COVID-19 ProtocolS for Visitors to Korea
As of October 14th, 2021
The protocol for visitors coming to Korea remains largely unchanged since the article below was issued on August 20th. However, the prospect for the future seems to be brighter. Korea, like much of the world, is shifting to a 'living with COVID' strategy.
The number of daily new COVID cases exceeded 1,000 on July 7 and continued to rise to the all-time peak 3,272 on 25 September following the Chusok thanksgiving extended holiday. The number has fallen to under 2,000 new cases per day for the sixth straight day on 14 October in spite of increased testing. The vast majority of cases continue to be local transmissions with 'imported' cases accounting for less than 1%.
One magic date is November 9 when Korea is anticipated to achieve the target of 70% of the population fully vaccinated. As of 12 October, 78.1% have received their first shot and 60.8% are fully vaccinated.
On 12 October, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum suggested that a "vaccine pass" that would allow fully vaccinated individuals access to multiuse facilities would be considered.
International visitors have also benefited from changes in policies. The mandatory 14-day self-isolation requirement can be exempt (see description below) for arrivals from all but 20 countries according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The government is now recognizing vaccinations administered in other countries and expanding the tracking system to be available to foreigners. Quarantine exemptions are becoming easier to obtain. The outlook is good for easing of restrictions in the future. Please be sure to check carefully as you plan your travel to Korea. Documents are checked carefully upon arrival so be sure that you are in full compliance with the regulations and expect multiple PCR tests before boarding and upon arrival.
Protocols as of August 20th 2021
We will summarize as many issues as possible that pertain to foreign visitors to Korea during COVID-19 Restrictions. It should be noted that the regulations are not always consistent, subject to constant revision and interpreted differently by everyone involved. This is a general guide but please check for your individual circumstance.
Quarantine: All arrivals in Korea are subject to 14 days’ quarantine upon arrival. Residents can quarantine at home but visitors must stay in a government designated facility. Quality varies. The cost to the visitor is 1.68 million KRW per person (just over US$ 1400) for the 14-day period.
PCR testing: All visitors are required to submit proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction test result (PCR Test Certificate) in order to board a plane to Korea. (Specifications for a PCR testing certificate are presented as supplemental information at the end of this document.) Upon arrival, all visitors are subject to a subsequent PCR test. Anyone who tests positive is immediately placed in quarantine in a hospital or treatment center. The individual can be released after 2 consecutive negative PCR tests. There is no official timeline for this but anecdotal evidence suggests that it takes from 10 to 20 days to return two consecutive negative PCR tests. The visitor is responsible for payment of accommodations during treatment.
A PCR test is also required 72 hours before your return flight. Not all local testing sites issue proof of a negative test in English. Testing is done on a first come, first served basis rather than a reservation system, so sufficient time must be reserved in your itinerary for testing.
Quarantine Exemptions: Exemptions are sometimes granted for a limited number of legitimate reasons which include 'essential' business. Please see the process for obtaining an exemption at the end of this document.
Countries Ineligible for Exemption (as of October 2021 - 20 countries, valid from 1st to 31st October 2021): Arrivals from the following countries are ineligible for exemption: Namibia, South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Brazil, Republic of Surinam, Angola, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Zambia, Djibouti, Chile, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Peru and the Philippines. https://kdca.go.kr/
Tracing: All visitors are required to have a smart phone. An app is installed on the mobile phone upon arrival in Korea which tracks where you go. The validity of the number is verified on the spot and the health authorities occasionally call the number to verify your location. http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck/#app_2
QR Code for Tracing: Korean residents can install a QR code app on their mobile phone that contains contact information. Many buildings and all restaurants require guests to register when entering either by scanning their QR code or by leaving their name, address and mobile number. The QR code is simpler and saves time, but to date, is only available to residents and not visitors. The government is preparing COOV, a tracking and electronic certificate to also support foreigners.
'Fully vaccinated' definition: Certain exemptions and privileges are available to people who are 'fully vaccinated'. This is defined as two weeks after having received the second vaccination shot, which are approved (WHO approved AZ, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac).
Masks: A mask must be worn at all times (except when alone in your hotel room or exercising outdoors with adequate social distancing). The mask must be one that is approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KF-94, KF-80, KF-AD, surgical mask, etc.) or when not available, any mask that fully covers your mouth and nose. Individuals not wearing a mask are prohibited from entering any public building. There is universal compliance for mask wearing in Korea. Non-compliant individuals are shunned by the public and often accosted by citizens (usually only verbally).
Temperature check: Most buildings have a mandatory temperature check at the entrance, either a wrist reader or a facial scan.
Hand sanitizer: Sanitizer dispensers are installed virtually everywhere including building entrances, elevators, restrooms, all retail establishments and even on the street.
Social Distancing: The basic social distance is 2 meters (6 feet) between individuals (when standing in line, waiting for the bus, etc.)
Guidance Levels: There are 5 levels of guidance on restrictions on gathering and socializing, 5 being the most severe. Currently, Korea is at level 4 in major metropolitan areas and level 3 in rural areas. Be sure to check the current level. http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/ - click on English for a translation.
Dining: Dining restrictions are determined by the guidance level. Under level 4, no more than 4 people may sit together at lunch and after 6 pm, no more than 2 (or four when more than two people can show proof that they are 'fully vaccinated'). Restaurants and bars close at 9 pm. Obviously, masks can be removed while dining but should you stand to leave the table for any reason, the mask must be worn.
Meetings: Companies set their own regulations for staff density in the office. Many companies are working from home or rotating work days. It is normal to wear masks during meetings, particularly if there are more than 2 people present. Many companies have installed plexiglass partitions between participants for further safety. As
masks distort speech, extra care must be taken to ensure that messages are clearly understood.
Supplemental Information:
PCR Testing Certificate (requirements for inbound visitors)
- Testing method:
- Based on NAATs (Nucleic acid amplification tests)
- PCR, LAMP, TMA, SDA, NEAR are compatible while RAT, ELISA and at-home-tests will not be recognized.
- Issue date: within 72 hours before departure
- Information required on the certificate:
- Name (as displayed on passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Testing method
- Date of test
- Result of test
- Date issued
- Testing entity
- Test result must be negative
- Language of certificate: must be in Korean or English
- Children younger than six will be exempt if all other adult companions have an appropriate PCR Testing certificate
Exemptions to Quarantine for Essential Business: Exemptions are possible for certain compelling reasons which can include 'essential business'. The exemption for business travel is processed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).
- Sponsor: A Korean organization must sponsor the visitor and take responsibility for the visitor's compliance.
- Documents:
- Application form: Includes detailed itinerary, flight schedule, exact addresses to be visited and people you plan to meet (one contact person per meeting is sufficient.) This is often checked so accuracy is important.
- Certificate of immunization: Full vaccination is required.
- Passport copy
- Certificate of employment
- Confirmation of accommodation
- Confirmation of flights.
In our experience, the sponsor must work very closely with the visitor and the Ministry in order to complete the application. Multiple iterations are always involved. The application must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival.
We look forward to the day when international travel returns to normal and the issue of quarantine no longer exists. Until then, be smart, carefully plan essential travel and stay safe. Meanwhile, if you are planning a trip to Korea, let IRC guide your way.
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