South Korea Launches ETA for 8 African Nations' Citizens

South Korea has officially announced the implementation of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for citizens of eight African countries, allowing them to visit without a traditional visa. The eligible countries and their respective allowed stay periods are as follows: Botswana (90 days), Eswatini (30 days), Lesotho (60 days), Mauritius (30 days), Morocco (90 days), Seychelles (30 days), South Africa (30 days), and Tunisia (30 days).

This system enables eligible nationals to apply electronically for permission to travel, eliminating the need for a consulate or embassy visit for visa acquisition. However, the majority of African nations are not included in this list, meaning that citizens from countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia must still apply through conventional visa channels at South Korean diplomatic missions.

This development is significant as it reflects the growing interest among African travellers in East Asian destinations and South Korea's increasing appeal as a travel destination, partly due to the global popularity of its culture.