South Korea: Re-entry Permit Application Process Update

The South Korean Immigration Office has advised that the application process for re-entry permits has been transferred to an online application system. Face-to-face submissions of the permit applications will no longer be possible, with the exception of applications for newborn infants who were born in Korea. If the child has not yet used a passport, and therefore does not have departure or arrival data within the system, applications must follow the original in-person submission process.

Other important information to note:

• Re-entry permits are being issued with a validity period of 3 months following the expected date of re-entry. For example, if the expected re-entry date is November 5, the re-entry permit will have a validity up to February 4, 2021.
• As of right now, it does not appear possible to obtain an extension to the re-entry permit.

For further information on applications for re-entry permits in South Korea, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.