Australia Visa RequirementsFor South Korea passport holders
South Korean passport holders require an Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) to visit Australia. The ETA costs USD 20 and allows stays of up to 90 days.
South Korea passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Australia.
Apply via the official Australian ETA app (AustralianETA) available on the App Store and Google Play, or through a registered travel agent. Cost is AUD 20 (approximately USD 13-20 depending on exchange). The ETA is usually approved within minutes. It allows multiple entries within 12 months, with each stay up to 90 days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
South Korea to Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia introduced the ETA system decades ago. For South Korean nationals, the ETA is the standard authorization for tourism and short business visits. It is not a visa stamp but an electronic permission linked to your passport.
Practical Tips
Apply for the ETA before booking flights as approval is usually instant but allow for exceptions. Australia has strict biosecurity laws; declare all food, plant material, and outdoor equipment. Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, and Uluru are the headline destinations. Korean communities are large in Sydney and Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Koreans need a visa for Australia?
South Korean nationals need an Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) before visiting. It is not a traditional visa stamp but an electronic permission. Cost is AUD 20 and it is applied for via the Australian ETA app.
How do South Koreans apply for the Australian ETA?
Download the official AustralianETA app (available on App Store and Google Play). You need your South Korean passport and a credit or debit card. Cost is AUD 20 (approximately USD 13-20). Approval is usually within minutes. The ETA allows multiple entries over 12 months, each stay up to 90 days.
Are there Korean communities in Australia?
Yes. Australia has significant Korean communities particularly in Sydney (Strathfield, Eastwood) and Melbourne (Box Hill, Clayton). These suburbs have Korean supermarkets, restaurants, churches, and cultural organizations. Melbourne in particular has a vibrant Korean student community.
What are Australia's biosecurity rules that South Korean visitors must know?
Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. All food, plant material (including fresh fruit, seeds, and dried herbs), soil, and outdoor equipment must be declared on the incoming passenger card. Failure to declare items results in heavy fines and immediate confiscation. Declare everything you are unsure about; most items are released after inspection.