South Korea: Officials extend domestic curbs through April 3, to exempt some fully vaccinated arrivals from quarantine from March 21 /update 87

Event

Authorities have extended nationwide domestic curbs through April 3 amid COVID-19 activity. Officials will increase the cap for private gatherings from six to eight people from March 21.

Additionally, from March 21, authorities will allow exemption from quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals who obtained their vaccination in South Korea or have registered their overseas vaccination history at a Korean public health center. An exemption from quarantine will also be in place for fully vaccinated arrivals who have registered their overseas vaccination history on the Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) system before traveling from April 1.

Domestic Measures
Dine-in, performance and cinema halls, and most entertainment facilities like casinos and gaming centers, must close by 23:00. Most schools can only function at two-thirds capacity. Events are limited to 50 people if any participants are unvaccinated and up to 299 for fully vaccinated people. 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 and visitations at nursing homes are prohibited.

Facemasks are mandatory in public places, indoor public areas, and on public transport. Food establishments located within such locations must continue to enforce vaccine or PCR test entry requirements. The government also continues to ask 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. 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.

Officials require permitted inbound travelers to quarantine for seven days as of March 19; authorities will reintroduce quarantine exemptions for some fully vaccinated travelers from March 21. 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. Travelers eligible for self-quarantine must use their own vehicle or designated buses, trains, or taxis instead of public transport to reach their residence. Entrants from Saipan and Singapore under travel bubble arrangements are exempt from quarantine.

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 COVID-19
Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code)