영국 ETA 완전 해부 · 1
The Birth of a Gateway — Why the UK Created the ETA
Part 1 · From £10 to £20, an 18-month history of increases
FitTrip Editor · 2026.06.13
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-arrival authorization that travelers who used to visit the UK visa-free must obtain before departure. Since 25 February 2026 it has been fully mandatory for 85+ visa-free countries, including Korea. The fee rose from a pilot £10 to £20 on 8 April 2026, and once approved it is valid for two years and multiple entries, with stays of up to six months at a time.
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a pre-arrival authorization that visa-free travelers must obtain before departing for the UK. Since 25 February 2026 it has been fully mandatory for 85+ visa-free countries, including Korea Fact.
From £10 to £20: an 18-month history of increases
The fee climbed steeply: a pilot £10 → £16 in April 2025 → £20 (+25%) on 8 April 2026 Fact. The Home Office cited IT development cost recovery and alignment with the US ESTA and Canada eTA Fact. Once approved, it is valid for two years and multiple entries, with stays of up to six months Fact.
Why now — the era of the digital border
The ETA is not merely an entry fee; it marks the shift to a "pre-screened border" that vets travelers before arrival Estimate. This trend continues into the EU's ETIAS and EES (detailed in Part 3).
FAQ
- Who needs a UK ETA?
- Citizens of 85+ visa-free countries, including Korea, need one for short visits to the UK. It became fully mandatory on 25 February 2026.
- How much is the UK ETA fee?
- From 8 April 2026 the government fee is £20. Applications before that date were charged £16.
- How long is the UK ETA valid?
- Once approved it is valid for two years and multiple entries, with stays of up to six months per visit.
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