COVID-19
ProtocolS for Visitors to Korea
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 August 2021 - 26 countries): Arrivals from the following countries are
ineligible for exemption: South Africa, Nepal,
Russia, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil,
Vietnam, Republic of Suriname, Haiti, Angola, UAE, Kingdom of eSwatini, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, India, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Chile, Paraguay, Philippines, Kuwait, and
Trinidad and Tobago. 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.
'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,
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,
and all retail establishments.
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)
Ÿ Testing
method:
Ø Based
on NAATs (Nucleic acid amplification tests)
Ø PCR,
LAMP, TMA, SDA, NEAR are compatible while RAT, ELISA and at-home-tests will not
be recognized.
Ÿ Issue date: within 72 hours before departure
Ÿ Information
required on the certificate:
Ø Name
(as displayed on passport)
Ø Date
of birth
Ø Passport
number
Ø Testing
method
Ø Date
of test
Ø Result
of test
Ø Date
issued
Ø Testing
entity
Ÿ Test result must be negative
Ÿ Language of certificate: must be in Korean or English
Ÿ Children younger than six will be exempted if all
other 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).
Ÿ
Sponsor: A Korean organization
must sponsor the visitor and take responsibility for the visitor's compliance.
Ÿ
Documents:
Ø 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.
Ø Certificate
of immunization: Full vaccination is required.
Ø Passport
copy
Ø Certificate
of employment
Ø Confirmation
of accommodation
Ø 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.
