As of 28 September 2026, holders of Bulgarian passports are temporarily exempt from obtaining K-ETA through 31 December 2026. That exemption does not by itself remove the arrival-declaration requirement: Korea's official guide lists people exempt from K-ETA—including citizens of countries covered by a temporary measure—among those subject to declaration. For an ordinary Bulgarian passport and a short visit covered by the measure, K-ETA is not required, but an arrival declaration is generally still required unless another listed exception applies. You can file it online through the e-Arrival Card or on paper.
If you prefer not to file a declaration, you may apply for K-ETA voluntarily during the exemption period. The Korean portal says the application fee is charged and approved K-ETA can provide benefits such as not having to submit an arrival card.
K-ETA and the arrival declaration are different
- Document: K-ETA · Rule for Bulgarian passports as of 28 September 2026: Temporarily not required through 31 December 2026 for passports covered by the measure. A voluntary application is possible and carries a fee. · Official source: Bulgarian Embassy in Seoul (https://www.mfa.bg/embassies/korea/news/46680) · Korean K-ETA portal (https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707)
- Document: Arrival declaration · Rule for Bulgarian passports as of 28 September 2026: Generally required for foreign nationals unless they fall within a separately listed exception. The Korean guide includes people exempt from K-ETA among those who must declare. · Official source: Guide to people subject to declaration (https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/guide/eacTargetGuide.do)
- Document: e-Arrival Card · Rule for Bulgarian passports as of 28 September 2026: The online way to file the declaration. Paper filing is also accepted; online filing opens up to three days before arrival. · Official source: Official declaration notice (https://e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/board/viewBoardDetail.do?bbsId=0000000008&eacBbsKndCd=1&flId=)
Why the two exemptions should not be confused
Korea's guide separates people who are exempt from K-ETA from people who are excluded from the arrival declaration. The first group includes citizens of countries covered by a temporary K-ETA exemption. The Bulgarian Embassy confirms that Bulgarian passports are covered through the end of 2026.
That is different from holding a valid K-ETA. The Korean guide generally excludes valid K-ETA holders from the declaration, but says a person holding K-ETA who enters with a visa must submit the e-Arrival Card. So the fact that a Bulgarian traveler does not have to apply for K-ETA does not by itself exempt them from the declaration.
If you want benefits of an approved K-ETA, including not having to submit an arrival declaration, you may apply voluntarily. The Korean portal says an application fee applies; check the official portal for current conditions.
Who this answer applies to
This guide covers an ordinary Bulgarian passport and a short visit within the scope of the temporary measure. If you travel on another passport, hold a visa or Korean residence card, or plan to work or study, check the rules for your specific case. Meeting document requirements does not guarantee admission; the border authorities decide whether to allow entry.
What to do before your flight
1. Check the latest information from the Bulgarian Embassy in Seoul (https://www.mfa.bg/embassies/korea/news/46680) and Korea's official notice on the temporary K-ETA exemption (https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707). 2. Decide whether you want to apply for K-ETA voluntarily to use its available benefits. The fee applies even during the temporary exemption. 3. If you do not apply for K-ETA, use the official e-Arrival Card navigator (https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/guide/eacTargetGuide.do) to check the declaration rules for your passport and status. Submit online up to three days before arrival or use the paper form. 4. Recheck the rule before travel, especially if your flight is near the end of 2026 or after 31 December.
The temporary K-ETA measure is announced through 31 December 2026. Do not assume it will continue after that date.
Official sources
- Bulgarian Embassy in Seoul: K-ETA exemption through 31 December 2026 (https://www.mfa.bg/embassies/korea/news/46680)
- Korean K-ETA portal: exemption extension and voluntary applications (https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=299707)
- Korean Immigration Service: e-Arrival Card declaration guide (https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/guide/eacTargetGuide.do)
- Korean Immigration Service: declaration filing and exceptions (https://e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/board/viewBoardDetail.do?bbsId=0000000008&eacBbsKndCd=1&flId=)
- Official e-Arrival Card portal (https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/)
