South Korea: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related travel restrictions effective Jan. 2 amid rising international disease activity /update 97

Event

South Korean authorities have issued orders to tighten the country's COVID-19-related travel restrictions effective Jan. 2 amid rising international disease activity. Under the new directives, from Jan. 2, international travelers departing from China must take a PCR test within 24 hours after arriving in South Korea; individuals testing positive must quarantine for seven days. Additionally, effective Jan. 5, incoming passengers from China are required to present proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours 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 will also restrict the issuance of short-term visas for travelers from China Jan. 2-31; authorities will make exemptions for diplomatic, business, and humanitarian reasons.

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.

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