South Korea Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

If you hold a British citizen passport, this article explores what you need to know about visiting South Korea.

South Korea Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Short‑term visits (tourism, business, family)

No visa required for stays up to 90 days
You must have a return or onward ticket
Employment while visiting is illegal unless you obtain a proper visa

K‑ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

Normally, most visa‑exempt travellers require a K‑ETA before departure.
British citizens are exempt from needing a K‑ETA until December 31,
From January 1, 2026, K‑ETA will become mandatory for British citizens too
Although optional now, applying for a K‑ETA can streamline your entry, and exempts you from completing an arrival card on arrival
K‑ETA applications typically take up to 72 hours and once approved, are valid for 3 years

Passport & Arrival Documentation

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay (if ≤ 90 days); for long‑term visas, it should be valid for at least 6 months after arrival in South Korea
Starting 24 February 2025, you can optionally submit an e‑Arrival card online, up to 72 hours before arrival. Alternatively, a paper arrival card remains available through December 2025

Long‑stay or Work Travel

If you’re planning to stay longer or work:

You must apply for an appropriate long‑term visa (e.g., E‑2 teaching visa, work holiday H‑1, digital nomad visa) in advance .
Working (including teaching) on a tourist/business exemption is not allowed
Digital nomad visa: new trial visa allows remote workers to live and work for up to two years—but you must meet income, insurance, and other requirements

At-a-Glance Summary

Purpose	Visa Requirement	K‑ETA Required until Dec 2025?	Passport Validity	Arrival Card / e‑Arrival Card
Short-term tourism/business (≤ 90d)	No visa	Not required, optional	Valid through travel	Yes — paper or optional e‑Arrival
From 1 Jan 2026, K‑ETA will be required
Work, teach, live > 90 days	Yes (appropriate visa)	N/A	At least 6 months beyond arrival	N/A (depends on visa type)

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To South Korea?

If you’re a British citizen (holding a valid British citizen passport), you do not need a visa to enter South Korea for short visits up to 90 days (for tourism or short-term business)

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get South Korea Visa?

Short‑term travel (tourism, business, visiting family – up to 90 days)

British passport holders do not need a traditional visa for stays up to 90 days
Instead, most travelers apply for a K‑ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). However, British nationals are exempt from needing a K‑ETA until December 31, 2025
If you do choose to apply for K‑ETA voluntarily (for convenience), processing is usually within 1–2 business days, and the priority service can deliver results in as little as 1 hour
Even if mandatory after 2025, application processing typically takes up to 72 hours

In summary: No visa needed for visits up to 90 days. K‑ETA (if used) takes about 1–2 business days on average, or 1 hour with priority.

Long‑term visas (e.g., study, work, spouse)

For longer stays, you must apply for a traditional visa through the South Korean Embassy in London or via KVAC (Visa Application Centre)
The embassy guideline notes it takes about 2 weeks (business days) to issue a visa after receiving your application.
In practice, processing often takes 5–15 working days, with peak seasons (Feb–April, Sept–Nov) sometimes adding delays of up to 10–15 days

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To South Korea

Moving to South Korea as a British citizen is an exciting venture filled with cultural discoveries, urban energy, and professional opportunities. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or personal adventure, the journey involves a blend of preparation, adaptation, and curiosity.

At the heart of any successful move abroad lies cultural sensitivity and adaptability. South Korea has a rich and unique cultural heritage shaped by centuries of history and rapid modernization. Respect for hierarchy, group harmony, and social etiquette plays a significant role in daily life. As a British citizen, you may be used to a more informal, individualistic culture. In Korea, however, social situations are often more structured. Punctuality, bowing, addressing others with appropriate titles, and understanding subtle communication cues will help you integrate smoothly.

It’s not just about learning the “dos and don’ts”—it’s about immersing yourself with an open mind. Be willing to ask questions, observe carefully, and embrace differences. Whether it’s dining etiquette, removing your shoes indoors, or showing extra politeness to elders, these small acts of cultural respect go a long way.

While English is taught in schools and spoken in tourist areas, day-to-day life often requires at least some understanding of Korean. Mastering the Hangul alphabet is a helpful first step—it’s logical and can be learned quickly. Even basic phrases can transform your experience, from ordering food to reading signs and making friends.

Language also opens up more social opportunities. Koreans generally appreciate any effort to speak their language. Apps, online courses, language exchange meetups, and community centers can accelerate your learning. More than just a practical tool, language becomes your bridge into the culture and local life.

South Korea is a high-context society, meaning a lot is communicated through what is not said. Silence, facial expressions, and context often carry as much meaning as words. Relationships are built gradually and require trust. This affects both personal friendships and workplace dynamics.

Work culture in South Korea can be intense, with long hours and strong expectations around teamwork and loyalty. While this might contrast with British workplace norms, understanding the values behind it—such as dedication, respect, and unity—can help you find common ground.

Social life is vibrant and often centered around shared meals, cafes, and group activities. South Koreans enjoy doing things together—be it karaoke (noraebang), hiking, or late-night meals. Being open to joining in, even if you’re unfamiliar with the customs, will help build meaningful connections.

Living in South Korea, especially in cities like Seoul or Busan, means embracing fast-paced, high-tech urban life. Public transport is excellent, clean, and affordable. Cashless payments, delivery apps, and high-speed internet make daily errands efficient. Convenience stores are truly convenient—offering everything from midnight snacks to bill payments.

Apartment living is the norm in cities, and space can be compact. However, the sense of order and cleanliness in public and private spaces is remarkable. Recycling is taken seriously, and neighborhoods are typically safe and well-maintained.

Healthcare is modern and accessible, and although not everything is covered under insurance, medical services are generally affordable and of high quality. Pharmacies and clinics are widely available, and many doctors speak basic English.

South Korean cuisine is a highlight of living in the country. From street food stalls selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) to traditional dishes like bibimbap and kimchi stew, there is a vast array of flavors to explore. Dining is often communal and social, reflecting the value placed on community.

Fitness culture is also strong. Hiking is a national pastime, with scenic trails and mountains easily accessible. Gyms, yoga studios, and sports clubs are popular in urban areas. The wellness industry—from skincare to diet—is thriving, reflecting Koreans’ attention to health and appearance.

Shopping is both a necessity and a leisure activity, with sprawling malls, local markets, and 24-hour convenience stores. Fashion and beauty trends change quickly, and you’ll find a wide range of styles that mix tradition and modernity.

Moving abroad isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s an emotional journey. Expect moments of homesickness, confusion, or cultural fatigue. These feelings are normal and tend to fade as you find your rhythm. Building a support network, whether through fellow expats, coworkers, or local friends, will ease the transition.

South Korea also offers tremendous opportunities for personal growth. Living in a society different from your own helps broaden your worldview, fosters resilience, and deepens your understanding of yourself. From navigating a new transportation system to celebrating Korean holidays, each new experience adds depth to your journey.

Conclusion

Moving to South Korea as a British citizen is more than a change in location—it’s a full cultural immersion. With open-mindedness, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt, you’ll find not only a new home but also a new way of seeing the world. South Korea is a country where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge innovation, where hospitality is heartfelt, and where every street offers something to discover