Impact of Infectious Diseases and Criminal Records on K-ETA

Foreigners who wish to visit Korea must apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), even if they are from visa-free countries.
K-ETA is not just a simple procedure, but the first step in Korea’s entry screening process. It is used to pre-review the applicant’s identity, purpose of travel, and legality of stay.

This leads to a common question many travelers ask:
“Will a history of infectious diseases or criminal records cause problems when applying for K-ETA?”

How Are Infectious Diseases Considered?

The K-ETA application may include questions about current health conditions and past infectious disease history.
This is to determine whether the applicant could pose a public health risk in Korea.

• If the applicant currently has a highly contagious disease, entry restrictions are likely.
• However, if treatment has been completed and the person is fully recovered, K-ETA applications are usually not affected.

In other words, having a past medical history does not automatically result in rejection.
The current state of health and whether it poses a risk are the key criteria.

How Are Criminal Records Evaluated?

Criminal history is also an important factor in the screening process.
However, not all records are treated the same way.

• Minor violations, such as traffic fines → Usually not an issue.
• Serious crimes (drug offenses, violence, major law violations) → Higher chance of K-ETA rejection.

Authorities consider the nature of the crime, the time it occurred, and subsequent developments.
For example, an incident that happened long ago and has since been resolved may not have much impact.
But a recent serious criminal conviction is likely to affect the application negatively.

Important Points When Applying

A history of infectious diseases or criminal records can be a factor in the K-ETA review, but it does not automatically mean rejection.
What matters most is the current condition and whether there is any risk to public safety.

The most important rule is to provide accurate information.
If false information is submitted and discovered, it may lead not only to rejection but also to future restrictions on entry to Korea.

If your situation is unclear or concerning, it is wise to seek advice from professionals or follow the guidance of relevant authorities before applying.

In summary, both infectious disease history and criminal records are significant factors in the K-ETA review process. However, if there is no current risk of transmission and no threat to public safety, approval is still possible.

Therefore, by submitting accurate information and, if necessary, seeking expert assistance, applicants can usually obtain approval without major issues. If the decision is difficult or the application process feels overwhelming, you can apply for K-ETA through ETAPORTAL, which has many Korean experts ready to assist you.