South Korea eliminates visa stamps, new approval process is on-line

Executive summary

The Ministry of Justice has recently advised of significant changes to visa approval processing. As part of the changes, the Republic of Korea immigration system will no longer require affixation of visa stamps to a page in an applicant’s passport, with the aim being to have all embassies abroad not issue visa labels upon visitation in the future. All foreigners entering the Republic of Korea will be required to present the Confirmation of Visa Issuance to Korean Immigration authorities in the process of immigration inspection, instead of obtaining a visa stamp in the passport which was previously required.

Key updates

The Ministry of Justice plans to expand the new visa approval processing program to all embassies by July 2020, with the following Korean embassies commencing the new policy effective immediately as of February. These include the following:

• Effective from 24 February 2020: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, UK, US
• Effective from 25 February 2020: Japan

Under the new program, the embassy will be required to upload ‘Confirmation of Visa issuance’ from the official website (www.visa.go.kr) instead of undertaking a visa stamping.

Whilst this is the case, attendance to the embassy or consulate for assignee or 3rd party that is submitting the application will still be required.

Next steps

We recommend that companies intending to apply for Korean visas seek the services of immigration specialists to provide the instruction prior to submitting the application to embassy or consulate.

Assistance from EY Korea

With regard to the new policy, EY Korea can assist assignees with obtaining the Confirmation of Visa Issuance as part of the scope of our visa application service.

If you would like further information, please contact your local EY representative or one of the contacts listed below.