South Korea entry requirements for Uzbekistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Uzbek citizens need a visa to enter South Korea. You must apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Uzbek passport holders. Plan ahead, as the process takes time and requires a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online — you must visit an embassy or consulate in advance. Apply at embassy/consulate | Uzbekistan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply at a South Korean embassy or consulate; no eVisa is available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be an actual visa page, not the endorsement page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave South Korea before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof helps avoid problems at immigration. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Korea (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out an arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Uzbekistan passport holders entering South Korea. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Uzbek citizens
Even though South Korea has an eVisa system for some nationalities, Uzbekistan is NOT eligible. Do not fall for online scams offering 'eVisas' — you must apply in person at the embassy.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 2 weeks, and you need to book an embassy appointment. Start the process at least a month before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Overstaying is serious
South Korea enforces visa rules strictly. Overstaying even a few days can lead to fines, detention, and a multi-year ban from re-entering the country. Always leave before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, bank statements, employment letter, and travel itinerary. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals for review.
2
Book an appointment at the embassy
Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Tashkent (or the consulate covering your region) to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are usually not accepted. You'll need to submit your application in person.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Bring all documents to your appointment. The officer will review them, take your biometrics (fingerprints), and collect the fee. You'll get a receipt with a tracking number.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can check the status online using your receipt number.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, return to the embassy to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa's validity dates and the number of entries allowed.
6
Arrive at Incheon or Gimhae airport
On arrival, go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Have your passport and visa ready. An immigration officer will scan your passport, take your fingerprints, and stamp your entry. You'll be granted a stay period (usually 30–90 days, as marked on your visa).
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Uzbekistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Korean company and proof of business purpose.
Work visa (E-7)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$60
Requires employment contract and approval from Korean immigration.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$60
Requires admission letter from Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For professionals with specialized skills or job offers in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
KRW 60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Korean university. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
KRW 100,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least KRW 100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (short-term C-3-9)Standard fee for Uzbek citizens; payable at Korean embassy/consulate. | $40 |
| Multiple-entry visa (C-3-9)For frequent travelers; validity up to 1 year. | $60 |
| Visa extension (stay extension)Possible for valid reasons; apply before current stay expires. | $60 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
Transit visa required
Uzbek citizens require a visa even for airside transit, unless they hold a valid visa for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or an EU/EEA country and transit through Incheon (ICN) on a same-day connecting flight to/from that country.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or EU/EEA visas transiting through Incheon (ICN) on a same-day connecting flight to/from that country are exempt from transit visa requirements.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can be high in urban areas, especially in winter.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices reduce risk; avoid raw or undercooked food.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa matters for southern region; limited English support.
Practical information for UZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Uzbekistan is not on the visa-waiver or visa-on-arrival list for South Korea. You must obtain a visa from a South Korean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes about 5–10 working days. During peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) it can take longer, so apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
The fee is typically around $40–$60 USD, depending on the visa type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry) and processing speed. Check the embassy's website for the exact fee in Uzbek som.
Your application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is a strict requirement for entry into South Korea.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiration date printed on your visa or the entry stamp. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering.
Yes, you need to provide bank statements for the last 3–6 months. The embassy wants to see that you have enough money to cover your stay. A balance of at least $1,000–$2,000 is usually sufficient for a short visit.
You'll receive a refusal notice. The fee is non-refundable. You can reapply after addressing the reason for denial (e.g., stronger financial proof, better itinerary). There's no formal appeal process, but you can submit a new application.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.