UK passport to South Korea
UK citizens don't need a visa or a K-ETA to visit South Korea for up to 90 days. The K-ETA exemption runs until 31 December 2026. You need a return or onward ticket.
Changing. The K-ETA exemption started on 1 April 2023 and has been extended each year. The current extension ends on 31 December 2026.
Unless South Korea extends the exemption again, you'll need a K-ETA from 1 January 2027. It costs ₩10,000 on the official site (k-eta.go.kr). Apply at least 72 hours before you fly.
The rules
- What you need
- No visa
- Other options
- You can still apply for a K-ETA (₩10,000) if you want to skip the arrival card.
- How long you can stay
- Up to 90 days per visit.
- Your passport
- Your passport must be valid until the day you leave South Korea. There's no extra 6-month rule.
- Arrival card
- e-Arrival Card. Fill in an arrival card. You can do it free online up to 3 days before you land, or on paper when you arrive. You don't need one if you choose to get a K-ETA. Official site
Quick answers
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Korea?
No. UK citizens don't need a visa or a K-ETA to visit South Korea for up to 90 days. The K-ETA exemption runs until 31 December 2026. You need a return or onward ticket.
How long can UK citizens stay in South Korea?
Up to 90 days per visit.
How long does my passport need to be valid for South Korea?
Your passport must be valid until the day you leave South Korea. There's no extra 6-month rule.
Do I need an arrival card for South Korea?
Yes. Fill in an arrival card. You can do it free online up to 3 days before you land, or on paper when you arrive. You don't need one if you choose to get a K-ETA.
Are the rules for South Korea changing?
The K-ETA exemption started on 1 April 2023 and has been extended each year. The current extension ends on 31 December 2026. Unless South Korea extends the exemption again, you'll need a K-ETA from 1 January 2027. It costs ₩10,000 on the official site (k-eta.go.kr). Apply at least 72 hours before you fly.
Good to know
Use the official sites only. The K-ETA costs ₩10,000 on k-eta.go.kr or the official K-ETA app. The e-Arrival card is free on e-arrivalcard.go.kr. Other sites charge extra fees and some are scams.
A K-ETA lets you skip the arrival card. Even while you're exempt, you can apply for a K-ETA (₩10,000). With one, you don't fill in an arrival card. It lasts 3 years, so it would still work after the exemption ends.
Checked 26 October 2026 against Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Switzerland, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK, Korea Tourism Organization, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore, Ministry of Justice, Korea Immigration Service and GOV.UK.
See the 8 official sources
- Notice on Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption (23 December 2025) (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (Ministry of Justice))
- Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (and the 23 countries/regions) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Switzerland)
- Notice on Temporary Exemption of K-ETA for 22 countries/regions (as of April 1, 2023) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK)
- Visa & Travel Requirements (Korea Tourism Organization (VisitKorea))
- K-ETA: Who can apply (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (Ministry of Justice))
- Things to Note When Travelling to Korea (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore)
- Ministry of Justice implements e-Arrival card starting Feb 24, 2025 (press release) (Ministry of Justice, Korea Immigration Service)
- South Korea travel advice: Entry requirements (GOV.UK)