South Korea entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting South Korea: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- Yes - apply for an pre-travel authorisation before travel
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival
- Vaccines
- 1 recommended, 5 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1949 Geneva Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the South Korea embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for South Korea
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive.
Visas
British passport holders normally need a visa (Other) to enter.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - South Korea · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to South Korea
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Consider
Recommended for those staying with local populations, frequent or long-stay travellers, adventure travellers, and those with liver disease.
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3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Intermediate/high prevalence. Recommended for those with sexual risk, healthcare workers, and long-stay travellers.
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4 weeks before travelJapanese Encephalitis Consider
Transmission season May–November. Recommended for 1+ month stays in endemic areas or frequent travellers. Not routinely recommended for short trips to Seoul.
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for high-risk workers, remote area travellers, and long stays (1+ month).
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Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - South Korea · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in South Korea
To drive in South Korea with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
South Korea travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for South Korea from the UK?
Yes - British passport holders normally need a visa to enter South Korea (specifically a Other). Apply before you travel and check the UK government's foreign travel advice for the latest requirements.
How long does my passport need to be valid for South Korea?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in South Korea. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for South Korea?
No vaccines are listed as required for South Korea, but Tetanus / Diphtheria are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for South Korea?
If you plan to drive in South Korea on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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