Korea, Republic

VISA REGIME

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE COUNTRY
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.
***IMPORTANT NOTICE***: In accordance with the regulations of the Republic of Korea, all passengers from the Republic of Serbia MUST apply for K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) via the link www.k-eta.go.kr (K-ETA mobile application is also available) at least 72 hours before the trip (authorization processing is charged around 7.5 EUR and is valid for 3 years). Without previously obtaining the aforementioned authorization, boarding an outbound flight to Republic of Korea, as well as entry into Republic of Korea will not be allowed. As of July 3, 2023, an exemption from the previous rule applies to travelers age 17 and under and travelers age 65 and over (on the date of entry into the Republic of Korea), who do not need to obtain K-ETA. Also, as of July 3, 2023, the validity period of the K-ETA approval has been extended from two to three years, for all travelers who submit an application after midnight on July 3, 2023, Korean time.
As of January 9, 2023, diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from the K-ETA requirement.
In addition, all the travelers are advised to check all the latest information regarding entry to the Republic of Korea at the Embassy of the Republic Korea in the Republic of Serbia website (https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/rs-sr/brd/m_7940/list.do), or to contact the Embassy directly.

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 .