South Korea: Authorities extend existing domestic COVID-19 measures through at least March 14 /update 54

Event

The government of South Korea has extended the nation's domestic COVID-19 restrictions at their current levels through at least March 14. Authorities classify restrictions according to a five-tier system, with Level 1 representing the most relaxed measures. Level 2 restrictions will remain in effect in Greater Seoul, which includes Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, through at least March 14. Under Level 2 controls, entertainment businesses, cafes, restaurants, and fitness centers must close by 2200. Attendance at private events is capped at 100 people, and public venues may operate at 10 percent of their normal capacity.

Outside of Greater Seoul, Level 1.5 restrictions will remain in effect nationwide. Private events must remain under 500 people, while the size of public events, such as sports competitions and religious gatherings, is capped at 30 percent of the venue's capacity. The nationwide ban on nonessential public gatherings of more than four people will continue. The government requires individuals to wear facemasks on public transportation, in most public indoor areas, and at large gatherings. Persons not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks may be fined KRW 100,000 (USD 89). High-risk businesses must participate in a contact tracing-system requiring patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code for scanning before being allowed to enter such establishments. Proprietors can manually record contact information if necessary. Businesses must also enforce facemask requirements on their premises. Companies violating these directives may be closed for up to two weeks or fined up to KRW 3 million (USD 2,664). Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19; commercial disruptions are possible at any establishment where outbreaks occur.

Travel Restrictions
South Korea continues to suspend visa-free and visa-waiver programs with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens and for travelers with short-term visas issued before April 5, 2020. South Korean residents, including long-term visa holders, can enter the country. Most foreign residents must obtain permits before departing South Korea to facilitate any planned re-entry. All permitted foreign nationals must submit a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. South Koreans traveling from African nations, the UK, South Africa, and Brazil must submit a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country. Most flights from the UK remain banned through at least March 11 due to concerns over new variants of COVID-19. Flights from South Korea to the UK can continue to operate, though service disruptions are likely.

Authorities allow "fast track" entry for essential business trips and official travel from mainland China, Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In addition to pre-departure testing, fast-track travelers must take another COVID-19 test upon arrival, await the result before entering South Korea, and abide by health surveillance procedures.

Mandatory screenings are ongoing for international arrivals at all ports of entry nationwide. Authorities in Seoul require all inbound passengers remaining in the city to undergo COVID-19 tests upon arrival. Officials will screen travelers with COVID-19 symptoms immediately and transport other passengers from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul's designated testing facilities. All international travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. South Korean nationals, long-term residents, and some relatives of these groups can self-quarantine in their residence. Other travelers must quarantine at government-designated facilities at their own expense.

Officials continue to ban cruise ships from docking at ports in the country. Busan requires vessels carrying seafarers entering Gamcheon Port who are nationals of or have a travel history to Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan to use the QR code system for contact tracing. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations, but service remains limited. International flight disruptions will likely continue amid decreased demand.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ministry of Health and Welfare