South Korea: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions through May 2; tighter measures likely in urban areas /update 58

Event

South Korea has extended current domestic restrictions through at least May 2 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. Nonessential public gatherings of more than four people remain banned nationwide; officials permit groups of up to eight direct family members. The government requires individuals to wear facemasks on public transportation, in most public indoor areas, and at large gatherings. Authorities may fine people not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks up to KRW 100,000 (USD 89). Level 1.5 restrictions, the second-lowest tier, will remain in effect for most areas of the country. Under the Level 1.5 restrictions, private events remain limited to 500 people, while the size of public events, such as sports competitions and religious gatherings, is capped at 30-percent capacity.

Level 2 restrictions will continue in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, and Busan. However, local governments in other major cities, including Daejeon, and Jeonju, are implementing Level 2 controls. Authorities limit private events to 100 people, and public venues may operate at 10 percent of capacity. Entertainment businesses, cafes, restaurants, and fitness centers must close by 22:00; the central government has empowered local officials to reduce operating hours to 21:00 depending on COVID-19 activity. The central government has also advised entertainment businesses in Level 2 areas to close through May 2; however, affected companies may stay open with local officials' permission if they promise to strictly adhere to social distancing requirements.

High-risk businesses must participate in a contact-tracing system requiring patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code for scanning before entering designated establishments. Companies can manually record contact information if necessary. Businesses must also enforce facemask requirements on their premises. Companies violating these directives may be closed for up to two weeks or fined up to KRW 3 million (USD 2,671). Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19; commercial disruptions are possible at any establishment where outbreaks occur.

Travel Restrictions
South Korea continues to suspend visa-free and visa-waiver programs with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens and travelers with short-term visas issued before April 5, 2020. South Korean residents, including long-term visa holders, can enter the country. Most foreign residents must obtain permits before departing South Korea to facilitate any planned re-entry. All permitted foreign nationals must submit a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. South Koreans traveling from African nations, the UK, South Africa, and Brazil must submit a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country. Most flights from the UK remain banned through at least April 1 due to concerns over new COVID-19 variants; flights from South Korea to the UK can continue to operate, though service disruptions are occurring.

Authorities allow "fast track" entry for essential business trips and official travel from mainland China, Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In addition to pre-departure testing, fast-track travelers must take another COVID-19 test upon arrival, await the result before entering South Korea, and abide by health surveillance procedures.

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. All international travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon entry. South Korean nationals, long-term residents, and some relatives of these groups can self-quarantine in their residence. Other travelers must quarantine at government-designated facilities at their own expense.

Officials continue to ban cruise ships from docking at ports in the country. Busan requires vessels carrying seafarers who are nationals of or have a travel history to Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan Gamcheon Port to use the QR code system for contact tracing upon entry.

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