South Korea: Officials tighten COVID-19-related travel restrictions Jan. 20, domestic curbs continue through Feb. 6 /update 84

Event

South Korean authorities tightened international travel restrictions as of Jan. 20 amid increased COVID-19 activity; inbound passengers must now present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure.

Authorities have also been extended domestic restrictions through Feb. 6. Officials increased the cap on social gatherings from four to six people Jan. 17. Tighter curbs will be in effect Jan. 20-Feb. 2 during the Lunar New Year holiday. Visitations at nursing homes will be banned. Train operators may only sell limited tickets while ferries are encouraged to limit passenger capacity to 50 percent. Dine-in services at highway rest stops are prohibited. Additionally, inbound travelers to South Korea that are eligible for self-quarantine must use their own vehicle or designated buses, trains, or taxis instead of public transport to reach their residence upon arrival from Jan. 20.

Domestic Measures
Gatherings are limited to six people nationwide. Dine-in and most entertainment facilities must close by 21:00; the rule also applies to performance and cinema halls. Other venues and recreational establishments like casinos and gaming centers may open up to 22:00. Most schools can only function at two-thirds capacity. Events are limited to 50 people regardless of vaccination status and up to 299 fully vaccinated people.

Facemasks are mandatory in public places, indoor public areas, and on public transport. As of Jan. 18, officials have lifted vaccine or PCR test entry requirements for most public venues including entertainment and large commercial facilities, though food establishments located within such locations must continue to enforce the measures. 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 and require patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code before entry. 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. 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 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.

As of Jan. 20, inbound passengers must present evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 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 COVID-19 tests within 24 hours of arrival and on day 10 of quarantine, 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; new bookings for quarantine-free travel between South Korea are suspended as of Jan. 14. 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 have banned flights from Ethiopia through at least Feb. 3; 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