South Korea: Officials further tighten social distancing measures nationwide from Dec. 18 due to COVID-19 activity /update 80

Event

Authorities plan to further tighten social distancing measures across South Korea Dec. 18-Jan. 2 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The government will reduce the gathering limit to four people nationwide, regardless of participants' vaccination status; current rules allow gatherings of six people in Greater Seoul and eight people in other regions. Dine-in and most entertainment facilities must close by 21:00; other venues and recreational places like casinos, cinema halls, and gaming centers may open up to 22:00. Most schools can only function at two-thirds capacity. Revised attendance limits for events are 50 people regardless of vaccination status and up to 299 fully vaccinated people.

Strict controls on international arrivals will continue through at least Jan. 6. They include an entry ban for short-term visitors from certain African nations, suspension of commercial flight services from Ethiopia, and the imposition of a 10-day quarantine for international arrivals except for passengers from Saipan and Singapore under travel bubble arrangements.

Domestic Measures
Individuals must wear facemasks in public places, indoor public areas, and on public transportation. Officials are imposing a vaccine or PCR test entry requirement on most public venues, including care and entertainment facilities. The government has also asked businesses to employ telecommuting, staggered shifts, and virtual meetings to the extent possible.

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
South Korea permits entry for residents, including long-term visa holders. Visa-free and visa-waiver programs with most countries remain suspended; however, travelers from the European Union (EU) and Schengen countries can enter without a visa for 90 days. Short-term foreign visitors with travel or transit history in high-risk countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe cannot enter South Korea, except for diplomatic and official visa holders. Permitted arrivals from high-risk countries must quarantine for 10 days in a designated facility and undergo four COVID-19 tests.

Inbound passengers must present evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure; exceptions are possible for children under age six and South Korean nationals traveling 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.

All permitted inbound international travelers must quarantine for 10 days and undergo three COVID-19 tests, regardless of vaccination status. Exemptions are possible for specific categories such as executives, public officials, and people traveling for compassionate reasons, such as funerals. Entrants from Saipan and Singapore under travel bubble arrangements are also exempt. Nonresidents must quarantine at designated facilities at their own expense. Returning citizens, long-term residents, and some relatives of these groups can self-quarantine, except if from designated high-risk countries.

Authorities are banning flights from Ethiopia, the only location with direct flights to South Korea, through at least Jan. 6; the government plans to arrange some repatriation flights for stranded residents.

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