VISA REGIME
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For holders of diplomatic and official passports: |
Visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days (tourism or transit). |
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For holders of national passports and other travel documents: |
Visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days |
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Note: |
Visa is not required for the holder of an emergency travel document in transit. |
ENTRY REGIME FOR CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Travelers from the Republic of Serbia can travel to the Republic of Korea without visa for periods shorter than 90 days for tourist visits, as well as for some other purposes like attending conferences, congresses, etc. in case of which the Embassy of Korea in Serbia needs to be consulted whether a visa is needed or not.
These travellers are however required to apply for the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) through the following link www.k-eta.go.kr (the KETA mobile application is also available) at least 72 hours before the trip (the processing of the authorization is charged cca 7,5e and the authorization is valid for 2 years).
From January 9th 2023 diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from the K-ETA requirement.
The obligation for passengers to do PCR testing, within 24 hours of entering the Republic of Korea is officially abolished, therefore there are no more restrictions for entry into the Republic of Korea, linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, all the travelers are advised to check all the latest information regarding entry at the Embassy of Korea website (https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/rs-sr/brd/m_7940/list.do ), or to contact the Embassy.
*From January 5th 2023, all passengers departing from China, Hong Kong and Macau and arriving to the Republic of Korea need to submit negative COVID-19 test results in advance (a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before entering the country or a rapid antigen test (RAT) result taken by professional medical personnel less than 24 hours before entry).
This category of passengers should also enter their health and travel information online in the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's (KDCA) Quarantine Information Pre-entry System (Q-CODE).
Upon entering Republic of Korea, travelers from the Republic of China are obliged to perform an additional PCR test within 24 hours, while this obligation does not apply to travelers who enetered the Republic of Korea from Hong Kong and Macau.
ENTERING AND LEAVING THE COUNTRY
Nationals of the Republic of Serbia can travel to the Republic Korea from 1, April 2022 are however required to apply for the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) through the following link https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/viewstep1.do (the K-ETA mobile application is also available) at least 72 hours before the trip (the processing of the authorization is charged cca7,5 euros and the authorization is valid for 2 years).
Re-entry Permit for foreign citizens with registered residence in R. Korea:
Starting from April 1 this year, foreign citizens with registered residence in R. Korea who leave the country will be allowed to re-enter the Republic Korea within one year (two years for permanent residents) from the date of exit, without the obligation to obtain a Re-entry Permit.
Foreign citizens with registered residence in R. Korea, who are returning to Korea after spending more than a year abroad will have the obligation to apply for the Re-entry Permit, which in that case can be approved for up to two years.
More information via link: www.hikorea.go.kr.
From 1 July 2013, citizens of the Republic of Serbia may, for tourist purpose, stay in or transit through the territory of the Republic of Korea without a visa, for up to 90 days. For a longer stay (for reasons of study, etc.), it is necessary to obtain a visa in advance at the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Korea. No vaccination certificate or health insurance is required. Since 1 January 2012, the Republic of Korea has been using a system of biometric border control at all border crossings. Control involves scanning fingerprints of both forefingers, and of the face. On 9 December 2013, a liquid, aerosol and gel (LAG) control system was introduced at Incheon-Seoul International Airport, at special points for international transfers. The control is performed by means for the detection of explosives (LED), and it also covers goods purchased in duty-free shops and airplanes, packed in standardised transparent bags. Goods that are not packed in the specified bags, i.e., according to ICAO standards, as well as those suspected of containing explosive substances, will be seized. The only exceptions are liquids, aerosols (sprays) and gels meant for personal use, in maximum 100-millilitre packaging, which are sealed in a transparent plastic bag.
It is not possible to cross the border between North and South Korea (Demilitarised Zone – DMZ) by land, nor directly from one country to another by air or sea.
SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
No social security agreement has been concluded.
USEFUL INFORMATION
HEALTH SITUATION — Although health insurance is not required, travel insurance is recommended because the prices of health services are high. The telephone number for emergency services is 119, and the line is open 24 hours a day, and it is free of charge.
Foreigners also have access to the emergency medical information center, which can be obtained by calling 1339. Practical medical advice in English can be obtained from this number. Given the language barrier, the phone number 15 88 56 44 is useful. By dialing this number, you get in touch with a group of volunteers who know several languages (not Serbian) and help to solve any problems of any kind for free.
There is a noticeable tendency of increasing levels of air pollution by the so-called yellow dust. These levels are measured on a daily basis, of which the population is informed through the media and appropriate internet applications. In the case of values that are considered unfavorable for health, it is suggested to wear protective masks, which are cheap and easily accessible (pharmacies, drugstores, shopping malls, airports, bus and train stations).
SECURITY SITUATION — If one must travel to the Korean Peninsula, it is best to avoid staying in the border zone (demilitarised zone). Protests and demonstrations about the military crisis should also be avoided.
TRANSPORT — The Republic of Korea has nine international airports, but the main entrance for visitors from Europe and other overseas countries is Incheon Airport, which is about 65 kilometres away from Seoul.
Temporary entry with a private vehicle is possible only by a ferry, with standard international documents for vehicles and an international driving permit. Traffic regulations are identical to the European ones, and fines for traffic violations are high. The entire city and road traffic is almost completely controlled by cameras and traffic offenders are easily and quickly identified.
Excise goods worth up to 400 US dollars may be imported without customs clearance. Such goods include cameras and other electronic equipment, leather goods, perfumes, jewellery, watches, sports equipment and other personal items. Passengers over the age of 20 have the right to bring 1 litre of alcoholic beverages into the country, and those over the age of 19 have the right to bring 200 cigarettes into the country.
Pets, as well as all types of animal and plant products, must have valid certificates issued by the state authorities of the country of origin upon entry into the Republic of Korea. Vaccination of pets is also required six months before entry as well as a 10-day quarantine.
OTHER INFORMATION — The official currency is the Korean Won. Payment is possible only in the national currency. Due to daily exchange rate changes and the tendency of the won to appreciate against the euro and other currencies, it is useful to check the current exchange rate before travelling.
When it comes to depositing and exporting money in cash, an amount in local currency or foreign currencies equivalent to 10,000 US dollars or more, it is necessary to declare it to the customs authorities upon entering the country. Also, to bring out 10,000 US dollars or more, it is necessary to obtain the prior permission of the Central Bank of Korea. All international payment cards issued in the Republic of Serbia are also valid in the Republic of Korea.
Only the latest generation of mobile phones can support roaming in South Korea, but it is possible to rent a phone quickly and at reasonable prices at the appropriate branches of mobile phone operators at every airport. Information on the websites of the Korean Cultural and Information Service http://www.korea.net, the Korean Tourist Organization http://www.visitkorea.or.kr, and the Korean Trade and Investment Promotion Agency http://www.kotra.or.kr are useful.
Contact information
During your stay in the Republic Korea, for consular assistance and protection, you may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Seoul, at the following telephone number: 00 82 2 797 51 09 (fax 00 82 2 790 61 09), and e-mail address: embserbseul@yahoo.com .