South Korea travel restrictions

South Korea Latest News: Authorities extend suspension of direct flights from U.K. until 28 January (Gov.UK, 20.01.2021). South Korea’s authorities extend ban on flights from U.K. by one week, require negative COVID-19 test from arrivals from Brazil (Yonhap, 19.01.2021).

International Restrictions:
*International travel: On 15 January the Government of the Republic of Korea announced that the temporary suspension of direct flights from the UK to South Korea will be extended until 28 January 2021.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by air are required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 72 hours of departure. The same requirement will apply from 15 January 2021 to all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by sea. More details can be found from the local South Korean Embassy.
All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) after entering South Korea. Arrivals will be taken for testing and must remain at the testing facility until a negative result has been secured. All must then begin quarantine for 14 days. Anyone who tests positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of 120,000KRW (USD 110 approx) while in government quarantine facilities.
There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged.
If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.
You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport).
Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Data collection: Individuals from the UK will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App.
Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
South Korean officials have expanded tighter gathering and business restrictions to the entire country as of 5 January. Authorities also extended the measures, previously only in effect for the Greater Seoul region, through 17 January. Under the enhanced restrictions, the central government bans private groups of more than four people. However, officials have allowed winter recreation facilities, such as ski slopes, to reopen, though they must limit customers to one-third capacity. These venues must close 2100-0500 daily; hotels can continue to accommodate up to 50 percent of guest capacity. Many tourist attractions and national parks remain closed. Authorities will also require all inbound foreigners to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure starting 8 January. Restaurants can only host patrons until 2100 daily; takeaway and delivery service can continue. High-risk entertainment facilities, including nightclubs and bars, must close. Authorities only allow one-third of students at most government schools; two-thirds of students can attend high school. Tighter measures continue in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, which remain under Level 2.5, the second-highest level. Authorities also continue to prohibit spectators at sporting events and in-person services at cafes. Many public establishments, including department stores, private schools, in-person dining, and entertainment facilities, must close by 2100. Evening bus and subway services operate at 70-percent of regular services after 2100 daily. Schools in Seoul have suspended in-person classes. 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 92) for individuals not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks. 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 2,760) 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 who are nationals of or have travel history to Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan entering Gamcheon Port to use the QR code system to enhance contact tracing for crew members. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations, but service remains limited. International flight disruptions are likely to continue amid decreased demand.

*Public spaces and services: Face masks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions and requirements should the level rise you should check the South KoreaDisease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) andMinistry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You can find information on any local variations on the COVID-19 response on the metropolitan and provincial government websites as follows:
• Seoul Metropolitan government
• Busan Metropolitan City
• Daegu Metropolitan City
• Incheon Metropolitan City
• Gwangju City
• Daejeon Metropolitan City
• Ulsan Metropolitan City
• Sejong City
• North Chungcheong
• South Chungcheong
• Gangwon
• Gyeonggi
• North Gyeongsan
• South Gyeongsang
• North Jeolla
• South Jeolla
• Jeju

South Korea Latest News: Authorities extend suspension of direct flights from U.K. until 21 January (SME Times, 06.01.2021).

International Restrictions:
*Testing / screening on arrival: All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by air are required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 72 hours of departure. The same requirement will apply from 15 January 2021 to all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by sea. More details can be found from the local South Korean Embassy.
All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) after entering South Korea. Arrivals will be taken for testing and must remain at the testing facility until a negative result has been secured. All must then begin quarantine for 14 days. Anyone who tests positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of 120,000KRW (USD 110 approx) while in government quarantine facilities.
There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged.
If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.
You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport).
Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Data collection: Individuals from the UK will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App.
Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
South Korean officials have expanded tighter gathering and business restrictions to the entire country as of 5 January. Authorities also extended the measures, previously only in effect for the Greater Seoul region, through 17 January. Under the enhanced restrictions, the central government bans private groups of more than four people. However, officials have allowed winter recreation facilities, such as ski slopes, to reopen, though they must limit customers to one-third capacity. These venues must close 2100-0500 daily; hotels can continue to accommodate up to 50 percent of guest capacity. Many tourist attractions and national parks remain closed. Authorities will also require all inbound foreigners to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure starting 8 January. Restaurants can only host patrons until 2100 daily; takeaway and delivery service can continue. High-risk entertainment facilities, including nightclubs and bars, must close. Authorities only allow one-third of students at most government schools; two-thirds of students can attend high school. Tighter measures continue in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, which remain under Level 2.5, the second-highest level. Authorities also continue to prohibit spectators at sporting events and in-person services at cafes. Many public establishments, including department stores, private schools, in-person dining, and entertainment facilities, must close by 2100. Evening bus and subway services operate at 70-percent of regular services after 2100 daily. Schools in Seoul have suspended in-person classes. 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 92) for individuals not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks. 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 2,760) 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 who are nationals of or have travel history to Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan entering Gamcheon Port to use the QR code system to enhance contact tracing for crew members. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations, but service remains limited. International flight disruptions are likely to continue amid decreased demand.

*Public spaces and services:
Face masks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions and requirements should the level rise you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You can find information on any local variations on the metropolitan and provincial government websites as follows:
• Seoul Metropolitan government
• Busan Metropolitan City
• Daegu Metropolitan City
• Incheon Metropolitan City
• Gwangju City
• Daejeon Metropolitan City
• Ulsan Metropolitan City
• Sejong City
• North Chungcheong
• South Chungcheong
• Gangwon
• Gyeonggi
• North Gyeongsan
• South Gyeongsang
• North Jeolla
• South Jeolla
• Jeju

South Korea Latest News: Government extends ban on direct flights from U.K. until 7 January 2021 (VoA, 28.12.2020). South Korean health authorities suspend inbound, outbound U.K. flights through 31 December (Xinhua, 23.12.2020).

International Restrictions:
Officials continue to suspend direct flights from the UK through at least Jan. 7. 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. Additionally, the government is no longer issuing exceptions to quarantine requirements through at least Jan. 17; 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, regardless of nationality, must also present confirmation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result.
*Entry to South Korea: South Korea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders). Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea. Direct flights from UK to South Korea are temporarily suspended until 7 January 2021. From 1 January 2021 all arrivals entering South Korea from the UK will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 48 hours of departure.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Testing / screening on arrival: From 1 January 2021, all arrivals entering South Korea from the UK will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 48 hours of departure.
From 8 January 2021, all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by air will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 48 hours of departure. The same requirement will apply from 15 January 2021 to all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by sea. Further information is available in the KDCA press release.
All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) after entering South Korea. Arrivals will be taken for testing and must remain at the testing facility until a negative result has been secured. All must then begin quarantine for 14 days. Anyone who tests positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities.
If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.
You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Data collection: Individuals from the UK will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
South Korean officials have expanded tighter gathering and business restrictions to the entire country as of 5 January. Authorities also extended the measures, previously only in effect for the Greater Seoul region, through 17 January. Under the enhanced restrictions, the central government bans private groups of more than four people. However, officials have allowed winter recreation facilities, such as ski slopes, to reopen, though they must limit customers to one-third capacity. These venues must close 2100-0500 daily; hotels can continue to accommodate up to 50 percent of guest capacity. Many tourist attractions and national parks remain closed. Authorities will also require all inbound foreigners to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure starting 8 January. Restaurants can only host patrons until 2100 daily; takeaway and delivery service can continue. High-risk entertainment facilities, including nightclubs and bars, must close. Authorities only allow one-third of students at most government schools; two-thirds of students can attend high school. Tighter measures continue in Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, which remain under Level 2.5, the second-highest level. Authorities also continue to prohibit spectators at sporting events and in-person services at cafes. Many public establishments, including department stores, private schools, in-person dining, and entertainment facilities, must close by 2100. Evening bus and subway services operate at 70-percent of regular services after 2100 daily. Schools in Seoul have suspended in-person classes. 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 92) for individuals not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks. 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 2,760) 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 who are nationals of or have travel history to Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan entering Gamcheon Port to use the QR code system to enhance contact tracing for crew members. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations, but service remains limited. International flight disruptions are likely to continue amid decreased demand.

*Public spaces and services:
Face masks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions and requirements should the level rise you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You can find information on any local variations on the metropolitan and provincial government websites as follows:
• Seoul Metropolitan government
• Busan Metropolitan City
• Daegu Metropolitan City
• Incheon Metropolitan City
• Gwangju City
• Daejeon Metropolitan City
• Ulsan Metropolitan City
• Sejong City
• North Chungcheong
• South Chungcheong
• Gangwon
• Gyeonggi
• North Gyeongsan
• South Gyeongsang
• North Jeolla
• South Jeolla
• Jeju

South Korea Latest News: Government extends ban on direct flights from U.K. until 7 January 2021 (VoA, 28.12.2020). South Korean health authorities suspend inbound, outbound U.K. flights through 31 December (Xinhua, 23.12.2020).

International Restrictions:
*Entry to South Korea: South Korea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders). Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea. Direct flights from UK to South Korea are temporarily suspended until 7 January 2021. From 1 January 2021 all arrivals entering South Korea from the UK will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 48 hours of departure.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.

South Korea International Restrictions:
*Entry to South Korea: South Korea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders). Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Data collection: There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. You must receive approval before you travel from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea where you are. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
*Public spaces and services:
Facemasks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions and requirements should the level rise you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You can find information on any local variations on provincial websites as follows:
• North Chungcheong
• South Chungcheong
• Gangwon
• Gyeonggi
• North Gyeongsan
• South Gyeongsang
• North Jeolla
• South Jeolla
• Jeju

South Korea International Restrictions:
*Entry to South Korea: Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Data collection: There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. You must receive approval before you travel from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea where you are. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
*Public spaces and services:
Facemasks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions and requirements should the level rise you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You can find information on any local variations on provincial websites as follows:
• North Chungcheong
• South Chungcheong
• Gangwon
• Gyeonggi
• North Gyeongsan
• South Gyeongsang
• North Jeolla
• South Jeolla
• Jeju

South Korea International Restrictions:
*Entry to South Korea: Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Data collection: There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. You must receive approval before you travel from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea where you are. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
*Public spaces and services: Facemasks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that from midnight Thursday 19 November until midnight Wednesday 2 December, social distancing level 1.5 will be implemented in Seoul city and neighbouring Gyeong-gi Province, with Incheon moving to the same level (1.5) from Monday 23 November.
For full details of the current restrictions, any local variations, and requirements should the level rise you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You should continue to monitor the KDCA website and follow local guidance.

South Korea International Restrictions:
*Entry to South Korea: Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Data collection: There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. You must receive approval before you travel from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea where you are. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
*Public spaces and services: Facemasks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea is currently at level 1 on its five-level national social distancing scale. Under this level facemasks are compulsory in most public places and on transport, and local authorities are able to impose their own restrictions in some circumstances. For full details of the current restrictions, any local variations, and requirements should the level rise you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You should continue to monitor the KDCA website and follow local guidance.

South Korea International Restrictions:
*Entry to South Korea: Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea.
*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website.
*Data collection: There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. You must receive approval before you travel from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea where you are. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:
Facemasks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won (£66). South Korea is currently at level 1 on its three-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions, and any local variations, you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare website (English). You should continue to monitor the KDCA website and follow local guidance.

South Korea *****International Restrictions:
Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea. **Transiting in South Korea: Transit passengers will receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport. All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. Individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website [http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/baroView.do?brdId=11&brdGubun=111&dataGubun=&ncvContSeq=&contSeq=&board_id=] There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

*****

Internal restrictions:

Many public buildings, as well as public transport and airlines, require masks to be worn. On 23 August, due to increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive cases, the South Korean government raised its social distancing requirements to Level 2 in its three-tier system across the country. Additional social distancing measures have been introduced for Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi areas, effective from 30 August to 6 September. For full details check the South Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) .[https://is.cdc.go.kr/upload_comm/syview/doc.html? fn=159765107610200.pdf&rs=/upload_comm/docu/0030/]. website (English). You should continue to monitor the KCDC website and follow local guidance.

South Korea *****International Restrictions:
Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea. **Transiting in South Korea: Transit passengers will receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport. All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days. All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. Individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged. If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors. You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website [http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/baroView.do?brdId=11&brdGubun=111&dataGubun=&ncvContSeq=&contSeq=&board_id=] There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

*****

Internal restrictions:

Many public buildings, as well as public transport and airlines, require masks to be worn. On 15 August, due to increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive cases, the South Korean government raised its social distancing requirements to Level 2 in its three-tier system for Seoul and neighbouring Gyeonggi province. For full details check the South Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) website (English). You should continue to monitor the KCDC website and follow local guidance.[https://is.cdc.go.kr/upload_comm/syview/doc.html?fn=159765107610200.pdf&rs=/upload_comm/docu/0030/].

South Korea *****International Restrictions:
From 10 August foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are permitted to enter South Korea. The Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a statement on Sunday, June 21, announcing they plan to limit the number of foreign nationals entering South Korea through a temporary restriction on visas and a ban on non-scheduled flights. Exceptions will be made for government officials and essential business trips.
From 1 June 2020, foreign nationals residing in South Korea on most types of long-term visa will need to apply for a re-entry permit at a local immigration office or at the airport before undertaking any travel out of South Korea. Those travelling with a re-entry permit will also be required to have a medical examination no earlier than 48 hours before they plan to return to South Korea, and to obtain a medical certificate in English or Korean to present to the Korean authorities on their arrival. The medical certificate must be signed by a medical professional at a recognised medical institution and include the date of the medical examination and either confirmation of a negative test for COVID-19 or a record of the presence or absence of fever, cough, chills, headache, breathing difficulty, muscle pain, and pulmonary symptoms. Long-term visa holders seeking to return to South Korea without a medical certificate may be refused entry. Long-term visa holders leaving South Korea without a re-entry permit will have their visa and Alien Registration Card cancelled and will need to obtain a new long-term visa before they can re-enter South Korea. Exceptions to this requirement include holders of A-1, A-2, A-3 and F-4 visas, or those issued with an Isolation Exemption Certificate by a Korean Embassy or consulate overseas. For further information, call the Korean Immigration Contact Centre (Tel: 1345) or see the official announcement here.
All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre.
For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days.
All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged.
You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website [http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/baroView.do?brdId=11&brdGubun=111&dataGubun=&ncvContSeq=&contSeq=&board_id=]
There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App.
Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.
Transit passengers will receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey.
If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.

*****

Internal restrictions:

Many public buildings, as well as public transport and airlines, require masks to be worn. On 15 August, due to increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive cases, the South Korean government raised its social distancing requirements to Level 2 in its three-tier system for Seoul and neighbouring Gyeonggi province. For full details check the South Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) website [https://is.cdc.go.kr/upload_comm/syview/doc.html?fn=159765107610200.pdf&rs=/upload_comm/docu/0030/].

South Korea The Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a statement on Sunday, June 21, announcing they plan to limit the number of foreign nationals entering South Korea through a temporary restriction on visas and a ban on non-scheduled flights. Exceptions will be made for government officials and essential business trips.

*****International Restrictions:
From 10 August foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are permitted to enter South Korea.
From 1 June 2020, foreign nationals residing in South Korea on most types of long-term visa will need to apply for a re-entry permit at a local immigration office or at the airport before undertaking any travel out of South Korea. Those travelling with a re-entry permit will also be required to have a medical examination no earlier than 48 hours before they plan to return to South Korea, and to obtain a medical certificate in English or Korean to present to the Korean authorities on their arrival. The medical certificate must be signed by a medical professional at a recognised medical institution and include the date of the medical examination and either confirmation of a negative test for COVID-19 or a record of the presence or absence of fever, cough, chills, headache, breathing difficulty, muscle pain, and pulmonary symptoms. Long-term visa holders seeking to return to South Korea without a medical certificate may be refused entry. Long-term visa holders leaving South Korea without a re-entry permit will have their visa and Alien Registration Card cancelled and will need to obtain a new long-term visa before they can re-enter South Korea. Exceptions to this requirement include holders of A-1, A-2, A-3 and F-4 visas, or those issued with an Isolation Exemption Certificate by a Korean Embassy or consulate overseas. For further information, call the Korean Immigration Contact Centre (Tel: 1345) or see the official announcement here.
All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre.
For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days.
All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged.
You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website [http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/baroView.do?brdId=11&brdGubun=111&dataGubun=&ncvContSeq=&contSeq=&board_id=]
There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App.
Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.
Transit passengers will receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey.
If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.

*****

Internal restrictions:

Masks are now compulsory in all ROK modes of public transportation (including taxis and domestic/international flights). Drivers and pilots are authorized to deny passengers who refuse to wear a mask.

South Korea The Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a statement on Sunday, June 21, announcing they plan to limit the number of foreign nationals entering South Korea through a temporary restriction on visas and a ban on non-scheduled flights. Exceptions will be made for government officials and essential business trips.

*****International Restrictions:
Foreign nationals who have been in Hubei province in China within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter South Korea.
From 1 June 2020, foreign nationals residing in South Korea on most types of long-term visa will need to apply for a re-entry permit at a local immigration office or at the airport before undertaking any travel out of South Korea. Those travelling with a re-entry permit will also be required to have a medical examination no earlier than 48 hours before they plan to return to South Korea, and to obtain a medical certificate in English or Korean to present to the Korean authorities on their arrival. The medical certificate must be signed by a medical professional at a recognised medical institution and include the date of the medical examination and either confirmation of a negative test for COVID-19 or a record of the presence or absence of fever, cough, chills, headache, breathing difficulty, muscle pain, and pulmonary symptoms. Long-term visa holders seeking to return to South Korea without a medical certificate may be refused entry. Long-term visa holders leaving South Korea without a re-entry permit will have their visa and Alien Registration Card cancelled and will need to obtain a new long-term visa before they can re-enter South Korea. Exceptions to this requirement include holders of A-1, A-2, A-3 and F-4 visas, or those issued with an Isolation Exemption Certificate by a Korean Embassy or consulate overseas. For further information, call the Korean Immigration Contact Centre (Tel: 1345) or see the official announcement here.
All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days. All individuals regardless of nationality who show coronavirus symptoms on arrival will be tested. Those who test positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre.
For those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence may self-quarantine at home. Arrivals from the USA and Europe must receive a test within three days; arrivals from elsewhere must receive a test within 14 days.
All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Arrivals from the USA and Europe will be tested on entry before transferring to the quarantine facility; arrivals from elsewhere will move to the quarantine facility and be tested within 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of around 100,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities. There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for those testing positive. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before successfully testing negative and being discharged.
You can find more information on Korean arrival procedures on the Government of the Republic of Korea website [http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/baroView.do?brdId=11&brdGubun=111&dataGubun=&ncvContSeq=&contSeq=&board_id=]
There are very limited exemptions from the self-quarantine system for important – primarily COVID-19 related – business, humanitarian or academic purposes. Those with an exemption will still be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App.
Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.
Transit passengers will receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey.
If you display symptoms or return a positive test result for COVID-19, you must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and you may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.

*****

Internal restrictions:

Masks are now compulsory in all ROK modes of public transportation (including taxis and domestic/international flights). Drivers and pilots are authorized to deny passengers who refuse to wear a mask.

South Korea Short-term visas (type C-1 and C-3) issued on or before 5 April are invalidated. 2. Visa exemptions for 90 nationalities with normal passport are temporarily suspended. – This does not apply to airline crew. – This does not apply to passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card. 3. Korean visas issued by the Wuhan Consulate in the Hubei Province are invalidated. 4. Visitors who have been in the Hubei Province (China People’s Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to transit or enter Korea (Rep.). 5. Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) with a passport issued in the Hubei Province are not allowed to transit or enter Korea (Rep.). 6. Passengers arriving from China (People’s Rep) must have a visa issued by Korea (Rep.) to transit through Korea (Rep.). – This not apply to nationals of Albania, Andorra, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Ireland (Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Palau, San Marino, Slovenia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, USA, Vatican City (Holy See) and Venezuela. – This not apply to passengers with a British passport. – This does not apply to passengers with a diplomatic, consular, official, service or special passport. 7. All passengers are subject to mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days. – This does not apply to airline crew. 8. Nationals and residents of Korea (Rep.) are required to install ‘Self-quarantine safety protection mobile app’. 9. Passengers and airline crew must install ‘Self-diagnosis Mobile App’ in their personal device and a completed Health Declaration Form and a Special Quarantine Declaration Form must be presented to the quarantine desk upon arrival. Effective 17 April 2020 at 20:00h: 1. All flights must arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) between 5:00 and 20:00. All passengers arriving in South Korea from overseas will be required to undergo two weeks of self-isolation.Those without local residence in South Korea will be quarantined at a government facility with a cost of approximately KRW100,000 per day. Mandatory testing of COVID-19 and 14-day quarantine is required for travellers (regardless of nationality) arriving from Europe. From 30 March, airlines are required to check the body temperature of all travellers to South Korea prior to departure. Travellers with a body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius will be denied entry. From 28 March, all travellers arriving from Europe or the US are advised to use private vehicles to transit to their place of residence from the airport. Those who do not have access to private vehicles are to use designated buses and trains allocated for these travellers. Travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 will be escorted to an isolation facility for further COVID-19 testing (travellers without symptoms will also be tested for COVID-19 in a separate facility). If test results are positive, patients will be escorted to designated hospitals or other medical facilities for treatment. All violators (incl. foreigners) of the self-quarantine requirement will be punished by relevant statutory law. International travellers can transit if they do not clear immigration and stay within the transit area for up to 24 hours.

Internal restrictions:

The country’s COVID-19 alert level has remained at RED (the highest on a four-tier scale) since 23 February. The country has officially shifted from ‘social distancing’ to ‘everyday life quarantine’ from 6 May. Businesses are allowed to resume at facilities in phases and gatherings are allowed to take place, following disinfection guidelines. After a new cluster was found on 8 May, all bars, clubs have been advised to remain closed until 8 June. Even under ‘everyday life quarantine’, Daegu will have more stringent measures, such as mandating masks in public transport from 13 May. Earlier, the authorities have allowed religious organisations and outdoor public recreational facilities to reopen on condition that social distancing rules are adhered to. Schools will resume in a phased manner starting from 13 May. The capital Seoul has ordered bars, clubs and other nightlife establishments to temporarily close until further notice. Additionally, subway passengers in Seoul travelling during peak hours will also require to wear masks. In Gyeonggi province, the local authorities have also banned all entertainment facilities from hosting crowds and announced that non-compliance will face penalties.

Source: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov/ncov-travel-restrictions-flight-operations-and-screening

South Korea 1. Short-term visas (type C-1 and C-3) issued on or before 5 April are invalidated.
2. Visa exemptions for 90 nationalities with normal passport are temporarily suspended.
– This does not apply to airline crew.
– This does not apply to passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card.
3. Korean visas issued by the Wuhan Consulate in the Hubei Province are invalidated.
4. Visitors who have been in the Hubei Province (China People’s Rep.) in the past 14 days are not allowed to transit or enter Korea (Rep.).
5. Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) with a passport issued in the Hubei Province are not allowed to transit or enter Korea (Rep.).
6. Passengers arriving from China (People’s Rep) must have a visa issued by Korea (Rep.) to transit through Korea (Rep.).
– This not apply to nationals of Albania, Andorra, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Ireland (Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Palau, San Marino, Slovenia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, USA, Vatican City (Holy See) and Venezuela.
– This not apply to passengers with a British passport.
– This does not apply to passengers with a diplomatic, consular, official, service or special passport.
7. All passengers are subject to mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days.
– This does not apply to airline crew.
8. Nationals and residents of Korea (Rep.) are required to install ‘Self-quarantine safety protection mobile app’.
9. Passengers and airline crew must install ‘Self-diagnosis Mobile App’ in their personal device and a completed Health Declaration Form and a Special Quarantine Declaration Form must be presented to the quarantine desk upon arrival.
Effective 17 April 2020 at 20:00h:
1. All flights must arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) between 5:00 and 20:00.

From 1 April all passengers arriving in South Korea from overseas will be required to undergo 14 days of self-isolation.
Those without local residence in South Korea will be quarantined at a government facility with a cost of approximately KRW1000,000 per day.
Travellers who hold A-1 visa, A-3 agreement visa, diplomats and their families are exempt from the 14-day mandatory self-isolation. Exemptions can also be made for travellers who receive permission from a South Korean Embassy to travel for the purposes of business, humanitarian work or participation in an academic forum.

From 30 March, airlines are required to check the body temperature of all travellers to South Korea prior to departure. Travellers with a body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius will be denied entry.
From 28 March, all travellers arriving from Europe or the US are advised to use private vehicles to transit to their place of residence from the airport. Those who do not have access to private vehicles are to use designated buses and trains allocated for these travellers.
Travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 will be escorted to an isolation facility for further COVID-19 testing (travellers without symptoms will also be tested for COVID-19 in a separate facility). If test results are positive, patients will be escorted to designated hospitals or other medical facilities for treatment.

Internal restrictions:

The country’s COVID-19 alert level has remained at RED (the highest on a four-tier scale) since 23 February.
The country has officially shifted from ‘social distancing’ to ‘everyday life quarantine’ from 6 May. Businesses are allowed to resume at facilities in phases and gatherings are allowed to take place, following disinfection guidelines.
Even under ‘everyday life quarantine’, Daegu will have more stringent measures, such as mandating masks in public transport from 13 May.