UK entry requirements for travellers from South Korea
ETA requirement summary
South Korean passport holders do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays. However, since January 2025, South Korean travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departing for the UK. This is a quick online process — no appointment, no biometrics, and no visit to a visa centre is required.
The ETA costs £20 and is valid for two years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It covers multiple trips to the UK, with each stay of up to six months.
The requirement applies to all South Korean passport holders, including children travelling on their own passport.
How long you can stay
With an ETA, each visit to the UK can last up to six months. There is no restriction on how many trips you make within the two-year validity period, but the UK does not allow visitors to use repeated back-to-back visits as a form of long-term residency.
For work, study of more than six months, or long-term stays, the appropriate UK visa is required.
Passport validity requirements
Your South Korean passport must remain valid for the full duration of your stay. The UK does not impose additional validity requirements beyond your departure date, but a passport close to expiry may cause issues at airline check-in.
Your ETA is linked to the specific passport used at the time of application. If you renew your passport, a new ETA must be obtained and linked to the new document before you travel.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
There is no published minimum financial requirement for South Korean visitors. Border officers may ask how you plan to fund your trip, particularly for extended stays. Showing a return ticket, accommodation bookings, and access to funds is generally sufficient.
Onward or return travel
A return or onward ticket is not formally required on arrival, but having one is sensible. Border officers may ask about your plans, and a clear itinerary helps demonstrate that your visit is temporary.
Applying for the ETA
Apply via the UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or through the UK government’s official website. You will need your passport details, a photo, and to answer eligibility questions.
Most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. The government recommends applying at least three working days before travel in case further review is needed.
No physical document is issued — your ETA is stored electronically and linked to your passport number. Airlines and border officers check it digitally.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required for South Korean travellers entering the UK. No health documentation needs to be presented on arrival.
Transit through the UK
If you pass through UK border control during a transit stop, you will need an ETA. South Korean travellers making an airside connection at Heathrow or Manchester — staying in the international zone without clearing UK immigration — are currently exempt. Check with your airline if you are uncertain whether your layover involves passing through passport control.
Other entry requirements
The ETA covers tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, and similar short-term activities. It does not permit work or study lasting more than six months.
FAQs
Do South Korean passport holders need a visa to visit the UK?
No. South Korean nationals can visit the UK for up to six months without a visa. Since January 2025, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required before travel.
How much does the UK ETA cost for South Korean nationals?
£20. Valid for two years or until passport expiry, covering unlimited trips.
How long can a South Korean citizen stay in the UK?
Up to six months per visit, with unlimited trips allowed within the two-year ETA validity.
How do I apply for the UK ETA?
Through the UK ETA app (iOS or Android) or GOV.UK. Most decisions arrive in minutes.
Do I need a new ETA after renewing my South Korean passport?
Yes. The ETA is tied to the specific passport. A new passport requires a new ETA application before travel.