South Korea: Authorities to lift on-arrival PCR test requirement for travelers from China from March 1 /update 101

Event

South Korean authorities will no longer require travelers from China to undergo an on-arrival PCR test from March 1. Officials will also allow flights from China to land in airports other than Incheon International Airport (ICN). Inbound passengers from China must continue to submit a pre-departure COVID-19 test through March 10.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks are no longer required in most indoor public spaces, with some exceptions (e.g., healthcare facilities and public transportation). Additional domestic curbs, such as gathering restrictions and testing mandates, are likely to vary by province. Authorities may ease or expand existing restrictions depending on levels of domestic COVID-19 activity.

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. Travelers entering from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result taken within 48 or 24 hours, respectively, before departure.

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 may be 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. Officials may amend the existing measures at short notice.

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

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