South Korea: Officials extend COVID-19 restrictions nationwide through at least Feb. 14 /update 51

Event

Officials have expanded current social distancing restrictions across South Korea through at least Feb. 14 amid ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Authorities are keeping most of the country at Level 2, the third-highest tier, of the government's COVID-19 response plan. A ban on private groups of more than four people will continue. The government requires individuals nationwide to wear facemasks on public transportation, in most public indoor areas, and at large gatherings. Officials will issue a fine of KRW 100,000 (USD 89) for individuals not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks.

Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, remains under Level 2.5, the second-highest level. Many public establishments, including department stores, private schools, in-person dining, and entertainment facilities, must close by 2100. Restaurants and cafes must stop indoor dining at that time, though takeaway service can continue. Officials will reduce bus and subway services to 70-percent of normal operations from 2100 daily.

High-risk businesses are required to participate in a contact tracing-system requiring personnel to scan a quick response (QR) code before allowing patrons to enter establishments. Owners can manually record contact information if necessary. Businesses must also enforce facemask requirements on their premises. Officials could suspend operations or issue fines of up to KRW 3 million (USD 2,717) for companies violating the order. Temporary business closures are likely to occur at any establishments where employees or patrons test positive for COVID-19. Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19; further disruptions are likely at facilities where outbreaks occur.

Officials continue to ban cruise ships from docking at ports in the country, including Jeju. Busan requires vessels carrying seafarers entering Gamcheon Port that are nationals of or have a travel history to Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan to use the QR code system for contact tracing. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations, but service remains limited. International flight disruptions are likely to continue amid decreased demand.

Travel Restrictions
Officials are suspending direct flights from the UK through at least Feb. 11. South Korea flights to the UK continue to operate, though disruptions are likely. Passengers from South Africa and the UK can still enter South Korea; however, officials have suspended visa issuance for these countries, except for diplomatic, official, and humanitarian purposes. Arrivals from South Africa and the UK must undergo a 14-day quarantine, usually in hotels or residences. Passengers traveling from or transiting South Africa or the UK must also present confirmation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, regardless of nationality.

Visa-free and visa-waiver programs remain suspended with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens. Long-term visa holders in South Korea must obtain permits before departing the country and present medical screenings with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before re-entry. Authorities have suspended visa-free entry for foreign sailors, who must obtain visas and provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test result issued within 48 hours before departure to enter the country. The government is limiting visas and flight capacity for passengers from Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. Officials also require a medical certificate confirming that inbound travelers received a negative PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of departure. Diplomats and people on urgent business travel from these high-risk countries are exempt from the restriction.

Authorities allow "fast track" entry for essential business trips and official travel from mainland China, Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Under the agreements, inbound travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 71-96 hours, depending on the country, and a health certificate. Travelers must also take another COVID-19 test upon arrival, await the result before entering South Korea, and continue to abide by health surveillance procedures.

Authorities require all inbound foreigners to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Officials also require all foreign crew boarding vessels bound for South Korea to submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Mandatory screenings are ongoing for international arrivals at all ports of entry nationwide. Authorities in Seoul require all inbound passengers remaining in the city to undergo COVID-19 tests upon arrival. Officials will screen travelers with COVID-19 symptoms immediately and transport other passengers from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul's designated testing facilities. A 14-day self-quarantine requirement remains in place for all international travelers, regardless of testing outcomes. Officials will quarantine foreigners who do not have a residence in South Korea at government facilities at the traveler's expense.

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. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ministry of Health and Welfare