UK ETA Application - FAQ

A. The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel permission system for visitors to the UK. Nationals of certain countries who can visit the UK without a visa must obtain travel authorisation online in advance before travelling.

A. A UK ETA is available only to nationals of visa-exempt countries. Since South Korea is included in the visa-exempt list, Korean nationals can apply for an ETA. However, those who are not from visa-exempt countries (or who require a visa for the UK) cannot apply for an ETA.

A. UK ETA applications are submitted online.

1. On the official UK ETA website, click the "Apply for an ETA" button

2. Enter your personal details and passport information

3. Provide your travel purpose and itinerary

4. Pay the fee and submit your application

5. Receive your approval email (no printout required)

A. A UK ETA application does not require submitting supporting documents. However, you must enter your passport details and travel information accurately.

A. The UK ETA fee is generally lower than a UK tourist visa. You can check the exact amount on the UK government website, and payment can be made by credit card or debit card.

A. A UK ETA is often approved immediately or within a few minutes. In many cases, you will receive an electronic approval email shortly after submitting your application.

A. A UK ETA does not guarantee entry. Final admission is decided by a UK Border Force officer upon arrival, and entry may still be refused depending on the assessment.

A. A UK ETA generally allows stays of up to 6 months per visit, and it typically permits multiple entries.

A. Once an ETA is approved, it generally cannot be cancelled or changed. If your plans change, you may need to apply for a new ETA.

A. Yes, an ETA application can be refused. Common reasons include incorrect information, an expired passport, inconsistencies in travel purpose, or past immigration/entry history issues. Please make sure all information is accurate before submitting.

A. If your UK ETA is refused or you are not eligible to apply for an ETA, you may apply for a UK tourist visa separately. A tourist visa usually involves more steps, supporting documents, and a longer processing time. Tourist visa applications are generally made through the UK visa process and/or an official visa application centre.

A. There is no separate passport-validity rule for submitting the ETA application itself, but for entry to the UK it is recommended to have at least 6 months of passport validity remaining.

If your passport is close to expiry, you may face issues at border control even with ETA approval. If possible, it’s best to renew your passport first and then apply for the ETA.

A. The ETA is issued in digital form (electronic approval), and you will receive an approval notice by email once your application is approved.

You do not need to print a physical document. It is electronically linked to airline systems and UK border systems.

A. Some steps may require uploading a photo (selfie).

A photo taken on a smartphone is acceptable, and it does not need to match passport photo standards exactly. However, please ensure your face is clearly visible.

A. If you experience technical issues such as payment errors or page loading problems, try the following first:

1) Try a different web browser
2) Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi/mobile data)
3) Wait for a while (a few hours) and try again

If the issue persists, you may need to contact the UK ETA official support channel directly.

A. Yes. Even if you have not purchased your flight yet, you can apply for an ETA by entering your expected travel dates.

However, if your travel plan changes significantly later, you may need to apply for a new ETA depending on the circumstances.

A. An ETA is an electronic authorisation linked to the passport number used in the application.

If you obtain a new passport, the previous ETA will no longer be valid, and you must apply for a new ETA with your new passport details.

A. No. An ETA is intended for tourism and short visits.

To work, study, stay long-term, or engage in certain business activities in the UK, you must obtain the appropriate official visa (Work/Student, etc.).

A. Even if you are only transiting at a UK airport, you may still need an ETA in some cases.

In particular, if you must pass through immigration or collect baggage and re-check in, an ETA is often effectively required.

Exceptions may apply depending on the type of transit (airside/landside). Please check with your airline or official UK guidance.

A. Yes. Regardless of age, all travellers (including infants and children) must have their own ETA.

For minors, a parent or legal guardian can complete the application on their behalf.

A. A UK ETA is generally valid for 2 years, and multiple entries are typically allowed during the validity period.

However, if your passport expires before the ETA, your ETA will expire at the same time as your passport. After getting a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

A. A UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for nationals of visa-exempt countries and is issued through a simple online application.

In contrast, a UK tourist visa may require visa screening, document submission, and in-person procedures, and the processing time is usually longer.

A. Yes. The English name you enter must match your passport exactly, including spelling and name order.

Typos can lead to refusal or entry issues, so please verify and enter it exactly as shown on your passport.

A. First, check your spam/junk folder.

If you still don’t receive it, confirm whether there was a typo in the email address used in your application. Even if you don’t receive the email, your ETA is electronically linked to your passport, and approval status can be confirmed in the system.

A. Yes. You can apply directly yourself, or you can use a visa/ETA agency to submit the application for you.

Please note that using an agency may involve additional service fees.

A. In some steps, you may be asked to provide basic information about your current occupation or status.

This is for security and border-screening reference purposes, and typically does not require detailed supporting documents.

A. A UK ETA authorises entry to the United Kingdom only.

To visit other European countries (including the Schengen Area), you must meet each country’s visa or visa-free requirements separately.

A. If your payment fails but you see a card “charge,” it is often an authorisation hold that will be automatically reversed.

If it is not reversed/refunded within a few days, please contact your card issuer or payment provider.

A. No. UK ETAs must be applied for individually.

Even for families or tour groups, each traveller must obtain a separate ETA.

A. Approval is generally notified by email, and there is no separate document to print.

Airlines and UK border systems can verify it automatically using your passport details.

A. Yes. You may enter your current address in South Korea.

If you have an intended address in the UK, you may be asked to provide it depending on the application prompts.

A. A UK ETA does not grant entitlement to medical services.

Medical costs in the UK can be very expensive, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.

A. Changes within the scope of tourism or short visits are generally not a major issue.

However, if your purpose changes to work, study, or long-term stay, you cannot enter the UK with an ETA and must apply for the appropriate visa.

A. An ETA may be refused if you have a criminal record, immigration violations, or security-related concerns.

You must answer all questions truthfully. Providing false information can negatively affect future travel.

A. You can apply on any internet-connected device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

However, using a smartphone can be more convenient for the photo/selfie step.

A. The application process is in English, but it mainly consists of relatively simple questions.

If English is difficult, you may consider using an agency service.

A. In principle, extending your stay in the UK after entering with an ETA is not allowed.

If you need to stay longer, you generally must leave the UK and apply for the appropriate UK visa.

A. No. A UK ETA is limited to tourism and short visits, and permitted business activities are restricted.

For more formal or broader business activities, you may need to apply for a separate UK visa.

A. You can reapply, but if you submit the same information again, it is likely to be refused again.

Identify the refusal reason first, correct any issues, or consider applying for a UK tourist visa instead.

A. Many applications are approved quickly, but to allow for unexpected issues or additional checks, it’s safest to complete your UK ETA application at least 2–3 days before departure.

Since delays can occur due to peak seasons or system issues, applying as early as possible is recommended.