canivisit.com
Beta — verify with official sources⌘K
Home/from/kr/to/gb
🇰🇷SOUTH KOREA
🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOMKR-GB

Do South Korea passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

UK ETA required since 8 January 2025 (GBP 16, rising to GBP 20 on 8 April 2026). 6-month visa-free stay. South Korean ordinary passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom since 8 January 2025. The ETA costs GBP 16 (rising to GBP 20 on 8 April 2026), is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple entries with up to 6 months stay per entry for tourism, business meetings, short study (under 6 months), or family visits. The ETA is normally approved within minutes via the UK ETA app. Paid work and stays beyond 6 months still require a visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
South Korea (PR)Living in South Korea as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
ETA required
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per entry
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
GBP 16 (GBP 20 from 8 April 2026)
consular fee only
Processing time
Minutes to 3 working days
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expiry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Must be valid for the duration of stay. Biometric passport required for the ETA app.
· biometric passport
/02
Apply for UK ETA
Download the UK ETA app or apply online. Submit passport scan, selfie, basic travel info, and pay GBP 16 (GBP 20 from 8 April 2026).
· ETA app· GBP 16
/03
Wait for approval
Most decisions arrive within minutes by email. Some applications take up to 3 working days.
· minutes-3 days
/04
Travel to the UK
ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no need to print anything. Use eGates with biometric passport at Heathrow, Gatwick, and other major airports.
· eGates
/05
Stay up to 6 months
Multiple entries allowed during 2-year ETA validity. For paid work, study over 6 months, or settlement, apply for an appropriate UK visa.
· 6 months per entry
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 8 complete
Korean biometric passport
Valid for duration of stay; chip required for ETA
UK ETA approval email
Electronic — linked to passport
Return or onward ticket
Required at boarding and immigration
Accommodation address
Hotel booking or host's address
Funds evidence
Sufficient for trip duration
Travel insurance
Recommended; NHS access is limited for visitors
International Driving Permit
Required to drive in the UK alongside Korean licence
Vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Only required from yellow fever risk countries
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
UK ETA (current)GBP 16Valid 2 years or until passport expiry
UK ETA (from 8 April 2026)GBP 20Price increase announced; applications before that date pay GBP 16
Standard Visitor VisaGBP 127+Only needed for stays beyond 6 months or specific activities
Overstay penaltiesRemoval + banFuture entry significantly affected
Total estimateGBP 16 — GBP 20incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

UK ETA
Minutes to 3 working days
Apply via UK ETA app. Most decisions within minutes; apply at least 3 working days before travel.
Visitor Visa
3 weeks+
Required for stays beyond 6 months, certain study, or paid engagements.
eGates entry
Minutes
Korean biometric passport holders aged 10+ can use eGates at UK airports.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
ETA refused or revoked
Past UK refusals, criminal convictions, or false information on the application can lead to refusal at the ETA stage.
Low
/02
Suspected work intent
Pre-arranged paid engagements require a work visa even if you have an ETA.
Low
/03
Insufficient funds or vague itinerary
Border Force can question or refuse entry if your trip seems unclear.
Low
/04
Past overstays
Any prior UK overstay or removal heavily affects future ETA approvals.
Medium
/05
Prohibited items at customs
Strict controls on meat, dairy, drug-related items, and certain medications.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
Korea to UK route verified
Confirmed ETA mandatory since 8 January 2025; GBP 20 from 8 April 2026.
2026-04-08 · major
ETA fee rising to GBP 20
UK Home Office announced ETA fee increase from GBP 16 to GBP 20 effective 8 April 2026.
2025-01-08 · major
ETA became mandatory for Korea
Korean citizens must hold a UK ETA before travelling for tourism or short business visits.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Korean citizens need a UK ETA?—
Yes — since 8 January 2025, all Korean ordinary passport holders must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short study. The current fee is GBP 16, rising to GBP 20 on 8 April 2026.
How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?+
How long does the UK ETA take?+
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?+
Do I need 6 months on my passport?+
Can I use eGates at UK airports?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Korea passport

🇰🇷⇄
Compare the South Korea passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇰🇷◐
South Korea visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇰🇷▤
South Korea passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.