COVID-19 ProtocolS for Visitors to Korea

As of November 17th, 2021

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Korea revised its protocol for visitors to Korea on November 1^st. There have been some noteworthy improvements in the protocol for visitors coming to Korea.  The mandatory self-quarantine for has been reduced from 14 days to 10.  Visitors who are able to get an exemption need quarantine for only one day.  As before, all visitors are required to get a PCR test upon arrival, however individuals with an exemption may travel freely as soon as they receive a negative test result.

The number of confirmed COVID 19 cases has remained steady, averaging 2,420 per day from November 11^th to November 17^th. The vast majority of cases continue to be from local transmission, with imported cases accounting for about 1% of the total. As of 17^th of November, 81.9% of the population has received their first vaccine shot and 78.4% are fully vaccinated.

The government is turning to a “Living with COVID 19” approach and there are ongoing plans to reduce social distancing restrictions.  The protocol will be reviewed every six weeks. Restrictions will be renewed based on vaccination percentages, available hospital beds, number of weekly severe patients and deaths and the number of active COVID 19 cases. Future expected relaxations include fewer restrictions for multiuse facilities and small businesses, large events and personal gatherings. Also, Korea has implemented incentives for fully-vaccinated people.

Protocols as of November 1^st 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, and are subject to constant revision and may be interpreted differently by those responsible for implementing them. As this is a general guide, please check for your individual circumstances before relying on this information in your planning.

Entering Korea during COVID19:

A passport and printed PCR test results are required to board a plane to Korea, while a Health Declaration Form and Travel Report Declaration will be provided during the flight. When entering the country all four documents are required.

'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 from a manufacturer that is approved (i.e, WHO approved Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac). The vaccination documents must be registered to Korea’s COOV application (for more information regarding COOV https://ncv.kdca.go.kr/menu.es?mid=a12507000000) or domestically approved through the traveler’s home country methodology (e.g., CDC Vaccination Record card, etc.). 

*Excluded from the low-risk countries (applies from 2021 Nov 1^st to 30^th):

Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Brazil, Republic of Surinam, Angola, Uzbekistan, Djibouti, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Peru and the Philippines.

Quarantine: All unvaccinated travelers arriving in Korea are subject to 10 days’ quarantine upon arrival. Korea residents may quarantine at their home, but visitors must stay in a government-designated facility. Facility quality varies. The cost to the visitor is KRW 1.68 million per person (or just over USD 1000) for the 10-day period, inclusive of all food provided.

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 commercial flight to Korea.  (Specifications for a PCR testing certificate are included as supplemental information at the end of this document.) Upon arrival, all visitors are subject to a subsequent PCR test within one day of arrival.  Anyone who tests positive is immediately placed in a hospital or treatment center, and will be released after receiving 2 consecutive negative PCR tests. While there is no official timeline for this, anecdotal evidence suggests that it takes from 10 to 20 days to return two consecutive negative PCR tests. The visitor will be responsible for payment of all treatment and accommodations.

A negative PCR test is also required to be issued within 72 hours before boarding 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 it is recommended to reserve sufficient time in your itinerary to complete the necessary testing.

For the PCR test upon arrival, test center information may be available at the airport. Additionally, you could ask your taxi driver or the hotel to inform you regarding the local public health center for testing.  

Social Distancing:  The basic social distance is 2 meters (6 feet) between individuals (when standing in line, waiting for the bus, etc.)

Guidance Levels:  Korea has 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 and restrictions.  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 10 people may sit together (outside of Seoul metropolitan area, 12). However, there are limits of four per table for those who are not fully vaccinated. The government has also lifted restrictions on business hours for multiuse facilities and small businesses, while entertainment facilities still may only operate until 12 am.

Masks:  A mask must be worn at all times (except when alone in your hotel room or exercising outdoors with adequate social distancing).  The Korean government has put in place a fine of approximately KRW 100,000 for not wearing a mask. The recommended masks are 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, and non-compliant individuals are shunned by the public and could be accosted by citizens (usually only verbally).

Tracing:  All visitors are required to have a smart phone and upon arrival must install an application on the mobile phone which tracks where you go.  The validity of the number is verified on the spot and health authorities will 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 and vaccination information.  Many buildings and all restaurants require guests to register when entering either by scanning their QR code or by recording 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 vaccine status tracking and electronic certificate application to also support foreigners.

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.

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).

• Four hard copies are required to entry and digital copies are not acceptable.
• Documents will only be acceptable for one month.
• PRC tests are required during the visit and if not applied the Exemptions will be canceled.
• 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 10 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.