UK: Travelers from 85 countries including South Korea must hold ETA; travel banned without prior approval

[The Financial News] Starting on the 25th (local time), travelers from 85 countries, including South Korea, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom. The ETA system, which costs 16 pounds (about 31,000 won), was introduced in 2023 and was extended to European visitors last April, but enforcement had not been strict until now.
According to British media on the 24th, airlines may refuse boarding to passengers who do not have an ETA, an electronic visa (e-visa), or other valid documentation. British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, as well as permanent residents, are exempt from the requirement.
Minister of State for Immigration Mike Taph said, "The ETA system is a core part of our efforts to strengthen the United Kingdom's border security, and it helps provide a more efficient and modern service for both visitors and the British public."
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) is also tightening its border management system, similar to the United Kingdom. The EU began the phased implementation last October of enhanced border security checks that apply when UK nationals enter EU member states.
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chae-wan Reporter