South Korea: Authorities lift pre-departure test requirements for international arrivals from Sept. 3 /update 95

Event

Officials in South Korea will lift pre-departure test requirements for inbound air and sea international passengers from Sept. 3. Travelers will no longer need to hold a negative RAT or PCR test result taken within 24 and 48 hours, respectively, before departure. However, travelers must continue to take a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival in South Korea.

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. Passport holders from eligible countries need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) before entering South Korea. Travelers must take a PCR test within one day of arrival. Passengers can pre-book a PCR test at Incheon International Airport (ICN) or take the test at an approved medical facility; travelers must register their test results on the Q-code website. Individuals that test positive will need to quarantine for seven days. South Korean nationals and Alien Registration Card (ARC) holders can self-quarantine at home, while short-term visitors must quarantine at a designated quarantine facility. Arrivals are subject to mandatory screenings at points of entry. An entry ban is in effect for travelers from Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, as well as some areas in Russia and Belarus bordering Ukraine, through Jan. 31.

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)