COVID-19 ProtocolS for Visitors to Korea
As of January 11th, 2022
Source: pixabay
In the fourth quarter of 2021 COVID-19 cases worldwide seemed to be decreasing, however after the emergence of the Omicron variant the situation has changed, affecting daily life and international travel once again. Daily COVID-19 cases in Korea were up over 7,000 per day in late December, reaching the highest number of daily confirmed cases in Korea since the beginning of the pandemic. Following new restrictions the situation has improved in January, but Korea is still seeing over 3,000 new cases daily.
Significant changes were made to the entry protocols for visitors to Korea on December 2nd, 2021. From December 2nd onward, Korea has suspended the issuance of all general quarantine exemptions until further notice. All Korean citizens and foreigners entering Korea will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine period, regardless of vaccination status. As before, all visitors are required to get a PCR test within 24 hours upon arrival.
For the past week, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has remained steady, averaging 3,608 per day from January 5th to January 11th. Most cases continue to be from local transmission. As of 11th of January, 86.5% of the population has received their first vaccine shot and 85.1% are fully vaccinated and over 40% of the population received a booster shot.
Protocols as of January 07th 2022
We will summarize as many issues as possible that pertain to foreign visitors to Korea during current 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 regarding your individual circumstances before relying on this information in your planning.
Omicron High-risk Countries:
Travelers from Omicron variant high-risk countries are restricted from short-term visits to Korea. At present this includes only the following 11 countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia.
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. Digital images will not be accepted. 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 or third vaccination shot and less than 180 days after the second shot. Currently the third vaccination shot is acceptable regardless of how long it has been. Also, Korea requires vaccinations shots to be from a manufacturer that is internationally approved by the WHO (i.e., Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac).
The majority of buildings in Korea require all entrants to provide a digital or printed COVID-19 vaccination record (proof of full vaccination). To obtain a digital vaccination record, vaccination documents must be registered at a local health center and updated to Korea’s “COvid Overcome” (COOV) application (for more information regarding COOV please visit https://ncv.kdca.go.kr/menu.es?mid=a12507000000) or domestically approved through the traveler’s home country methodology (e.g., a CDC Vaccination Record card, etc.).
Vaccination documents must be a hard copy in English or Korean and include: name, date of birth, type of vaccine, vaccination date, vaccination facility and signature of the facility in which it was issued.
Quarantine: At present, quarantine exemptions are very restricted and seem to be granted in only a very limited number of cases. Unless a traveler has applied and received a quarantine exemption, all travelers arriving in Korea are subject to 10 days’ quarantine upon arrival. Korea residents may quarantine at their home, but short-term 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 test is also required to be issued within a specified period before boarding your return flight (US within 24 hours). The time period and the type of test accepted may vary based on destination and air carrier. We recommend checking with the airline website and your home country Embassy or Foreign Ministry website before traveling. Care is recommended because not all local testing sites issue the required 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 best 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 hotel staff to inform you regarding the appropriate local public health center for testing.
Social Distancing: The recommended basic social distance is 2 meters (6 feet) between individuals (when standing in line, waiting for the bus, etc.) However, in general, visitors find Koreans to be more reliant on physical protections such as universal mask wearing, ubiquitous hand sanitizer availability, and frequent plastic shielding in cafes and restaurants, rather than observing the same level of physical distancing as may be practiced in other countries.
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. Be sure to check the current level and restrictions at http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/ - click on English for a translation.
Dining: Groups of no more than four vaccinated people may sit together. If one person is unvaccinated, they will have to sit alone. The government is restricting business hours to 9pm for dining in, but food deliveries are allowed after 9pm.
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 visitor’s stated phone 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. This is mainly to track and notify guests to undergo testing in case of a COVID-19 exposure situation. The QR code is simpler and saves time, but to date is only available to citizens and residents and not visitors.
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.
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