South Korea: Authorities amend on-arrival test requirements for international travelers as of June 1 /update 91

Event

South Korea has eased on-arrival COVID-19 test requirements for international arrivals as of June 1. Passengers must take a PCR test within three days after entry. Officials no longer mandate travelers take a rapid antigen test (RAT) on day six or seven after arrival but continue to recommend the additional testing.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks are mandatory in indoor public areas, including public transport, and outdoor events with more than 50 people. Authorities require COVID-19 cases to self-isolate for seven days. Officials recommend cohabitators of COVID-19 cases take a PCR test within three days of the patient's positive test and a RAT on the seventh day or last day of their household member's self-isolation period.

International Travel Restrictions
South Korea permits entry for most fully vaccinated travelers and returning residents. Visa-free and visa-waiver programs have resumed; an updated list of permitted locations is available here. Inbound air passengers must hold a negative RAT or PCR test result taken within 24 and 48 hours, respectively, before departure. Maritime arrivals must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure. Exceptions are possible, including children under age six and South Korean nationals traveling for humanitarian reasons or who tested positive for COVID-19 between 10 and 40 days before their flight. Arrivals are subject to mandatory screenings at points of entry.

Most fully vaccinated entrants must register on the Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) website to forego quarantine. South Korea considers a person fully vaccinated if they received a booster or completed two vaccine doses 14-180 days before departure. Permitted inbound international travelers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for seven days.

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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Ministry of Health and Welfare COVID-19
Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code)
Korea Tourism Organization (Korea Travel Safety Guidelines)