UK tourists must get new travel document before visiting South Korea from 2025

British holidaymakers eyeing an escape to South Korea have been given a heads-up over new visa prerequisites. Visitors jetting off beyond EU borders will be free from the country's electronic travel authorisation system (K-ETA) demands up until December 31, 2025, courtesy of a provisional waiver. The Foreign Office has clarified that tourists need their passport to expire post-departure from South Korea if they're visiting for up to 90 days.

For longer stays, passports must remain valid for at least six months after arrival. Officials are advising travellers: "Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.



You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen." READ MORE: Greece holidays at risk as UK tourists warned of new law that could 'tank' economy Furthermore, it's stated: "You can enter South Korea for up to 90 days for short-term business or tourism. You must have an onward or return ticket.

It's illegal to be employed in South Korea while visiting visa-free, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity." The statement concludes with information on the exemption: "South Korea operates an electronic travel authorisation system called K-ETA. Anyone eligible for visa-free entry to South Korea is usually required to get K-ETA approval before departure.

However, British nationals travelling visa-free to South Korea are temporarily exempt from requiring a K-ETA until December 31, 2025. Further information about the K-ETA exemption can be found on the K-ETA notice board," reports Birmingham Live . The following guidance was given: "If you need to apply for a K-ETA, you should ensure that you apply through the Korean government's official K-ETA website.

Other sites offering K-ETA application services are generally scams. It can take up to 72 hours for K-ETA approval to be granted." The website warned that: "If you are travelling for any purpose other than short-term business or tourism, check visa requirements with the South Korean Embassy in the UK.

For those in South Korea on a work visa, all employment changes must be authorised by Korean Immigration.".