From January 1, 2014, tourists from Russia will no longer need a visa to visit South Korea. Russian citizens will be able to stay in South Korea for up to 60 consecutive days, but no more than three months within six months (180 days). Check a2zdirectory for history of South Korea.
Customs regulations
South Korea does not restrict the import of foreign currency. Amounts brought into the country over $10,000 are subject to mandatory declaration. Checks not listed in the entry declaration or currency in excess of $10,000 may be confiscated, and a fine will be imposed on the violator. The export of foreign currency is limited to the limits specified in the entry declaration. See South Korea import restrictions.
The export and import of the national currency is limited to the amount of 8 million KRW. Unused local currency can be exchanged upon presentation of a bank certificate of exchange. In the absence of a certificate, an exchange is possible only up to $100.
Also, a declaration is required for the import of expensive watches, jewelry, furs, cameras, cold or firearms, as well as foreign-made items. Undeclared items may be confiscated upon departure or subject to a heavy duty.
Persons over the age of 19 are allowed to import duty-free:
- up to 250 grams of tobacco, or up to 20 cigars, or up to 200 cigarettes;
- up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic beverages (from 20 years of age);
- up to 2 ounces of perfume;
- souvenirs and gifts totaling up to 40 thousand KRW.
Import into the country is prohibited:
- pornography;
- video, audio or printed materials from communist countries;
- coins;
- seeds, seedlings and cuttings of fruit plants;
- walnut fruit;
- soil;
- fresh fruits.
Ammunition and firearms can only be imported with a special permit obtained from the country’s police department.
It is forbidden to export antiquities, archaeological finds and precious metals from the country without special permission.
