South Korea: Authorities to require pre-departure testing for travelers from Hong Kong and Macau from Jan. 7 /update 98

Event

South Korea will require travelers from Hong Kong and Macau to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result within 48 and 24 hours respectively before departure from Jan. 7. The strengthened measures are part of curbs placed on arrivals from mainland China in effect since Jan. 2. Passengers must submit their test result to the virtual Q-Code platform before boarding. Travelers are not required to take a post-arrival PCR test, but individuals displaying COVID-19 symptoms must take a PCR test on arrival and will need to quarantine at a designated facility for seven days if their result is positive.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks are mandatory in indoor public areas, including on public transport and in healthcare facilities. Additional domestic curbs, such as gathering restrictions and testing mandates, are likely to vary by province.

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. 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.

Tighter curbs are in effect for travelers from mainland China. Inbound passengers must take a PCR test within 24 hours after arriving in South Korea; individuals testing positive must quarantine for seven days. Effective Jan. 5, travelers from mainland China 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. Authorities will make exemptions under certain conditions. Inbound travelers from China must use the virtual Q-Code platform to register their domestic address and contact information before departure.

Officials are also restricting the issuance of short-term visas for travelers from China Jan. 2-31; authorities will make exemptions for diplomatic, business, and humanitarian reasons.

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