South Korea: Authorities ease indoor facemask mandate as of Jan. 30 amid decreasing COVID-19 cases /update 99

Event

South Korea has lifted mandatory facemask rules in most indoor locations as of Jan. 30. However, individuals must continue to wear a facemask on public transport and at medical facilities. Minimal international travel restrictions remain in effect.

International Travel Restrictions
Visa-free and visa-waiver programs have resumed, with some exceptions. Passport holders from eligible countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) at least 72 hours before entry; to access the form, click here.

Authorities encourage all incoming travelers to register their travel information on the Q-Code platform before departure for South Korea. To access the platform, click here.

Arrivals are subject to health screenings at all points of entry, and officials could conduct a PCR test for travelers displaying COVID-19 symptoms. All international travelers that test positive must quarantine for seven days. South Korean nationals and Alien Registration Card (ARC) holders can self-quarantine at home, while short-term visitors generally must quarantine at a designated quarantine facility.

Travelers entering from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau are required to present proof of a negative result from a PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 48 and 24 hours respectively before departure. Individuals must use the virtual Q-Code platform to submit their test result, and register their domestic address and contact information before departure. Inbound passengers who have visited mainland China within seven days prior must take a PCR test within 24 hours after arriving in South Korea. Travelers from Hong Kong and Macau are not required to take a post-arrival PCR test, but individuals displaying COVID-19 symptoms must take a PCR test on arrival. Individuals testing positive must quarantine for seven days. Authorities could make exemptions under certain conditions.

Officials continue to restrict the issuance of short-term visas for travelers from China through Feb. 28; authorities will make exemptions for diplomatic, business, and humanitarian reasons. Passenger flights arriving from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau may only land at Incheon International Airport (ICN).

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
Korea Tourism Organization
Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) system