UK Citizens: South Korea Visa Requirements
British citizens can travel to South Korea visa-free for short stays. This normally requires a K-ETA, but UK nationals are temporarily exempt through December 31, 2026.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Requirement (standard) | K-ETA |
| K-ETA fee | KRW 10,000 (~USD 7-8) |
| Current status for UK citizens | K-ETA exempt through December 31, 2026 |
| Allowed stay | Up to 90 days visa-free for tourism |
| Visa still required for | Employment, teaching English, stays over 90 days |
| Note | English teaching visas/residence permits can be complicated — plan ahead |
Requirements Checklist
- Valid British passport
- e-Arrival Card or equivalent entry documentation as required
- Return or onward travel proof
- Separate work visa if employed in South Korea
FAQs
Do UK citizens need a K-ETA for South Korea? Not currently. British nationals are exempt from the K-ETA requirement through December 31, 2026.
How long can UK citizens stay visa-free in South Korea? Up to 90 days for tourism or short business trips.
Do I need a visa to teach English in South Korea? Yes. Teaching or any employment requires a proper work visa and residence permit, separate from the tourist exemption.
What happens when the K-ETA exemption ends? UK citizens will likely need to apply and pay the KRW 10,000 K-ETA fee again, unless the exemption is extended.
Is the K-ETA exemption guaranteed to be extended again? No. Check gov.uk's South Korea travel advice close to your travel date for the latest status.
Related Guides
- British visa requirements for New Zealand
- British visa requirements for Mexico
- American visa requirements for South Korea
- Bangladeshi visa requirements for South Korea
VisaSherpa.ai flags K-ETA exemption changes for UK travelers so you're never caught out at the airport.