United Kingdom entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South Korean passport holders don't need a traditional visa for the United Kingdom, but you must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (evisa) before you travel. It's a quick online application, not a lengthy visa process. Complete it before you fly—don't leave it to the last minute.
Apply for United Kingdom eVisaRequired for most visa-exempt visitors since 2024-2025. Not a visa — approval is linked electronically to your passport. Apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic visa (evisa)You must have a pre-approved evisa to enter the UK; you cannot get one on arrival. Apply before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an approved electronic visa (evisa) before boarding a flight to the United Kingdom. The evisa is not extendable. Apply online through the official UK government portal well in advance of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the United Kingdom. Check your passport's expiry date now. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp; pages with existing stamps or markings may not be accepted. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not just the endorsement pages) for the UK Border Force to stamp your entry. Ensure you have a clean, unmarked page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave the UK within your permitted stay. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of a return or onward travel ticket showing your departure from the UK before your evisa expires. Border officers may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps avoid delays or refusal at the border. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., recent bank statements, credit cards) to cover your accommodation, living costs, and return travel for the duration of your visit. The amount is not fixed but must be credible for your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korean passport holders entering the United Kingdom. You only need your valid passport and approved evisa. | Not required |
Apply for your evisa well in advance
While most evisas are approved in a few days, the official processing time is up to 3 weeks. Don't wait until the last minute — apply as soon as you book your flights.
Your evisa is digital
There's no sticker or stamp in your passport. The evisa is linked to your passport number, so make sure you use the same passport when you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your evisa online
Go to the official UK government website and fill out the evisa application. You'll need your passport details and a recent photo. The application is straightforward and takes about 15-20 minutes.
2
Pay the evisa fee
The fee is paid online with a credit or debit card. The cost is £10 (approximately ₩16,000). Make sure you have your card ready.
3
Receive your evisa approval
Most evisa applications are approved within a few days, but it can take up to 3 weeks. You'll receive an email confirmation. Your evisa is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print anything, but it's wise to keep the email as proof.
4
Check in and board your flight
When you check in for your flight, the airline will verify your evisa electronically. If it's not approved, you won't be allowed to board. Make sure your evisa is approved before you head to the airport.
5
Arrive in the UK and go through border control
At the airport, follow the signs for 'UK Border' or 'ePassport gates'. If you have a biometric passport, you can use the ePassport gates for a quick self-service entry. Otherwise, join the queue for a border officer. Have your passport ready, and be prepared to answer questions about your trip.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost$135
For tourism, visiting family, short business, or study up to 30 days.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost$510
For frequent visitors; must not make UK their main home.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost$930
For frequent visitors; must not make UK their main home.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost$1,160
For frequent visitors; must not make UK their main home.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost$135
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months
Cost$135
For academics or professionals invited to undertake specific paid engagements.
Business Visitor visa (part of Standard Visitor)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost$135
Covers meetings, conferences, and other permitted business activities.
student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Duration of course + up to 4 months
£490 (~$620 USD)
For full-time study at a UK institution. Requires Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Apply work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years
£719–£1,500 (~$910–$1,900 USD)
For those with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible occupation. Requires a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, renewable
£1,277 (~$1,615 USD)
For entrepreneurs with a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, renewable
£1,523 (~$1,925 USD)
For partners of UK citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and relationship requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months)Equivalent to £115; required for most visits including tourism, family visits, and short business activities. | $135 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)Equivalent to £432; for frequent travellers. | $510 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)Equivalent to £771. | $930 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)Equivalent to £963. | $1,160 |
| Priority visa service (optional)Faster processing, if available at the application centre. | $220 |
| Super Priority visa service (optional)Decision by end of next working day, if available. | $1,100 |
| Visa extension (Standard Visitor)Equivalent to £1,000; for extending stay up to 6 months total, applied from within the UK. | $1,100 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders do not need a visa to transit through the UK, including airside transit at any UK airport.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to pass through UK border control (e.g., to change airports or leave the airport), you must obtain a Standard Visitor visa in advance.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; avoid tick bites.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; early treatment effective.
Seasonal fluModerate risk
Common in winter; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa applications and inquiries; appointments required.
Manchester
UKVI – Manchester
1st Floor, 2 St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 3AA
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa applications and biometrics.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (evisa), which is a quick online application. It's not a visa, but it's mandatory for entry.
The evisa fee is £10 (approximately ₩16,000). You pay online with a credit or debit card when you apply.
Most applications are approved within a few days, but the official processing time can be up to 3 weeks. It's best to apply at least a month before your trip to be safe.
No, the evisa is not extendable. You must leave the UK before your authorised stay ends. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different type of visa from outside the UK.
No, the evisa is linked to your passport electronically. You don't need to print anything, but it's a good idea to keep the confirmation email on your phone as backup.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The airline checks your evisa status at check-in. If you somehow arrive without one, you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next available flight.
Yes, if your South Korean passport is biometric (has the chip symbol), you can use the ePassport gates for a faster entry. Just scan your passport and follow the prompts. If the gates aren't available, join the regular queue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.