Get a Korea - South Visa

Important Information

South Korea Makes ETA Optional Until 2025
The South Korean Government has announced that the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be an optional travel document starting April 1st, 2023, until December 31st, 2025. This means that travelers are not required to obtain an ETA to enter South Korea during this period.

However CIBTvisas recommends that travelers still obtain an ETA before traveling to South Korea. While the ETA may be optional, it can still streamline the entry process and prevent potential delays or issues at the border.

Tourist Travel Requirements for an Korea - South Visa for UK Citizens

  1. Eligibility and Documentation

    The Government of South Korea utilises an electronic travel authorization (ETA) issuance system. The ETA is an electronic authorization issued by the government granting entry into South Korea. It is the equivalent to a visa, but no stamp or label is placed in the passport.

    To be eligible the traveller must:

    • Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
    • Hold proof of sufficient funds
    • Hold proof of onward/return flights
    • Hold proof of hotel reservation
    • Hold all documents required for the next destination


    To complete the order form the traveller must provide:

    • A photograph
    • A copy of the passport information page


    Apply now and complete our order form providing basic travel and personal details. We'll take care of the rest keeping you apprised of your order's progress over email.

  2. Applicants Under the Age of 18 or Over 64

    Applicants under the age of 18 or over 64 do not require an ETA to enter South Korea

Business Travel Requirements for an Korea - South Visa for UK Citizens

  1. ETA Eligibility

    Travelers attending unpaid business meetings or business conferences may apply for a Business ETA. Please return to our homepage and select "Business Electronic" from our list of travel purposes.

    Travelers engaged in profit-making activities must apply for a traditional business visa. Please follow the instructions on this page to obtain your business visa

  2. Courier Fees

    There is no Embassy representation for this destination in the United Kingdom. All applications are processed overseas with our affiliate partners. Overseas courier fees of £75.00 + VAT per order apply in addition to the fees listed

  3. Passport

    The applicant's actual signed passport. The passport must:

    • Have at least one blank visa page
    • Be valid for six months beyond entry date

  4. Photograph(s)

    You must provide one colour, passport type photograph that meets the following criteria:

    • Be taken within the last three months and printed on high quality photo paper
    • Be taken against an all white background
    • Be 35 mm by 45mm in size
    • Provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression
    • You may wear neither spectacles nor headwear except for religious purposes
    • Your photo should not be affixed to your application and it may not display evidence of adhesive or staples

  5. Business Introduction Letter

    You must provide an original Business Introduction Letter from the applicant's UK employer. All letters must be printed on company letterhead that displays a UK postal address. Use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at http://cibtvisas.co.uk/forms?formname=Business%20Introduction%20Letter%20Sample.pdf to complete your letter.

    Note that most consulates require the Business Cover Letter to be dated within one month of application submission.

  6. Letter of Invitation

    A letter of invitation from the company the applicant is visiting. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

    • Be addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Stülerstraße 8-10, 10787, Berlin, Germany
    • Be on company letterhead paper
    • Include the name of the applicant
    • State the purpose of journey
    • Match the Business Introduction Letter with regards to the requested number of entries and the length of visa required where a Business Introduction Letter is requested
    • Bear the stamp of the inviting company
    • Bear the signature of the inviting party

  7. Proof of Registration

    This must be provided as a copy of the Business Registration Certificate of the inviting organisation in Korea which must have been issued within the last three months.

  8. Proof of Travel Arrangements

    This must be provided as a copy of the paid flight confirmation showing onward/return travel

  9. Checklist Form

    One fully completed and signed Checklist Form that can be found within the CIBTvisas Application Pack.

  10. Appendix F Form

    One fully completed and signed Appendix F Consent Form that can be found within the CIBTvisas Application Pack.

  11. Letter of Authorisation

    This must be provided as one fully filled out and wet-signed Letter of Authorisation permitting CIBTvisas to handle the visa application process on your behalf. Blank Letter of Authorisation can be found in CIBTvisas Application Pack.

  12. Visa Application Form

    One fully completed and signed visa application form. The form must: 

    • Be signed in the original
    • Be completed in block capitals only
    • Have no handwritten corrections/modifications
    • Bear a signature that matches the applicant´s passport

  13. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

    Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.

Korea - South Visa FAQ

  1. When is the best time to apply for my Korea - South visa?

    The best time to apply for your Korea - South visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we may be able to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy’s discretion.
  2. Do I have to send you my passport to get a Korea - South visa? Is it safe to send a passport?

    Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Korea - South visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application by a secure method, such as a guaranteed postal service or courier.