Rules of entry to South Korea for Ukrainians
Tourist visa to South Korea for Ukrainians
A tourist visa to the Republic of Korea allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. The corridor of such a visa is 90 days. The corridor in Korean visas is set upon submission of the passport to the consular section.
A short-term visa to the Republic of Korea (C-3) provides for the following purposes of visit:
- Tourism;
- Visiting exhibitions;
- Attending seminars;
- Visiting festivals;
- Business;
- Visas for sailors;
- Visiting friends/relatives;
- Participation in sports competitions;
- Transit.
💡 Tips from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians traveling abroad
Planning a trip can be a daunting task. Where to start? What is the first step to getting a visa? It's easy to get confused at first - especially if you've never done anything like this before.
That's why we recommend using Visit World's travel guide - a detailed step-by-step guide to organizing a trip, which contains basic tips on visa obtaining, border crossing, and much more. For more details, follow the link.
What is the visa application process?
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Find the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.
- Gather all the necessary documents according to your visa category.
- Apply for a visa to South Korea at an official representative office.
- Pay the visa fee.
- After the application is processed, you need to return to the diplomatic mission office. If the visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport.
There is a simplified regime for obtaining Korean visas for ethnic Koreans and their family members, for relatives of persons residing in the Republic of Korea, as well as for all Ukrainian citizens who have had a Korean visa in previous years.
Also, if you belong to the above category of persons, but do not have a valid foreign passport, the Korean consulate may issue you a Travel Document to enter Korea.
Social security of temporarily displaced citizens of Ukraine
A work permit is issued.
💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.
To cross the border of the Republic of Korea, foreign citizens (including citizens of Ukraine) must have the following documents with them:
1. Foreign biometric passport
- valid for at least the entire period of stay
- recommended — at least 6 months in reserve
- undamaged and with a sufficient number of blank pages
2. Return or onward ticket
The border service may check your intention to leave the country within the permitted period of stay.
3. Proof of accommodation
One of the following documents:
- hotel reservation
- apartment address (Airbnb, etc.)
- invitation from the host
4. Proof of financial means
It is recommended to have:
- cash or a bank card
- bank statement (if necessary)
Approximate budget: about 100 USD per day of stay
5. Electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card)
All foreigners are required to complete an online form no earlier than 3 days before arrival.
The form requires the following information:
- passport details
- flight
- address of residence
- purpose of travel
Without an e-Arrival Card, you may be:
- denied boarding
- denied entry into the country
6. Medical insurance
It is recommended to have a travel insurance policy for the entire duration of your stay. Medical services in South Korea are expensive, and at the border, tourists may be checked to ensure they are able to cover any possible medical expenses.
👉 We recommend that you take out insurance before your trip.
7. Additional checks may be carried out at the border
- travel plan
- domestic travel reservations
- contact details of the host
- previous travel history
What documents are required to obtain a visa to South Korea
The following documents are required to obtain a visa:
1. Foreign passport with at least two blank pages and valid for 3 months after returning from South Korea. If you have a second valid or previously canceled foreign passport, it is advisable to provide it to confirm your travel history.
2. One color photo (35 x 45 mm) on a light background (taken no later than 3 months before submission, the size of the face should be 25-35 mm).
3. Application form with all details filled in. (paper version of the application form)
4. Hotel reservation for the entire period of stay in South Korea with a detailed tour program.
5. Flight reservation (round trip).
6. Medical insurance
7. Document confirming your status and source of income:
- Employees provide:
- Original certificate from the place of work with an average monthly salary of 5000 UAH, indicating the salary for the last 6 months (income certificate).
- Entrepreneurs must provide:
- a copy of the extract or certificate of registration of a private entrepreneur;
- a copy of the taxpayer certificate;
- a copy of the tax return or report for the last quarter or a certificate of income from the tax service.
- Pensioners must provide:
- a photocopy of their pension certificate;
- the original statement from the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU).
- Students must provide:
- a photocopy of their student ID;
- a certificate from their educational institution.
8. Original bank statement confirming the availability of funds in the account, with a balance of at least $2,000 per person, and a statement of account movements for the last 3 months. If it is a deposit account, the balance must be at least $3,000 per person.
For children traveling with their parents:
1. Foreign passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least two blank pages (valid for 6 months after returning from South Korea). If you have a second valid or previously canceled foreign passport, it is advisable to provide it to confirm your travel history.
2. 1 color photo (35 x 45 mm) on a light background (taken no later than 3 months before submission, the size of the face should be 25-35 mm).
3. The original notarized Permission for a child to travel abroad, in case of travel with one parent or accompanied by a third party.
4. The original certificate from the educational institution confirming the consent for the child to travel abroad for the specified period.
5. A copy of the birth certificate.
6. Documents of the sponsor (close relatives, father, mother, siblings, etc.):
- The original notarized sponsorship letter.
- Original certificate from the place of work (salary from 5000 UAH), indicating the amount of salary for the last 6 months (income certificate) for employed applicants,
- or for entrepreneurs:
- copy of the extract or certificate of registration of a private entrepreneur;
- a copy of the taxpayer certificate;
- a copy of the tax return or report for the last quarter or income certificate from the tax service.
7. Original bank statement confirming the availability of funds in the account, with a balance of at least $2,000 per person, and a statement of account movements for the last 3 months. If it is a deposit account, the balance must be at least $3,000 per person.
8. Documents confirming family ties
⚠️ Please note!
Currently, when entering South Korea, special attention is paid to the purpose of the trip and previous history of stays. Tourists may be asked detailed questions about their itinerary, duration of travel, and source of funding. Inaccuracies in explanations sometimes lead to additional checks.
👉 A preliminary consultation with a Visit Ukraine immigration specialist will help you check your documents, the purpose of your trip, and prepare for border control without unnecessary risks.
How much money do you need to have to cross the border?
When traveling to South Korea, travelers are advised to budget approximately $100 per day. There is no specific mandatory amount, but you may be asked to provide proof of financial solvency at the border. Currency amounts exceeding the equivalent of $10,000 must be declared upon entry.
If your passport is about to expire
Starting October 29, 2025, Ukraine will no longer have a rule that allows you to extend the validity of your passport or add your children to it.
Now, you can only travel abroad with a valid biometric passport.
This means that if your passport has been “extended” or information about children has been added to it, you will need to obtain a new document.
Where to apply for a new passport
- In Ukraine, you can apply at any branch of the State Migration Service, at the Administrative Services Center, or at a branch of the State Enterprise “Document.”
- Abroad — at the embassy or consulate of Ukraine, as well as at branches of the State Enterprise “Document” if they operate in your country.
If you are abroad with an “extended” passport
If you are not allowed to leave the country or are not accepted upon entry into Ukraine due to an “extended” document, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate.
There you can obtain an identity card for returning to Ukraine — the so-called “white passport.”
It is issued on the day of application:
- free of charge — for children under 16;
- for a consular fee — for adults.
👇🏼 Please note!
For safe travel to South Korea, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for insurance on our website at the link.
Traveling to South Korea can be an unforgettable adventure, but it is important to prepare for visa and legal issues in advance. We offer qualified legal advice for Ukrainians to make your trip go smoothly. Our lawyers will help you with visa application, checking the necessary documents and provide information on the peculiarities of local legislation.
Entrust us with the legal aspects of your trip to South Korea so that you can focus on enjoying your trip!
How to travel with a child to South Korea in 2026?
According to the current legislation of Ukraine, the following rules apply to the departure of children during martial law:
- Children under 16 can travel with one parent without the consent of the other.
- The child may also travel with a grandparent, adult brother or sister, stepmother, stepfather or other persons if there is a written consent of one of the parents certified by the guardianship authority.
- Children over 16 years of age can cross the border on their own in accordance with Article 313 of the Civil Code of Ukraine.
- The main routes of departure are currently via the land borders with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova, from where you can fly to South Korea.
What documents are required to enter South Korea?
- International passport - must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from South Korea and have at least two blank pages. If you have a second valid or canceled passport, it is advisable to provide it to confirm your travel history.
- Color photo (35×45 mm) - taken no later than 3 months before submitting the documents, against a light background, face size - 25-35 mm.
- Original notarized permission for the child to travel abroad - required if traveling with one of the parents or accompanied by a third party.
- Original certificate from the educational institution confirming the child's consent to travel abroad within the specified period.
- A copy of the child's birth certificate.
- Documents of the sponsor (if the trip is financed by a relative: parents, brothers, sisters):
- Original notarized sponsorship letter.
- Original certificate from the place of work (for employees - income statement for the last 6 months with a salary of 5000 UAH or more).
For entrepreneurs:
- A copy of the extract or certificate of registration of the individual entrepreneur.
- A copy of the taxpayer's certificate.
- A copy of the tax return or report for the last quarter, or a certificate of income from the tax service.
- Original bank certificate - confirming the availability of funds in the account (at least $2000 per person), as well as a statement of cash flow for the last 3 months. For a deposit account, the balance must be at least $3000 per person.
- Documents confirming family ties.
What to take with you when traveling with a child?
📌 Documents:
- Originals and copies of all necessary documents.
- Permission to travel.
📌For the comfort of the child:
- Change of clothes and shoes.
- Personal hygiene products, diapers (if necessary).
- Medicines (antipyretic, antihistamines, digestive, etc.).
- Food and water for the road.
- Toys, books, gadgets for entertainment.
Stay in South Korea
Ukrainians can enter South Korea only with a visa, even for short-term trips.
For stays of more than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-term visa (for example, a student, work, or family reunification visa).
📌 Traveling abroad with your child and not sure what documents you need?
Incorrectly executed documents may result in a refusal to enter South Korea. To avoid mistakes, Visit Ukraine lawyers will help with:
✔ Consultation on the child's departure and stay in South Korea
✔ Preparation of documents for obtaining a visa and legal stay
👉 Get expert advice right now!
Useful contacts in South Korea
Embassy of Ukraine in South Korea
Address: 21, Itaewon-ro 45-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04349
Phone: +82 2 790 5696
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://korea.mfa.gov.ua/
What should you do before you leave?
📌 Take out health insurance
In South Korea, treatment without insurance can cost thousands of dollars, so an insurance policy is a must.
Where to get a reliable policy?
Buy insurance for traveling abroad directly on the Visit Ukraine website - it's fast, convenient and official.
How do I get insurance?
It takes only a few minutes to apply - just enter your details and pay for the policy online.
You will receive an electronic document that can be presented if necessary.
📌 Don't risk your health and budget - take out insurance in advance on Visit Ukraine!
112 - Police
110 - Ambulance service
113 - Fire service
Rules for transit through South Korea
Ukrainian citizens may transit through international airports in South Korea. When transferring within the same airport and staying in the transit zone for up to 24 hours, a transit visa is not required.
For such transit, you must have:
- a valid foreign passport;
- a confirmed ticket to a third country;
- a visa or other documents required to enter the country of final destination;
- remain in the international transit area of the airport.
If a passenger plans to leave the airport transit area, change airports, collect and re-check baggage, or stay in the country for more than 24 hours, they must have the appropriate visa or other entry permit for South Korea.
South Korean customs regulations
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages (worth less than $400);
- 2 ounces of perfumes (~56.6 g)
- 200 cigarettes;
- 50 cigars;
- 250 g of tobacco.
- the goods are intended for personal use;
- the goods will not be used by other persons, not intended as a gift, for sale or exchange for other goods.
- Members of the same family are allowed to summarize the quotas belonging to each individual.
- goods in excess of the established quotas;
- goods intended for sale in Korea;
- foreign currency and other means of payment totaling more than $10,000.
- edged and firearms, ammunition, explosives;
- narcotic and psychotropic substances, as well as any preparations containing such substances;
- goods made from materials of animals that enjoy special protection and whose use is restricted or prohibited;
- goods, the import of which is restricted by the quarantine service (food, animals and plant materials);
- animals, plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as their derivatives.
- books, publications
- images, films and other materials with pornographic content;
- any materials that may be considered as violating the constitutional order, public security and traditional foundations;
- counterfeit coins, banknotes, and negotiable instruments.
- passport
- airline ticket;
- customs declaration (if required).
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
- 200 cigarettes
- 50 cigars;
- 2 ounces of perfumes (~56.6 g);
- 250 g of tobacco products. Alcoholic beverages may be exported by persons aged 20 and over, and cigarettes by persons aged 19 and over.
- The amount of exported foreign or Korean currency exceeding $10,000 must be declared.
- Animals, plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as their derivatives;
- Korean and foreign currency with a value exceeding USD 10,000;
- firearms and ammunition;
- objects of cultural and historical heritage.