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South Korea Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens can travel to South Korea visa-free for short stays by obtaining a K-ETA online via visa.go.kr; fee from USD 10; processing within 24 hours; stay up to 90 days per visit.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry; ensure at least two blank pages for stamps if a visa is later required.
  • Specific forms: K-ETA is an online pre-travel authorization; no DS-160 or paper visa form required for UK nationals. For long-term stays (student/work) you may need a traditional visa via the embassy and use the Korea visa application form provided by the embassy's site.
  • Financial proof: Not required for K-ETA. If applying for a long-term visa, submit bank statements or other financial documents showing sufficient funds for the duration of stay as requested by the consulate; there is no fixed universal minimum published for all categories.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have proof of onward/return travel or a confirmed accommodation booking; you may be asked to show these at border control or during visa submission for long-term visas.
  • Photo spec: Recent passport-style photograph, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with a white background; online K-ETA upload accepts a digital photo meeting the site requirements.
  • Biometrics: For K-ETA you do not submit biometrics separately; biometric checks are performed at the border if required. For sticker visas (long-term), you may need to provide biometrics at the consulate as part of the application process.
  • Travel health insurance: Recommended but not mandatory for K-ETA; consider coverage for medical emergencies during your trip.

Visa types

  • Short-term visit (K-ETA eligible): Short stays for tourism or business up to 90 days per visit; official name: K-ETA Short-term Visit (Tourism) / K-ETA Short-term Business Visit; validity: 2 years from approval; max stay per visit: 90 days; entry: multiple entries allowed during validity; approximate fee: KRW 12,000 (about USD 10).
  • Long-term student visa: D-2 Student Visa; official name: D-2 Student Visa; validity: duration of study (typical programs range from 1 to 4 years, renewable); max stay: tied to program; entry: multiple entries depending on permit; approximate fee: KRW 60,000 (subject to consulate schedule).
  • Long-term work visa: E-series Work Visas (e.g., E-1 to E-9, plus industry-specific counterparts); official name: E-series Work Visa; validity: often 1–5 years depending on contract and category; max stay: as per visa grant; entry: multiple entries typical; approximate fee: KRW 60,000 (subject to consulate schedule).
  • Notes: UK nationals seeking work or study visas must apply via the Korean embassy/consulate (or designated visa centers) with a paper visa application; K-ETA covers only short-term visa-free entries (tourism/business) for eligible stays.

Application process

  • e-Visa/eTA (online): How to apply online: 1) Go to https://www.visa.go.kr/ and create an account; 2) Complete the online application form for K-ETA; 3) Upload required documents (passport data, photo); 4) Pay the K-ETA fee (USD 10; KRW ~12,000); 5) Submit and check status; 6) Upon approval, print the ETA notification or carry the approval code to present at check-in and on arrival; 7) Arrival: present passport and ETA approval at immigration.
  • How to apply: documents required for K-ETA are minimal; for long-term visas (student/work) you apply via the Korean embassy/consulate in the UK using the standard visa application form provided by the embassy, together with supporting documents as listed below.
  • Visa on arrival: Not applicable for UK nationals for Korea; entry is via K-ETA or a pre-approved visa, not a visa-on-arrival program.
  • Sticker visa (long-term): How to apply: submit documents to the Korean embassy in London or via the designated visa center; steps: 1) complete the visa application form (as published by the embassy); 2) collect required documents; 3) pay the visa fee; 4) attend any required interview; 5) wait for processing (standard several business days; some cases 1–3 weeks depending on category); 6) pick up or receive by mail.
  • Documents checklist (long-term visa): valid passport; completed visa application form; 2 passport photos; proof of funds; flight itinerary; accommodation details; admission letter or employer letter; relevant supporting documents (CoE for students, contract for workers); biometrics appointment if required.

Fees & processing time

  • eTA (K-ETA) fee: KRW 12,000 (approx USD 10). Processing time: up to 24 hours; in some cases may be longer during peak periods; result is shown on the K-ETA status check page or via email notification.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for the online K-ETA route. For sticker visas (long-term) processed via the embassy/VFS, service fees may apply and vary by center; check the specific consulate’s schedule.
  • Sticker visa (long-term) visa fee: varies by subclass (e.g., D-2, E-series); typical embassy-listed fee is around KRW 60,000 (subject to change) and may be higher for certain categories; total cost includes the visa issuance fee plus any center service charges.
  • Total cost estimate: For K-ETA used path, roughly KRW 12,000 (~USD 10). For long-term visas, costs depend on subclass and center fees; expect additional processing and service fees depending on the center.
  • Standard processing time: ETA: up to 24 hours; Sticker visa: typically 5–15 working days at the consulate, with possible longer times for certain categories; Express/priority processing may be offered by some consulates at extra cost.
  • Express/priority option: Only available for sticker visas at some Korean embassies/consulates; fees vary by center and category.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For K-ETA, apply as soon as you plan travel; ideally at least 24–72 hours before departure. For long-term visas (student/work), begin the process 1–3 months in advance to accommodate processing times.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: incomplete or inconsistent information on the online K-ETA or visa forms; passport data mismatch; insufficient funds or inability to prove onward travel when required; past overstays or visa refusals; submitting photos not meeting requirements; failure to provide required documents for long-term visas.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For K-ETA you apply directly online via visa.go.kr (no VAC). For long-term visas, use the Korean embassy in London or the authorized visa center (VFS/BLS) as instructed; check the MOFA and embassy pages for the correct submission channel.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the UK government travel advice for Korea before planning travel; ensure your passport validity, visa/ETA status, and any entry requirements are current at the time of travel; be aware of any public health or security advisories.
  • Extension options inside South Korea: Short-term stays (up to 90 days under K-ETA) are not generally extendable; if you need more time, plan to apply for a long-term visa (student/work) from outside Korea or before your current stay ends; consult the immigration office or MOFA guidance for any extension eligibility and procedures.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.