Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for South Korean Citizens

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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — South Korea

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a simple online permission required for passport holders from eligible countries before they travel to or transit through the United Kingdom for short visits. It is intended to speed up low-risk travel while improving security checks prior to arrival.

From 8 January 2025, South Korean passport holders must hold a valid UK ETA to enter or transit the United Kingdom for short stays. Applications opened online from 27 November 2024. This system complements existing visas — it is for short visits only and does not replace long-term visas.

ETA applications are completed online and screened against UK immigration and security records. Most straightforward applications are approved automatically, but some may need manual review by immigration officials.

The ETA rollout began in 2023 and has progressively included additional countries. South Korean travellers should confirm their ETA status before booking travel to avoid boarding or border delays.

An approved UK ETA generally allows multiple short visits — each up to 6 months — for purposes such as:

  • Tourism and holidays.
  • Visiting friends or family.
  • Business meetings and short professional visits.
  • Short-term study (courses up to six months).
  • Permitted paid engagements and Creative Worker concessions (up to 3 months in specific cases).
  • Transit through the UK (airside or landside).

How many South Koreans visit the UK?

The UK remains a popular long-haul destination for South Koreans. In recent official figures (2023) visits from South Korea numbered in the low hundreds of thousands — making the UK a key destination for tourism, culture and education from Korea.

These flows are steadily recovering post-pandemic, and the ETA aims to make short trips simpler to arrange.

Key advantages of getting a UK ETA (for South Koreans)

The ETA is intended to be quick to apply for and convenient for travellers. Below are the most useful benefits.

Apply online in minutes

The ETA form is completed online. As long as you have your passport data, a recent photo and payment method, the process is straightforward and can be done from a phone, tablet or computer.

Faster pre-travel checks

Most ETAs are processed quickly. This reduces the chance of last-minute issues at check-in or on arrival. If an application requires extra review, applicants are notified by email.

Good for short business stays

If you’re attending meetings, conferences, or doing short professional work permitted under the ETA, this authorisation covers those short visits without needing a full work visa.

Who can apply for a UK ETA from South Korea?

The ETA is available to South Korean citizens holding a valid South Korean passport. Residents or non-citizens in South Korea who hold passports from other countries should check whether their nationality is eligible for ETA or whether they must apply for a standard UK visa.

1

Nationality

Applicant must be a South Korean national with a valid national passport.

2

Short stays only

ETA is for visits no longer than six months. Longer stays require the appropriate UK visa.

3

Criminal history

Applicants should not have serious criminal convictions (for example custodial sentences over 12 months).

4

Immigration compliance

Applicants must not have a recent history of breaching UK immigration rules or being removed from the UK.

Validity and length of stay

A UK ETA is generally valid for two years or until the passport used to apply expires — whichever happens sooner. During that validity period you may make multiple visits, with each visit normally limited to a maximum of 6 months.

If you plan to work long-term, study for longer courses, or settle in the UK you must apply for the appropriate standard visa type.

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UK ETA requirements

To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers are required to meet certain basic criteria. Below are the mandatory requirements that every applicant must provide:

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1

Passport

Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country, preferably with two years of validity.

Personal Photo

Applicants must submit a recent upper-body photo that meets official specifications.

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2
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3

Payment Method

Applicants must have a valid card or access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.

Email address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive their UK ETA upon approval.

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How to apply for a UK ETA — quick step-by-step

Applying for a UK ETA is an online process. Have your passport, a digital photo and a payment method ready before you start.

  • Step 01
    Complete the online application form

    Start the ETA application and enter your personal details: full name, passport number, date of birth and contact email. Make sure the passport details are entered exactly as shown on your passport.

  • Step 02
    Upload required documents

    Attach a clear scan or photo of the passport bio-data page and upload a recent passport-style photograph following the size and format guidance provided on the form.

  • Step 03
    Pay the application fee

    Complete payment using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay as offered on the site.

    • Credit or debit card
    • Apple Pay
    • Google Pay
  • Step 04
    Review and submit

    Check every entry carefully before you submit. The application should be completed in one session — if left inactive for the site timeout period it may reset and you will need to restart.

  • Step 05
    Receive your ETA

    Once approved the ETA is emailed to you. If an application is declined you will get an email explaining next steps — you may be able to reapply or pursue a standard visa depending on the reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — for travel or transit to the UK on or after 8 January 2025 South Korean passport holders must hold a valid UK ETA for short visits. If you plan to live, work long-term or study for longer than six months you will need the appropriate UK visa.

Typically an ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires. During that time you can make multiple short visits, each normally no longer than six months.

If your ETA is refused you will receive an email explaining the reason. A refusal does not necessarily bar you from the UK permanently — you may be able to correct the issue and reapply or apply for a standard visa which will be considered separately.

Most applications are processed quickly. Typical processing times are a few working days, but during busy periods it may take longer — apply early to avoid any travel disruption.

Your ETA allows multiple entries during its validity period (usually two years), provided each stay abides by the six-month limit and other immigration rules.

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