I was denied entry to South Korea even though I have a valid visa and passport

I was denied entry to South Korea even though I have a valid visa and passport - Passport on Top of a Planner

I'm an Algerian citizen. I applied for the tourist visa C-3-9, along with my friend. Our visas were issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Algiers. We bought the tickets and came to Korea (ICN).

My friend went through Immigration without a problem, but they denied me entry. I'm sure everything is legal with my visa and passport, I have no criminal record and never changed my name.

I appealed the decision to refuse entry clearance but, for a second time, they denied my entry.

I will appeal against the decision to the Korean Supreme Court and the Immigration service.

Can anyone give me some advice about the Court and if I have the right to enter?



Best Answer

From HiKorea, the "e-government for foreigners", that is

the main site of the electronic government for foreigners, jointly created by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Ministry of Labor. It was created with the purpose of providing investment, employment, residence, and everyday living related information and services from a single source to foreigners visiting Korea.

A visa is not sufficient to make sure you will be granted entry to South Korea at the Immigration Control:

What is VISA?

  • VISA is a kind of endorsement or acknowledgment, whose specific meaning differs from country to country. Generally speaking, however, it is used to mean one of the following two things; One being the permission to enter a given country, and the other being the consul's recommendation for a foreigner's entry request.
  • In case of Republic of Korea, the latter definition is used. Therefore, even if one were to have a Korean visa, one can still be denied entry to Korean soil should an immigration officer find some requirements unsatisfactory after inspection.

I couldn't find any information on how you could appeal against the decision.




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Can foreigners enter South Korea now?

Entry and Exit Requirements & Movement Restrictions. Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes. * Pre-departure testing required for all inbound travelers to Korea, including those who have been vaccinated.

Is South Korea accepting visas?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements For travel after September 1, 2021, you must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Korea for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain a K-ETA.

Is it difficult to get South Korea visa?

People that apply for the South Korean visa should know that getting it might not be too easy. The visa requirements are quite high, and the application process can be confusing as there are many ways to apply depending on what you do and need. The most straightforward part about Korean visas are the costs.

On what grounds can a visa be denied?

An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.



Illegal Foreign Workers




More answers regarding i was denied entry to South Korea even though I have a valid visa and passport

Answer 2

As some have pointed out, you shouldn't rely on this site for legal advice.

Did the officer ask you anything? How did you answer? Did you provide, or fail to provide, any document that they asked for? Were you provided with any written or oral explanation for why you were denied entry? Did they search any belongings, checked or carry-ons?

If you really feel unjust, you should talk to an actual attorney and seek professional help.

Do keep in mind, however, that in almost no country a visa (the piece of paper sticked onto your passport) gives you the right to enter that country. In fact, whether at the border or after you passed the border, you are always under immigration control. There may be laws protecting an alien from being denied entry or deported, but those law may not always exist and may have limitations. Unless you are a citizen of that country, you never have the right to enter it.

Travelling to a foreign country is a lot like playing an away game. There may be booing or people throwing stuff at you. Nothing you can do about it. You may face unfair treatment, from either the people living there or the government. You just have to accept it and try again. Finally, I wish you would be able to go on your trip to Korea soon.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Aleksandar Pasaric, Ethan Brooke, Porapak Apichodilok