Last updated: 15 September 2026. Government policies may change; always verify current requirements on the K-ETA portal before travelling.
UK passport holders are temporarily exempt from K-ETA in 2026. When required, K-ETA documents include a passport valid for 6+ months, a JPEG photo under 100 KB, itinerary dates, and accommodation details. Applications are processed within 72 hours and cost 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8).
A complete K-ETA application requires six categories of items: a valid passport scan, digital photo, travel itinerary, accommodation details, supporting information, and a payment card. Ensure your passport bio-page scan is in colour, JPEG or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 200 KB.
For UK applicants, it is crucial to match passport details exactly on the form, provide a hotel landline as the Korean contact number, and enter the mandatory 5-digit Korean postal code. Review the full K-ETA requirements for UK citizens before starting. Apply directly at www.k-eta.go.kr to avoid third-party markups.
Do UK Travellers Need a K-ETA in 2026?
UK passport holders are temporarily exempt from K-ETA in 2026, but must still carry a valid passport and return ticket for entry. Permitted stays are up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit without submitting K-ETA documents online.
When the exemption lifts, the K-ETA application process is typically completed within 72 hours, yielding an authorization valid for 3 years with multiple entries permitted. Each stay cannot exceed 90 days for UK nationals.
Check your current status on the Korean government exemption list at k-eta.go.kr before departure. This K-ETA documents checklist applies only if you are not a UK passport holder or if the temporary exemption ends.
K-ETA Document Checklist Overview for 2026
A complete K-ETA application requires six items: passport scan, photo, itinerary, accommodation, supporting info, and a payment card. The K-ETA documents checklist below lists every required item with technical specifications to prevent upload errors.
| Document | Format | Max File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport bio-page scan | JPEG/PNG | ≤200 KB | Colour, min 700×700 px |
| Digital passport photo | JPEG | ≤100 KB | White background, min 700×700 px |
| Travel itinerary and flight data | Form entry | N/A | Arrival and departure dates |
| Accommodation proof | Form entry/PDF | N/A | Requires 5-digit Korean postal code |
| Supporting information | Digital copy | N/A | Proof of funds, employment, criminal record declaration |
| Payment card | Visa/Mastercard | N/A | 3D Secure enabled |
Step-by-Step: Gathering Your K-ETA Documents
Valid Passport & Bio-Page Scan
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date. Scan the biographical page in colour, format JPEG or PNG, max 200 KB, min 700 × 700 pixels. Dual citizens must apply using the exact passport presented at immigration.
Digital Passport Photo
Dimensions 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, min 700 × 700 px, JPEG, max 100 KB, plain white background, taken within the last 6 months. No glasses, no headwear, neutral expression. See the detailed K-ETA photo requirements for exact specifications.
Travel Itinerary & Flight Booking
Enter planned arrival and departure dates matching your bookings. Flight tickets are not uploaded in the K-ETA application. If transiting through Korea, include your final destination.
Accommodation Proof & Address
Provide the 5-digit Korean postal code from your booking confirmation. For the Korean contact number, enter your hotel landline or host’s number.
Supporting Information & Declarations
Have proof of financial means (bank statement or credit card statement) available if requested. Declare any criminal record honestly. Provide a UK-based emergency contact.
Uploading Documents Correctly
K-ETA is fully online. Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF for multi-page documents. Colour scans only. Rename files simply (e.g., passport_scan.jpg) to avoid upload errors from special characters.
K-ETA Application Fee & Form Fields for UK Applicants
The K-ETA application fee is 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8), payable online with Visa or Mastercard. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied. An online payment fee is charged separately.
- Accepted card networks: Visa ✓, Mastercard ✓, JCB △ (may work), American Express ✗ (less commonly supported)
- 3D Secure required: Your card must have 3D Secure (Verified by Visa / Mastercard SecureCode) enabled. If you receive a “3DS ERROR,” contact your bank to authorise the international transaction.
- Personal information: Must match your passport exactly: name order, middle names, and date of birth.
- Korean contact number: Enter your hotel’s landline from your booking confirmation if you do not have a Korean SIM.
- Accommodation address: Include the mandatory 5-digit Korean postal code found on your booking confirmation.
Submit your K-ETA application directly at www.k-eta.go.kr or via the official K-ETA mobile app. No cash, PayPal, or Apple Pay is accepted. Avoid third-party sites charging commercial markups on your K-ETA documents.
Common K-ETA Document Mistakes to Avoid
Rejections require full re-application and a new 10,000 KRW (~USD 7-8) fee. Most rejections stem from passports expiring within 6 months, blurry scans, wrong photo dimensions, and name mismatches. Review every item below before submitting your K-ETA documents.
- Passport expiry less than 6 months from entry date
- Blurry, cropped, or black-and-white passport scan
- Photo with wrong background colour or dimensions
- Name mismatch between passport and application form
- Missing or incorrect 5-digit Korean postal code for accommodation
- Uploading wrong passport page instead of the bio-page
- Payment failure due to 3D Secure not enabled on the card
e-Arrival Card – A Supplement to Your K-ETA
The e-Arrival Card is a separate form submitted up to 3 days before arrival in Korea. It does not replace K-ETA. The K-ETA application document checklist does not include this form. Submit via www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr (operated by the Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea).
The e-Arrival Card is free of charge (0 KRW) and collects health and contact information, including a Q-Code for quarantine purposes. It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete in English.
K-ETA Documents FAQ
What documents are needed for a K-ETA application from the UK?
Valid passport (6+ months), digital photo (JPEG, ≤100 KB, white background), itinerary dates, accommodation with 5-digit postal code, and Visa or Mastercard for 10,000 KRW fee. UK citizens exempt in 2026.
Do I need to upload my flight tickets when applying for K-ETA?
No. Enter planned dates in the form. Airlines check return or onward tickets at departure.
How long does K-ETA processing take for UK citizens?
Most approved within 24-72 hours. Peak periods may exceed 72 hours. No expedited service available. Apply at least two weeks before departure.
What is the passport validity rule for K-ETA?
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into South Korea. K-ETA links to your passport number.
Can I use my K-ETA for multiple trips?
Yes. Multiple entries within validity (up to 3 years). Each stay ≤90 days for UK nationals.
What size should my K-ETA passport photo be?
3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, min 700×700 px, JPEG, ≤100 KB, white background. No glasses, neutral expression, taken within 6 months.
I don’t have a Korean phone number. What do I enter?
Enter your hotel’s landline from your booking confirmation. If staying with a private host, use their contact number.
What happens if my K-ETA is rejected due to missing documents?
Reapply and pay 10,000 KRW again. Fee is non-refundable even if denied. Review common mistakes before resubmitting.
Which credit cards are accepted for K-ETA payment?
Visa ✓ and Mastercard ✓ are most reliable. JCB △ may work. American Express ✗ less commonly supported. Card must have 3D Secure enabled.
Is the K-ETA the same as a visa?
No. It is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. UK citizens are exempt in 2026 but must carry a valid passport and return ticket.
