What is a UK ETA for South Korean Citizens?

The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation for South Korean citizens (UK ETA), is a digital pre-travel permit for travellers from eligible countries to enter the UK for short stays, or transit through the country.

The initial UK ETA application launch date was October 2023, when it was introduced to the citizens of Qatar travelling to the UK. It extends to passport holders from South Korea travelling to or transiting through the UK on or after January 8, 2025. As of November 27, 2024, South Korean citizens can apply for the UK ETA online, replacing the previous system which allowed South Korean citizens to travel to the UK visa-free.

South Koreans will therefore need an ETA to enter the UK for short visits. The UK ETA has a standard duration of stay of six months – meeting the UK government’s definition of a short stay – and can be used for any traveller wishing to visit the UK for the following reasons:

  • Tourism. The UK is an increasingly popular tourist destination for South Korean travellers wishing to see the famous sights of London, Edinburgh, Bath, and Brighton.
  • Visiting family and friends. The UK ETA can be used by eligible travelers hoping to visit family or friends who reside in the UK.
  • Business. UK ETA applications can also be made by those looking to do business in the UK.
  • Short-term study. Students heading to the UK for formal educational courses of no more than six months long can make use of the UK ETA.
  • Transit. If you are transiting through the UK, you must also obtain a UK ETA before arrival. This is the case whether or not you pass through immigration procedures.
  • Holders of the Creative Worker visa concession. Holders can stay in the UK for up to three months when they apply for an ETA for the UK.
  • Permitted Paid Engagement. This is an entry route for anyone invited to a specific event in the UK based on their expertise in a given subject, including lecturers, sportspeople, and artists.

South Korean Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

The UK received 182,000 visits from South Korea in 2023, making it one of the most popular long-haul destinations for South Koreans. When it comes to those visiting the UK for purely tourist purposes, the country ranks as one of the top picks among South Koreans, with city life, culture, music, and sports all big draws.

Benefits of the UK ETA for South Korean Citizens

Obtaining a UK ETA from Korea has many benefits for potential travellers to the country, as we detail here:

Quick and easy application process

The application of the UK ETA for South Korean citizens is an online process that is easy to fill out. On average it takes just a few minutes to complete and submit, provided you have your documentation on hand when starting the application.

Cost-effective

The UK ETA is great value for money, especially when its validity is taken into account. There is also no requirement to visit a British embassy or consulate in person, further saving the costs of travelling to and from an interview.

Improved security

The UK ETA scheme was created to ensure the UK government knew exactly who was entering the country. Having a UK ETA therefore provides increased security for visitors and residents alike.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for South Korean Citizens

South Korean citizens are generally eligible to benefit from the UK ETA scheme. Eligibility criteria for South Korean citizens looking to obtain an ETA for the UK are as follows:

1

The applicant must be a South Korean citizen

Applicants for a UK ETA from Korea must be South Korean citizens traveling with a South Korean passport, or citizens of one of the countries eligible for the UK ETA.

2

Stays should be less than six months long

The UK ETA scheme is intended for short stays of a maximum of six months in length. South Koreans seeking to remain in the UK for any longer will need to apply for a visa.

3

Applicants require a clean criminal record

To successfully obtain an ETA for the UK applicants must have a clean criminal record. For the purposes of applying, this means having never spent more than 12 months in prison, or having been convicted of a crime in the 12 months before submitting an application.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

ETAs issued by the UK government are valid for two years and permit any number of visits to the UK during that period. However, no single trip should last more than six months. Additionally, The passport used for the application remains valid. If the passport expires before the ETA, the ETA will also expire, as it is tied to the specific passport.  

UK ETA Requirements for South Korean Nationals

There are certain UK ETA requirements for South Koreans to meet for an application to be successful:

Passport

Applicants must be in possession of a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from their intended date of departure from the UK. It is recommended that your passport has at least 2 years of validity to get full use of your ETA.

Passport

Photograph

A recent passport photograph that meets specific size and format guidelines must be uploaded during the application process.

Photograph

Means of payment

Applicants will need to have a credit card or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to complete the payment.

Means of payment

Email address

The result of UK ETA applications is sent via email. Applicants must therefore have access to a personal email address.

Email address

Applying for a UK ETA for South Korean Citizens

The vast majority of applicants will find completing the application process for a UK ETA simple and easy. It requires just five steps:

1

Fill out the application form

You will be asked to fill in personal information, like your name and date of birth, as well as your passport number and your nationality. Online prompts will help you complete the application form. It will be useful to have your passport, photograph, and payment details on hand before you start.

2

Attach the required documents

Be sure to attach a copy of the biometric page of your passport alongside a recent photograph. You can find the size and format guidelines for these attachments on the application form.

3

Pay the application fee

When prompted, make the payment. You can complete the payment using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

4

Submit your application

Once you have ensured you have filled out the application correctly, you must submit your application.

5

Receive your ETA

When approved, applicants will receive their UK ETA by email. If the application is rejected, those applying will also be notified by email, with a reason for the rejection.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for South Korean Citizens

The processing time for a UK ETA for South Korean citizens is typically three working days, meaning if you submit your UK ETA form on a Monday, you should receive an answer by email on Thursday. During busy time periods, it may take longer to get the answer email, so applicants should apply as soon as they can before travel to avoid any unforeseen delays.

The current UK ETA cost is £70, which comprises the UK government’s ETA fee, plus the fee for our professional services.

Traveling to the UK with an ETA: Key Details

Before submitting your UK ETA application and travelling to the UK, it’s worth making a note of the important points below:

  • Each UK ETA is electronically linked to the specific passport you applied with. You must therefore use the passport linked to the ETA when travelling. If you hold multiple passports, you should travel with the one linked to the ETA.
  • When travelling to the UK, you simply need to present your passport to an immigration official, who will process your entry. Although it is not officially required, you may wish to travel with a printout of the ETA confirmation email.
  • It is also advised that you have physical proof of your accommodation and financial situation.
  • After passing through border control, formalities come to an end, and travelers are free to move around and explore the UK without restrictions.

FAQ

South Korean passport holders must obtain a UK ETA before travelling for trips or transiting through the UK on or after January 8, 2025. You can apply from November 27, 2024.

The UK ETA will eventually become a requirement for citizens of all currently visa-free countries who are entering the UK for short visits or transiting through the country.

Those who have their UK ETA application rejected will be given a reason for the rejection in the email they receive. Applicants can address the reason and reapply for an ETA. Reasons include missing information, incorrect information, and technical problems with the application.

If an application is refused, the individual must instead obtain a UK visa. Reasons for a UK ETA being refused include an applicant being found ineligible for a UK ETA or being flagged for security concerns.

All applications can be easily made online using this application form. You will need to fill in some personal details, upload some documents, and pay the application fee. Then, simply submit your application for processing.

We will assist you 
in every step

Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.

Apply now