South Korea: Officials extend ban on flights from the UK through March 11 /update 53

Event

South Korean officials have extended the ongoing UK flight ban 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. Eased domestic restrictions continue nationwide at Level 1.5, the second-lowest tier of the government's COVID-19 response plan. Entertainment businesses can resume nationwide, and nonessential companies can operate without curfews in most locations. Private events must remain under 500 people, while public venues, such as sporting and religious events, must limit capacity to 30 percent. The government has also eased restrictions to Level 2, the third-highest level, in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province through Feb. 28. However, entertainment businesses, restaurants, and cafes in the region must close by 2200. Private events remain capped at 100 people, and public venues can operate at 10 percent of capacity.

A ban on public gatherings of more than four people continues nationwide, though authorities will now permit families from multiple households to meet. The government requires individuals nationwide to wear facemasks on public transportation, in most public indoor areas, and at large gatherings. Officials will issue a fine of KRW 100,000 (USD 90) for individuals not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks. High-risk businesses must participate in a contact tracing-system requiring personnel to scan a quick response (QR) code before patrons can enter establishments. Owners can manually record contact information if necessary. Businesses must also enforce facemask requirements on their premises. Officials could suspend operations for up to two weeks or issue fines of up to KRW 3 million (USD 2,717) for companies violating orders. 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.

Officials continue to ban cruise ships from docking at ports in the country, including Jeju. Busan requires vessels carrying seafarers entering Gamcheon Port that 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 are likely to continue amid decreased demand.

Travel Restrictions
South Korea continues to suspend visa-free and visa-waiver programs with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens and 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 reenter. However, diplomats, government officials, overseas Korean visa holders, and travelers that left the country before May 31, 2020, are exempt from the requirement. All permitted foreign nationals must submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure. South Koreans traveling from African nations, the UK, South Africa, and Brazil must also submit a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country.

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.

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