UK ETA for South Korean Citizens
South Korean passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or short visits. South Korea has one of Asia's most respected travel documents — visa-free access to 190+ countries — and the UK ETA requirement applies as part of the global rollout to visa-exempt nationals. It costs £16, takes minutes to approve in most cases, and is valid for 2 years.
Who needs a UK ETA from South Korea
Every South Korean passport holder needs their own ETA — including children and infants. This applies whether you're travelling for tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, or transiting through a UK airport into the country.
- South Korean citizens: yes, ETA required
- Dual Korean/UK or Korean/Irish passport holders: use the UK or Irish passport — no ETA needed
- South Korean residents travelling on another country's passport: ETA requirement follows the passport nationality
- Group tours from Korea: every member applies individually
Cost and how long it takes
The official fee is £16 per person. Most applications are approved within minutes. The UK government recommends applying at least 3 working days before departure — not because that's the typical processing time, but to cover the minority of applications that require additional review.
Applying from South Korea
Apply online through the UK Home Office (gov.uk) or via the official UK ETA app, available in both the App Store and Google Play. You'll need your South Korean biometric passport, a digital photo, and a card to pay the £16 fee. The process takes about 10 minutes per person. There is no requirement to attend a visa centre or appointment.
For Korean families travelling to the UK
Korean families — particularly multi-generational trips with grandparents and grandchildren — are a growing segment of UK tourism. Note that every family member, regardless of age, needs their own ETA. For a family group of 5, that's £80 in government fees. Schengen day rules apply to the European leg of a UK + Europe itinerary; our free calculator tracks each person separately.
UK + Europe trips
A popular Korean travel itinerary combines the UK with mainland Europe (Paris, Rome, Amsterdam). The UK leg requires a UK ETA; the Schengen leg requires ETIAS starting October 2026. They're separate systems — getting one doesn't affect the other.
Find out what your family needs
Four quick questions. Personalised per family member. Tells you exactly what to apply for and when — UK ETA, ETIAS, EES, or nothing.
Take the quizCommon questions
한국인 영국 비자 필요한가요? (Do Koreans need a UK visa?)
아니요, 단기 방문(6개월 이하)에는 비자가 필요하지 않습니다. 다만 2025년부터는 출발 전에 UK ETA(전자여행허가)를 신청해야 합니다. £16이며 온라인으로 신청할 수 있습니다. (No, a visa is not required for short visits of up to 6 months. However, since 2025, a UK ETA must be applied for before departure. It costs £16 and is applied for online.)
How far in advance should South Koreans apply for a UK ETA?
Apply at least 3 working days before travel — earlier is always better. Most approvals arrive within minutes, but some applications require additional checks.
Can I use one ETA for multiple UK trips?
Yes. The UK ETA is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires) and permits unlimited entries to the UK, with stays of up to 6 months per visit.
Does South Korea have a separate ETA for the UK — or is it the same as other nationalities?
It's the same UK ETA system for all visa-exempt nationalities, including South Korea. The application process, fee, and validity are identical for all passport holders who go through the ETA scheme.