South Korea: Officials expanding entry curbs for some African countries and quarantine rules for most international arrivals from Dec. 3 /update 78

Event

South Korea will further tighten travel rules due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Officials will designate Nigeria as high-risk from Dec. 3 until further notice. Effective 00:01 Dec. 3, all permitted inbound international travelers must also quarantine for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status. Exemptions are possible for certain categories such as executives, public officials, and those traveling for compassionate reasons. Returning citizens, long-term residents, and some relatives of these groups - except if from designated high-risk countries - can self-quarantine, while non-residents must quarantine at designated facilities at their own expense. Three COVID-19 tests, in addition to the pre-departure test, are necessary for arrivals from high-risk countries before exiting quarantine. The rule is applicable until at least 23:59 Dec. 16.

Effective Dec. 4, authorities will ban direct flights to Ethiopia - the only African destination with direct flights from South Korea - until 23:59 Dec. 17. The government confirmed that repatriation flights would remain available.

Domestic Restrictions
Most businesses, including restaurants and cafes, may operate without time limits; the relaxation does not apply to some entertainment venues. Officials allow gatherings of up to 10 people in Greater Seoul and 12 people in other regions; the guideline applies regardless of participants' vaccination status. However, dine-in groups may include no more than four unvaccinated people. The authorized capacity limit for indoor sporting, religious, and wedding events is up to 100 people, regardless of vaccination status, and up to 500 vaccinated people.

Nationwide measures remain in effect. Individuals must wear masks in public places, indoor public areas, and on public transportation. Officials encourage employers to maintain or gradually ease telecommuting arrangements; previous guidelines advised 30 percent of staff to telecommute. Individuals need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test to enter some high-risk establishments, including senior care, recreational, and indoor sports facilities. 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. Commercial disruptions are possible at any establishment that violates COVID-19-related rules or where outbreaks occur. The government will close non-compliant businesses for 10 days after a first infraction; fines are possible. Several major industrial plants and offices have also temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19. Provincial and city governments may adjust curbs based on local COVID-19 activity.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials maintain tightened restrictions for travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe since Dec. 1 due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant; authorities will add Nigeria to the list from Dec. 3. Foreigners with travel or transit history in these countries within the last 14 days cannot enter South Korea; diplomatic and official visa holders are exempt from the ban. Returning South Korean citizens who have recently been to the affected locations must present a negative result from a PCR test taken before departure, quarantine at designated facilities for 10 days, and undergo further PCR tests upon arrival; the rules apply to all entrants regardless of vaccination status. Additional countries with reported cases of COVID-19 variants may face similar measures at short notice.

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. 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 foreign residents must obtain permits before departing South Korea to facilitate any planned re-entry.

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