03 Jun 2022 | 05:31 AM UTC
South Korea: Authorities to lift quarantine requirements for unvaccinated arrivals from June 8 /update 92
South Korea to lift quarantine requirements for unvaccinated arrivals from June 8. COVID-19 test requirements remain in place.
Event
South Korea will lift a seven-day quarantine requirement for unvaccinated arrivals from June 8. All international arrivals must continue to take pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests. Officials will also normalize the number of international flights and lift the curfew for arrivals at Incheon International Airport (ICN).
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. Travelers must take a PCR test within three days after entry. 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.
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)
