Bahamian citizens planning a short-term trip to South Korea for tourism, business, or transit may need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departure. This online travel permit replaces the need for a traditional visa for eligible travelers and helps streamline entry procedures. The application process is simple, but it’s important to understand the requirements, fees, and processing time.

This guide provides all the key information Bahamian travelers need to successfully apply for a Korea ETA. With proper preparation, travelers can avoid delays and ensure a smooth arrival in Korea. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, getting your K-ETA in advance will make your journey easier.

Do Bahamian Citizens need an ETA for Korea?

Yes, Bahamian citizens are required to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before entering South Korea. The K-ETA is a mandatory entry requirement for travelers from countries that enjoy visa-free access to Korea, including the Bahamas. This means that although Bahamian passport holders do not need a traditional visa for short stays, they must still obtain a K-ETA in advance to be allowed entry into the country.

What is a Korea ETA?

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an official online travel permit introduced by the South Korean government for citizens of countries that are eligible for visa-free entry. Instead of applying for a traditional visa, travelers must obtain a K-ETA before boarding their flight to Korea if they plan to visit for short-term purposes such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit.

The K-ETA is typically valid for multiple entries over a period of up to three years, or until the passport expires whichever comes first. Travelers must present the same passport used during the application when entering Korea.

It’s important to note that the K-ETA is not a visa. It does not grant the right to work or engage in long-term study in Korea. It simply serves as a travel authorization for short visits, and it must be approved before departure. Without a valid K-ETA, travelers from visa-free countries may be denied boarding or refused entry at the border.

How to apply for a Korea ETA for Bahamian citizens

Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.

Step 1: Visit the official K-ETA website or app

Go to the official K-ETA portal or download the K-ETA mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Step 2: Choose application type

Select whether you want to apply as a member (requires account registration) or a non-member (faster, one-time submission).
Choosing to apply as a member allows you to easily track and manage your application later.
Agree to the terms and conditions and click to begin the application process.

Step 3: Enter passport information

Provide your passport details exactly as they appear:

Full legal name (no nicknames).
Passport number.
Country of issuance (Bahamas).
Date of birth.
Passport issue and expiration dates.

Double-check your entries, as incorrect passport information can lead to rejection or delayed processing.

Step 4: Input personal and travel details

Enter information about your upcoming trip to Korea:

Purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, business).
Expected date of entry.
Name and address of your accommodation in Korea (hotel or private residence).
Contact details (email address and phone number).

You’ll also be asked to upload a passport-style photograph that meets official guidelines.

Step 5: Review all submitted information

Carefully review all the data you’ve entered before submitting. Look out for:

Typographical errors.
Mismatched passport numbers or misspelled names.
Poor-quality photos or incorrect background.

Inaccurate applications may be rejected or delayed during processing.

Step 6: Make the payment

Payment must be made via credit or debit card.
The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Step 7: Submit the application

Once payment is complete, your application will be officially submitted for review.
You will receive an acknowledgment email confirming your application has been received.

Step 8: Check application status

You can track the status of your application:

By logging into your account (if you applied as a member).
By entering your application number and passport information on the K-ETA website/app.

Be sure to monitor your email inbox and spam folder for approval notifications or requests for additional information.

Step 9: Travel to South Korea

Once approved, the K-ETA is electronically linked to your passport, no printed copy is required, though having a digital backup is recommended.
Present your passport at immigration; the officer will verify your K-ETA status in their system.
Make sure to bring the same passport used during the application.

Requirements for Bahamian citizens to apply for a Korea ETA

Valid passport

You must hold a valid Bahamian passport.
The passport should be an ordinary passport (not diplomatic or official).
It must be valid on the date of entry into South Korea, though having at least six months of remaining validity is strongly recommended.
All personal information on the passport must match exactly with the details you enter on the K-ETA application.

Purpose of travel

The K-ETA is only valid for short-term visits to South Korea.
Acceptable reasons for entry include tourism (vacation, sightseeing), business meetings or short-term professional activities (no paid employment), visiting family or friends or transit through South Korea en route to another country.

Eligibility by nationality

Only citizens of countries participating in Korea's visa-free program are eligible for a K-ETA.
The Bahamas is included in this program, so Bahamian citizens are eligible to apply.
Other passport types (e.g., diplomatic, service) are not eligible for a K-ETA and must follow other visa procedures.

Digital photo requirements

A passport-style photo must be uploaded as part of the application. Photo requirements include:

Color image in JPG format.
Maximum file size of 20MB.
No accessories like hats, scarves, or sunglasses.
Recommended to wear simple, non-patterned clothing.
Your face must be fully visible and centered, occupying about 75% of the frame.
Eyes should be open and looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression.

Following these photo standards is crucial to avoid application delays or rejections.

Travel and contact information

You will need to provide the following details when applying:

Intended date of arrival in South Korea.
Planned departure date.
Address where you will stay, such as a hotel or host residence.
A valid email address where K-ETA updates and results can be sent.
An active phone number (international format recommended).

Compliance with Korean immigration rules

You must comply with all Korean immigration laws and entry conditions.
Future K-ETA or visa applications may also be negatively impacted by any infractions during your stay.

Korea ETA processing time for Bahamian citizens

Standard processing time

Most K-ETA applications are processed within 72 hours after submission and payment.
This is the typical timeframe for system-generated approvals during normal processing periods.

Recommended application timeline

Bahamian citizens are advised to apply at least one week before their departure date.
Applying early reduces the risk of last-minute issues or travel disruptions.

What can speed up approval

Applications submitted with accurate personal information and a compliant photo are more likely to be approved quickly.
Applying during non-peak travel seasons can also help ensure faster processing.

What may cause delays

Delays may occur for several reasons, including:

High volume during peak travel periods or Korean holidays: Applications during these periods often take longer to process, even when submitted correctly. To avoid delays, it’s best to apply well in advance if your travel falls near major Korean holidays or international peak seasons.
Typos or inconsistencies in passport or personal details: If your application details do not exactly match your passport, the system may flag it for manual review or even reject it. Always double-check spelling, spacing, and passport fields before submitting your form.
Photo problems: The digital photo must meet specific K-ETA guidelines regarding format, size, lighting, and composition. If the system cannot verify your facial features clearly, your application may be paused for manual inspection or rejected outright.
Applications requiring manual review due to travel or immigration history: If you have a record of visa overstays, refused entry, or immigration violations in South Korea or another country, your application may require manual review by immigration officers. Even if the violation occurred in the past, the system may flag the application for closer examination, which can add days to the processing time.

Korea ETA fees for Bahamian citizens

Application cost: The standard K-ETA fee is 10,000 KRW.
Processing fee: A 3% card processing fee may apply and is not included in the base application fee.
Payment method: Must be paid online using a credit or debit card that supports international transactions.
Refund policy: The K-ETA fee is strictly non-refundable, regardless of application approval or rejection, withdrawal of the application, whether or not the K-ETA is used.

Conclusion

For Bahamian citizens planning a trip to South Korea, the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an essential requirement for short-term stays, including tourism, business, or transit. The application process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online, with most approvals issued within a few days.

The K-ETA offers multiple entry access for a long validity period, making it a convenient travel document for repeat visits. However, the application fee is non-refundable, so it’s crucial to review all details before submitting. Even small errors in your passport number, personal data, or photo quality could result in rejection without reimbursement.

Bahamian travelers are encouraged to apply well in advance of their travel date and keep a digital copy of the approved K-ETA. With careful preparation, the process can be smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey to South Korea.

Korea ETA guide for Bahamian citizens

Related post