I received a travel ban. How do I appeal?

What the Law Says

South Korean law provides two main avenues to challenge a travel ban: administrative appeal and administrative litigation. The procedures and deadlines are strictly defined by statute.

A travel ban is typically imposed under immigration or national security authorities, and is treated as an administrative disposition. You may first file an administrative appeal (행정심판) with the agency that issued the ban — such as the Ministry of Justice or the Immigration Service — under the Administrative Appeal Act.

If the appeal is denied or not resolved, you may file an administrative lawsuit (행정소송) at the competent Administrative Court. Both remedies have strict statutory deadlines.

The Administrative Appeal Act requires appeals to be filed within 90 days from the date you become aware of the disposition. The reviewing agency must issue a decision within 15 days of receiving the appeal, unless extended for justifiable reasons.

Under the Administrative Litigation Act, you must file a lawsuit within 90 days of becoming aware of the travel ban — and no later than 1 year after the disposition was made.

Statutory Text

An administrative appeal may be filed within ninety days from the day on which the person concerned becomes aware of the administrative disposition.

— Administrative Appeal Act, Article 12 — Period for Filing an Appeal

Statutory Text

An action against an administrative disposition may be instituted within ninety days from the day on which the plaintiff becomes aware of the disposition, provided that no action may be instituted more than one year after the disposition was made.

— Administrative Litigation Act, Article 3 — Period for Instituting Action

What to Do

Sources