Frequently Asked Questions | Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Republic of Korea

QUESTION | Do I need a visa to enter the Republic of Korea and what is K-ETA?
ANSWER: Citizens of the Republic of Serbia can travel to the Republic of Korea without a visa for up to 90 days, but must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) in advance through www.k-eta.go.kr (also available as a mobile app). It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure. The authorization fee is about 7.5 EUR and the K-ETA is valid for three years. Without a valid K-ETA, boarding a flight to Korea and entering the country is not possible. Travelers under 17 and over 65 years old (on the planned entry date), as well as holders of Serbian diplomatic and official passports, are exempt from the K-ETA requirement. Additionally, Serbian citizens with a valid K-ETA do not need to apply for the Korean e-Arrival Card. All travelers are advised to check the latest entry information in advance on the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Belgrade (https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/rs-sr/brd/m_7940/list.do) or contact the Embassy directly.

QUESTION | How can I exchange money and what is the exchange rate for the dinar against the Korean won?
ANSWER: The official currency in Korea is the South Korean won (KRW, ₩). As of the mid-June 2025 exchange rate, 1 EUR ≈ 1,565 KRW. You can exchange euros at Incheon Airport (24 hours), at banks (Shinhan, Woori, KB), or at currency exchange booths in the city (Myeongdong, Hongdae). Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are widely accepted.

QUESTION | Is South Korea a safe destination?
ANSWER: According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Korea ranks as the 46th most peaceful country in the world, and the Numbeo Safety Index 2025 places Seoul among the safer major cities (75.8/100). The country is generally safe, but it is advised to avoid areas of political demonstrations and follow local guidance.

QUESTION | Is there help with communication in Korean if I need medical services?
ANSWER: The Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced a support service for foreigners in May 2025 — the 2025 Medical – Seoul Interpreter Community (MeSic). This service provides translation assistance during emergency medical situations, hospitalizations, surgeries, and detailed medical examinations to ensure clear and accurate on-site communication. Instructions for using this service are attached in English. (link to MeSic poster)

QUESTION | I lost my passport. What should I do?
ANSWER: In case of loss or theft of your passport, immediately report it to the nearest police station in Korea and obtain a loss/theft report certificate. If you need to travel urgently to Serbia, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Seoul can issue a travel document — valid only for return to Serbia and not for transit or other trips.

QUESTION | I moved out of former Yugoslavia and have lived abroad for decades. Can I get a Serbian passport?
ANSWER: Any citizen of the Republic of Serbia may obtain a passport if there are no legal obstacles. If you are sure you hold Serbian citizenship, you can apply at the Embassy in Seoul. If unsure, please contact the Embassy to verify your citizenship status. Detailed instructions are available on the Embassy website.

QUESTION | Can one parent apply for a child’s passport?
ANSWER: Both parents must apply in person. If one parent is absent, a notarized written consent is required. A parent who has sole custody may apply alone with proof of custody.

QUESTION | My passport has expired but I urgently need to go to Serbia.
ANSWER: The Embassy can issue a travel document for returning to Serbia if your passport is expired or damaged. Upon arrival in Serbia, apply for a new passport at the local police department.

QUESTION | We had a baby. How can we get a passport for our child?
ANSWER: If you are Serbian citizens, first register the birth at the Embassy in Seoul. Required documents are listed on the Embassy website. After the child is registered in the Serbian birth registry, you can apply for a passport.

QUESTION | What is required to notarize a power of attorney?
ANSWER: The grantor must appear in person at the Embassy with a valid Serbian passport or ID card. If personal appearance is not possible, the power of attorney can be signed before a Korean notary and certified with an Apostille stamp. The procedure is explained on the Embassy website.

QUESTION | Can I make an inheritance statement at the Embassy?
ANSWER: Yes. An inheritance statement or a power of attorney for giving such a statement can be signed and notarized at the Embassy, with the grantor present and holding a valid Serbian ID document. It is recommended that the statement be prepared by a lawyer or other professional.

QUESTION | Can I obtain a birth certificate or citizenship certificate at the Embassy?
ANSWER: Yes, the Embassy issues extracts from the registers of births, marriages, and deaths of the Republic of Serbia, as well as citizenship certificates.

QUESTION | A family member has passed away and I wish to bury them in Serbia. What is needed for transporting remains?
ANSWER: You must obtain a transit permit — a document issued by the Embassy for the transfer of remains to Serbia. Detailed instructions are available on the Embassy website.

QUESTION | Can I obtain a Serbian ID card or driver’s license at the Embassy?
ANSWER: Applications for ID cards and driver’s licenses must be submitted in person at the competent police department in Serbia; they cannot be issued at the Embassy in Seoul.