Check Whether You Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Before Your Trip
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Key Takeaway
Yes, you do. Korean citizens visiting the UK for non-profit stays under 6 months must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) first, and the embassy says it became mandatory on February 25, 2026.
How is a UK ETA different from a visa?
An ETA is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation. Citizens of visa-exempt countries get it online before departure for a short UK stay, and having one does not guarantee entry. The embassy notes that anyone entering for profit-making purposes needs a proper visa that fits the purpose.
| Item | What the guidance says |
|---|---|
| Mandatory from | February 25, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Who | Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including Korean citizens) on non-profit short visits under 6 months |
| How to apply | The ETA application screen on gov.uk or the UK ETA app (embassy notice) |
| Processing time | From at least 20 minutes up to 3 days (varies by person) |
| Validity | 2 years, or until the passport expires if it has less than 2 years left |
| What to prepare | Passport details, email, a payment method, a recent digital face photo |
How much is the fee?
The two official sources give different amounts. The embassy notice (written in January 2026) says 16 pounds, while the UK government guidance page currently shows 20 pounds. These sources alone cannot tell us which is right, so check the amount on the payment screen. The UK government warns that other websites may charge more than 20 pounds, so avoid sites that imitate government services. Apply only through the official government route.
Do you need an ETA just for a layover?
According to the UK government guidance, you need an ETA if you pass through UK border control at the airport before continuing your journey. Whether a transfer avoids border control can depend on how your ticket is put together, and the guidance says to ask your airline if you are unsure. The embassy notice does not cover transit, so it is safer to go by the UK government guidance.
What happens if you do not have an ETA?
The embassy notice says that ETA status is checked before you board a flight, the Eurostar, or a ship to the UK, and that without one you may be refused boarding. Finding out at the airport can wreck your schedule, so put the application on your to-do list once you buy your ticket. Since processing can take up to 3 days, it is safer to leave some margin rather than apply right before departure.
What if your passport or traveling companions' details change?
An ETA is linked to your passport details. The embassy says that if you lose your passport or get a new one and your passport details change, you must apply again with the new details. The UK government guidance says every traveler needs one, including babies and children, so on a family trip each member has to apply. Holders of UK or Irish passports and people with permission to live, work, or study in the UK are not covered.
Where can you ask?
The embassy's main number is +44 (0)20 7227 5500 (during working hours), and the 24-hour consular call center is +82-2-3210-0404. For ETA questions, the UK government guidance says to use the UKVI webchat, and it says phone inquiries are not supported. The rules can change, so after the checked date of 2026-10-08, check the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas safety travel page and the UK government guidance again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having an ETA guarantee entry?
No. Both the embassy notice and the UK government guidance say an ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
Does a child need one separately?
Yes. The UK government guidance says every traveler needs one, including babies and children.
The fee differs between notices. Which one is right?
The embassy notice (January 2026) says 16 pounds, while the UK government page says 20 pounds. Go by the amount shown on the gov.uk screen right before you pay.
Sources & Verification Date
- Notice on mandatory UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK) · Verified
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (GOV.UK) · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.