South Korea K-ETA for UK citizens

The K-ETA for UK citizens is an Electronic Travel Authorisation for South Korea. It’s a type of entry pass required for visa-exempt travellers.

The K-ETA is needed for all travel purposes — including tourism, business, or to see friends and family. It does not allow you to work in Korea, or to take part in profit-seeking commercial activities.

No, you must apply for your ETA for South Korea online before you travel. You cannot get it on arrival.

Yes, you can apply for another person, like a relative or friend, but you will need their passport and travel details.

We’ll keep you updated about the status of your application via email. Make sure to enter an active email address when completing the K-ETA form.

If you notice an error in your details, contact us as soon as possible. Our Customer Support team will help you with the next steps.

Depending on the reason for rejection, you may be able to reapply for a K-ETA. We’ll get in touch to explain what to do next.

If your travel plans change, get in touch with Customer Support. We’ll let you know if it’s possible to amend your application, or if a new K-ETA is needed.

UK citizens are exempt from K-ETA requirements until 31st December 2024.

Though it’s not mandatory, it’s recommended for British citizens as it speeds up immigration procedures on arrival. With an approved K-ETA, there’s no need to fill out and submit an Arrival Card when you land in South Korea.

Minors of 17 years of age or younger are subject to a K-ETA exemption. From the age of 18, all visa-exempt travellers need a travel authorisation to visit South Korea.

If you remain in the international transit area of the airport, you will not need a travel authorisation. However, to leave the airport during your layover, you’ll need a K-ETA or visa.

To meet South Korea’s entry requirements, you must have proof of a return or onward flight to show on arrival. You’ll also need to present your UK passport, and hold an approved K-ETA.

You can apply for the ETA for South Korea, but having a criminal record may affect your eligibility. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

No, the K-ETA authorises you to travel to South Korea, but the final decision for entry is made by immigration officials upon arrival.

You can provide the address of the first place where you'll be staying in South Korea. If you change accommodations during your stay, there's no need to update the information.

The K-ETA is electronically linked to your passport, but it’s recommended to carry a printed copy in case it’s requested at check-in or by immigration.

You may be asked to show your K-ETA approval at both check-in and immigration control on arrival, so be prepared to provide it if needed.

Yes, all K-ETAs allow multiple entries. Travel authorisations issued after 4th July 2023 are valid for 3 years. Those issued before this date are valid for 2 years.

Your K-ETA is linked to your passport. If your passport expires before your K-ETA, you’ll need to reapply for a travel authorisation using your new passport details.

With OnTrailVisa, you can opt in for Priority processing for an additional fee on top of your K-ETA cost. This means you’ll get your approved travel authorisation in just 1 hour.