In today’s world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Be it for leisure or work, many of us find ourselves regularly on the move across borders. However, one integral aspect that you may overlook is the safety of your travel documents. Losing these critical papers can turn a dream holiday into a
South Korea ETA Requirements for British Citizens
Electronic Travel Authorization Available
See More Details
A Korean visa waiver (K-ETA) is available to UK citizens to travel visa-free to the Republic of Korea.
The K-ETA is a travel permit that British visitors can request electronically for trips that last a maximum of 90 consecutive days. This document can be used several times.
Applicants from the UK only need to complete a simple online form to obtain their South Korean ETA.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to South Korea?
No, British passport holders with a valid K-ETA do not need to get a visa for South Korea.
The K-ETA (South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) allows citizens of the United Kingdom to visit the Republic of Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Leisure
- Family visits
- Business trips
To stay in South Korea for more than 90 days, or for reasons other than the ones allowed under the K-ETA policy, it is necessary to apply for a Korean visa for British citizens.
In those cases, travelers from the United Kingdom need to visit their nearest Korean consular office, such as the South Korea Embassy in London.
In any case, we recommend that UK visitors first check the visa requirements for British travelers so they can have a broad view of what is needed when applying for a visa permit.
K-ETA for the UK: Main Benefits
The K-ETA for British citizens is the easiest, most modern way to obtain travel authorization to visit South Korea from the United Kingdom.
Citizens of the UK do not need to make an appointment at an embassy or consulate to obtain it — they just need to fill in a simple electronic application form online.
Korea’s visa waiver for travelers from the United Kingdom has various other benefits:
- Valid for 2 years
- Allows multiple trips to South Korea during this time
- Permits stays of up to 90 consecutive days
- Quick application process and user-friendly system
- Rapid processing times
Overall, the K-ETA system is a time-saving initiative that improves border security for South Korea, while making it easier and safer for travelers from overseas to visit.
It is far quicker and more efficient and convenient than going through a lengthy visa application in person. It also allows you to quickly pass though border control without having to wait in long queues to submit an arrival card application.
How long can UK passport holders stay in South Korea with the K-ETA?
British citizens can use the K-ETA to stay in South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days.
Other categories of UK passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 30 days with a K-ETA. This applies to:
- British Dependent Territories Citizens (GBD)
- British Overseas Citizens (GBO)
- British Subjects (GBS)
- British Protected Persons (GBP)
What Do Citizens of the UK Need to Apply for South Korea ETA?
When applying for the South Korea ETA, UK citizens need to meet a few basic requirements. You must provide certain documents and important information, including:
- A British passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- A passport-sized photograph of the UK applicant
- An email address for correspondence with the authorities
- A credit or debit card for paying the ETA fee
You also must share personal information such as your current occupation, and travel plans while in the Republic of Korea. Some routine health and security questions are included as well.
At the time of applying for the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization, you may have to submit some additional documents, depending on the updated criteria for the visa waiver application process.
Citizens of the United Kingdom need to travel to South Korea on the same passport used for the K-ETA application. Hence, if your British passport is about to expire before or right after planning the trip, you should obtain a new passport before submitting the Korean visa waiver application.
How to Apply for South Korea ETA from the United Kingdom?
Applying for the South Korea ETA is quick and easy for British travelers. Simply enter your details into the online visa waiver application form.
The following information is required:
Personal data
- Full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Country of citizenship
Contact details
- Email address
- Phone number
- Home address
Travel information
- Passport number, country, date of issue & date of expiry
- Proof of onward travel
- Accommodation details
After submitting and double-checking the data, UK citizens must pay the K-ETA processing fee. This can be done by using a credit or debit card.
Before submitting the application form, it is important to double-check that the information is accurate and complete. Otherwise, the application may be denied or delayed.
K-ETA waiting time for UK travelers
British citizens should receive their K-ETA visa waiver in a maximum of 48 hours, although most applications are sent to your email address in less than 24 hours.
While the South Korea ETA is an online travel document, it is highly recommended to print the authorization. UK travelers visiting South Korea are required to show their passport and the ETA upon arrival in the country. Border officials and immigration officers have the right to ask for the South Korea ETA at any time.
Note that from April 2023 to December 31, 2024, it is not mandatory for British citizens to have an approved K-ETA to enter the country. However, we highly advise getting your authorization online, as it allows you to skip waiting in an arrival card queue at the border.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
South Korea Visa Policy
>
Familiarize yourself with the visa policy South Korea and discover the visa requirements for your nationality.
Visa requirements checker
United Kingdom▾
South Korea▾
Related News
Venturing abroad is an exciting experience, filled with new cultures to explore, foods to taste, and vistas to see. However, before immersing oneself in these novel experiences, one must navigate the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. While the general rule of thumb dictates that visa requirements ask you for a sober, straightforward exchange of
Traveling the world can be an enriching experience, opening doors to new cultures, customs, and unforgettable memories. However, not all countries are as welcoming to tourists, and obtaining a visa can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the hardest countries to get a visa for, and the reasons behind their strict visa
A passport is the key to traveling abroad. However, some passports are considered to be “stronger” than others. The world’s most powerful passports are those that offer the greatest travel freedom. The strongest passports are those that allow the holder to enter the most countries easily, without extra entry requirements, such as visas. There are
Disclaimer
Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.