South Korea: Officials extend restrictions nationwide through Oct. 31 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity /update 73

Event

South Korean officials have extended restrictions nationwide through at least Oct. 31 due to ongoing COVID-19 activity. While Greater Seoul will remain under the highest Level-4 controls, the rest of the country will remain under Level-3 curbs. A nationwide ban on gatherings involving more than four unvaccinated people continues, except for permitted events. However, effective Oct. 18, officials will allow private gatherings of up to ten people in locations other than Greater Seoul, provided six of the participants are fully vaccinated. Authorities are increasing the capacity limit for indoor sporting, religious, and wedding events; such venues may operate at 20 percent capacity of vaccinated attendees or host an approved number of people with up to 20 percent unvaccinated attendees. Provincial and city governments can adjust curbs based on local COVID-19 activity.

Officials will maintain Level-4 controls, the highest level, in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. Effective Oct. 18, authorities will increase the limit for each gathering after 18:00 to eight people, provided four group members are fully vaccinated. The limit for gatherings before 18:00 remains six people, provided two participants are fully vaccinated.

In most parts of the country, individuals who have received at least one vaccine do not need to wear a facemask, except on public transportation, indoor public areas, and large gatherings. Employers with more than 50 workers must facilitate staggered commuting and lunchtimes; officials recommend up to 20 percent of staff telecommute. Most nonessential and entertainment businesses may operate until 22:00 daily, provided they adhere to certain protocols, including capacity limits. The government will allow 24-hour operation of approved venues like cafes, restaurants, and reading rooms from Oct. 18. High-risk businesses nationwide must participate in a contact-tracing system requiring patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code for scanning before entering designated establishments. Companies can manually record contact information if necessary. The government will close non-compliant businesses for 10 days after a first infraction. Fines are also possible. Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19. Commercial disruptions are possible at any establishment that violates COVID-19-related rules or where outbreaks occur.

Travel Restrictions
South Korean residents, including long-term visa holders, can enter the country. Visa-free and visa-waiver programs remain suspended with most countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens and travelers with short-term visas issued before April 5, 2020. Most foreign residents must obtain permits before departing South Korea to facilitate any planned re-entry. Authorities allow travelers from the European Union (EU) and Schengen countries to enter South Korea without a visa for 90 days. Inbound passengers must present evidence of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure; exceptions are possible for children under age six and South Korean nationals for humanitarian reasons, among others. Arrivals are subject to mandatory screenings at points of entry. Authorities in Seoul require inbound passengers remaining in the city to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival; travelers must await test results before continuing their journey.

Most entrants must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. South Korean nationals, long-term residents, and some relatives of these groups can self-quarantine, while nonresidents must quarantine at designated facilities at their own expense. All travelers from South Africa and Tanzania must quarantine at government facilities. People who have completed COVID-19 vaccinations in South Korea, as well as individuals who have received full vaccination abroad and are visiting family or for business, academic, or public interest purposes, among others, may be exempt from the 14-day quarantine. The government does not permit quarantine-free travel from several countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa.

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 possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Ministry of Health and Welfare