the popular East Asian destination can now do so without the financial burden of filing for a Korean electronic travel authorisation (K-ETA).

South Korea waived the requirement for Australian and New Zealand passport holders from 1 April 2023.


This move was initially part of the Visit Korea Year 2023-24—a strategic effort by the Korean government to boost tourism and showcase the country's rich heritage, modern cities, and natural beauty.

During its initial announcement, the visa exemption would have ended later this year.

However, to attract more tourists from The Land Down Under, the Korean government has now extended the K-ETA exemption period until 31 December 2025.


This extension is a testament to the success of the initiative and the growing interest in South Korea as a travel destination.

For those unfamiliar with the K-ETA, it is an online travel authorisation that visitors from non-exempt countries must have before entering South Korea.

The K-ETA process typically involves submitting an application at least 72 hours before departure and costs about 10,000 Korean won ($11).

Apart from Australia, the South Korean government also temporarily exempted several countries from the K-ETA requirement, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, and Canada, among others.


Nationals from exempted countries who still applied for a K-ETA or travellers who already had one from a previous trip may go through Korean immigration without submitting an arrival card.

This streamlined process should be another way for travellers to enjoy South Korea without the hassle.


So, for those who dream of wandering through the historic palaces of Seoul, indulging in the country's cuisine, or venturing to the scenic Jeju Island, now is a great time to consider booking that trip.

With the visa fee exemption, travellers will have more to spend on experiences, souvenirs, or perhaps an extra serving of Korean barbecue.
Are you planning to visit South Korea soon? What are your dream international destinations? We would love to hear about your travel plans in the comments section below!