South Korea is permitting all absolutely vaccinated worldwide guests with out quarantine restriction from April 1.
Additionally, all guests should current a damaging COVID-19 check outcome taken inside 72 hours earlier than departure.
Disclaimer: Journey restrictions and governmental rules can change quickly and the knowledge beneath is likely to be outdated inside just a few hours. Subsequently, double-check all data along with your embassy or on official web sites. Touring Way of life doesn’t take any duty in your choice to journey.
South Korea Reopening – Newest Updates
June – South Korea has lifted Necessary Quarantine for Unvaccinated Vacationers
Starting June 8, unvaccinated international guests to South Korea will no longer be required to watch a compulsory seven-day quarantine.
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo introduced the choice, throughout a gathering on pandemic containment on June 3
“Whereas there was a seven-day quarantine obligation for non-vaccinated international arrivals till now, such requirement will probably be eradicated from June 8 no matter their vaccination standing,” Prime Minister Han stated.
All vacationers visiting South Korea, however, will probably be required to submit a damaging polymerase chain response (PCR) check outcome previous to getting into the nation and to carry out a PCR check inside 72 hours of arriving.
Is South Korea open for tourism?
Sure, South Korea is open for tourism and dropped quarantine for absolutely vaccinated worldwide vacationers on April 1.
Who can journey to South Korea?
Individuals from most nations can go to South Korea however totally different restrictions apply.
Is South Korea Open to People?
Sure. Nevertheless, all People want to watch pre-departure testing. Discover the entire checklist of necessities on the ROK COVID-19 Portal and the Korean Immigration Service.
Do guests have to quarantine upon arrival in South Korea?
EU and Schengen Space guests will probably be topic to 14-day obligatory quarantine till April 1. All of them.
The price of quarantine is round KRW 2,100,000 in whole and needs to be paid upfront.
As soon as the quarantine interval is up, people are allowed to maneuver freely across the nation.
For probably the most up-to-date data, please go to the South Korean Ministry of Health website.
South Korea Through the Pandemic
With a inhabitants of greater than 51 million, South Korea is a few sixth the dimensions of america however has an extremely excessive inhabitants density.
Its capital and largest metropolis, Seoul, has a inhabitants of greater than 9 million, making it bigger than New York Metropolis. Moreover, with high-speed trains and home flights, it’s a tightly linked nation. Mixed with its proximity to China and the sheer quantity of commerce between the 2 nations, many anticipated South Korea to undergo enormously.
But it surely hasn’t. As an alternative, South Korean authorities shortly started a complete testing protocol at any time when people have been discovered to have signs of Covid-19.
Is it secure to go to South Korea now?
Concerning COVID-19, South Korea is a secure place to go to and the unfold of the virus is underneath management. (CDC.gov).
What’s the present COVID state of affairs in South Korea?

As of as we speak, the nation has reported 18,188,200 COVID-19 circumstances and 24,305 deaths.
Why go to South Korea?
As soon as a traveler is in South Korea and out of quarantine, life largely seems to be prefer it did earlier than the pandemic.
Trains, buses, and home flights are all working at full capability, and museums, purchasing facilities, and nearly each different amenity one might consider are open to vacationers. For these keen or in a position to wait for 2 weeks, South Korea is wanting like pre-COVID South Korea.
In fact, there are some adjustments value noting. People are anticipated to put on a masks and social distance, and in contrast to the US, compliance is obligatory.
Not sporting a masks in public will get one in hassle with the authorities, and even earlier than the police arrive will end in appreciable consternation from the locals. In any case, it is a nation that’s acutely conscious that it’s fortunate by means of this complete ordeal exactly as a result of it got here collectively.
For these with the power and have to go to South Korea, visiting the nation will be an unimaginable expertise. Along with the whole lot else that South Korea has to supply, the lowered stress of being in a rustic that has largely dealt with the pandemic will probably be a reduction to many.
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South Korea reopening borders: Updates archives
Might 16 – South Korea to additional ease entry restrictions from Might 23
Beginning Might 23, not solely PCR Covid-19 check will probably be recognized as a sound check outcome however it should additionally acknowledge damaging fast antigen check outcomes for vacationers boarding flights to South Korea.
In response to Inside Minister Lee Sang-min, South Korea plans to extend the variety of weekly flights on abroad routes from 420 in April and 532 in Might to 762 in June to satisfy rising demand.
The choice was made as new day by day infections in South Korea have been declining in current weeks after peaking at greater than 620,000 on March 17 amid the unfold of the Omicron variant.
Might 2- South Korea to take away outside masks mandate from Might 2
Within the newest transfer to loosen Covid-19 measures, South Korea stated Friday it should get rid of the outside face masks mandate from Might 2.
Beginning as we speak, folks will solely be required to put on masks outdoor if they’re a part of a bunch of greater than 50 folks or are attending sports activities or cultural occasions that might draw giant crowds.
The masks requirement indoors and on public transportation stays in place.
It’s potential that this choice will probably be overturned, given the opposition from the subsequent authorities, which has referred to as the measure “untimely.”
April 19 – South Korea to take away virtually all pandemic restrictions
Most Covid-19 restrictions have been removed in South Korea on account of decreased an infection charges.
Eating places and different institutions are now not topic to nighttime curfews, and there are now not restrictions on the variety of folks allowed to congregate.
As well as, vacationers and residents will probably be allowed to eat whereas attending indoor public services similar to cinemas and stadiums beginning subsequent week.
Face masks are nonetheless wanted, though the requirement to put on them outdoor might be lifted in two weeks.
April 6 – South Korea lifts quarantine restrictions to totally vaccinated vacationers
Worldwide vacationers who’ve registered their vaccination on South Korea’s Q-code website will be capable to enter the nation with out the obligatory 7-day quarantine starting April 1.
If greater than 180 days have handed for the reason that second vaccination, vacationers should have a booster shot to be thought-about absolutely vaccinated.
In response to the Korea Tourism Group web site, vacationers are given a QR code to scan by means of the Q-code system upon entry.
Vacationers should present authorities with data similar to passport quantity, nation of departure, airline, telephone quantity and proof of vaccination.
March 20 – South Korea to section out quarantine for absolutely vaccinated vacationers from March 21
Beginning Mar. 21, vacationers who have been vaccinated in Korea will probably be exempt from quarantine, whereas abroad guests who’ve obtained a WHO-approved vaccine will probably be permitted to skip the requirement from Apr. 1, said The Korean Ministry of Well being.
In each circumstances, the final dose should have been obtained inside 180 days of journey.
Inbound passengers will nonetheless be required to indicate proof of a damaging PCR check taken inside 48 previous to journey, in addition to testing on Day 1 and Day 6/7 of their keep.
The brand new ruling is not going to apply to passengers from “high-risk” listed nations together with Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Myanmar.
February 24 – South Korea relaxes COVID-19 guidelines amidst report Omicron circumstances
South Korea’s Prime Minister has asked residents to stay “calm” after registering a report variety of COVID-19 circumstances. Within the final 24 hours, the nation registered over 170,006 infections.
Regardless of the information, authorities determined to loosen some COVID restrictions. The compulsory closing of bars, cafes, and eating places, which has been in impact since December, can be relaxed by one hour, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The ministry anticipates day by day infections to vary between 180,000 and 270,000 over the next weeks.
January 14 – South Korea has barely elevated its gathering dimension restrict
Beginning Jan. 17, South Korea will increase the non-public gathering dimension restrict from 4 to 6 absolutely vaccinated folks.
In response to native information shops, the choice comes because the variety of day by day Covid-19 circumstances has dropped to roughly 4,000 in current days after peaking at over 7,000 final month.
Most different present restrictions will probably be maintained stated the Korea Illness Management and Prevention Company (KDCA).
December 18 – South Korea to reimpose extreme COVID-19 restrictions on account of a spike in circumstances
South Korea will reimpose stringent COVID-19 restrictions on account of a rise in COVID-19 circumstances. The announcement comes solely 6 weeks after the nation introduced it was able to “reside with COVID-19.”
Beginning Jan. 2, unvaccinated folks should eat by themselves or take meals residence. Gatherings among the many vaccinated will probably be restricted to a most of 4 folks.
“We’re making all-out efforts to beat the urgent disaster by increasing our medical capability and vaccination marketing campaign, however we want time,” stated Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum at an intra-agency assembly.
December 6 – South Korea is reversing the reopening section that began final month
Following the affirmation of the primary cluster of the Omicron pressure in a neighborhood church, South Korea will briefly halt the reopening that started in November, officers introduced on Friday.
“Our gradual restoration of day by day life is now dealing with its most severe menace but… All pandemic indicators throughout the nation are sending hazard alerts,” stated Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum.
Starting Dec. 6, the federal government will cut back the utmost variety of folks allowed in social gatherings and require affirmation of vaccination or a damaging coronavirus check for entry to eating places, cafes, and different venues.
November 14 – South Korea plans to launch journey bubble with the Philippines and Japan
South Korea is reportedly working with the Philippines to launch a journey bubble with the Philippines as confirmed by the Philippines’ Secretary of Tourism on Friday.
Additionally on Friday, Australia’s Prime Minister hinted that quarantine-free travel with South Korea may start as early as subsequent month.
The nation has began to calm down COVID-19 restrictions as a part of a “residing with Covid-19” marketing campaign that features decreasing restaurant curfews, reopening sporting venues to half capability, and implementing vaccine passports for bars, nightclubs, and indoor gyms.
October 8 – South Korea – Singapore to open a free-quarantine journey bubble On Nov. 15
Efficient Nov. 15, absolutely vaccinated vacationers will probably be permitted to journey between South Korea and Singapore with out quarantine, each governments announced earlier as we speak.
The brand new Vaccinated Journey Lane (VTL) is the “first of its form between two main aviation hubs in Asia,” reads the press launch.
South Korea Minister of Transport added that each nations agreed on the mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
Vacationers nonetheless have to bear pre-departure testing.
October 30 – South Korea will elevate a number of COVID-19 curbs on Nov. 1
Because it strikes to “reside with Covid-19,” South Korea introduced on Friday that it’s going to elevate all operating-hour restrictions on bars and eating places because it introduces its brand-new vaccine passport for gyms, saunas, and bars, all the thought-about high-risk services.
Korea’s absolutely reopening plan consists of beginning with this “first section” on Monday, which will probably be prolonged till February when the country is expected to drop the rest of the restrictions.
Authorities, nonetheless, will stay vigilant to keep away from any outbreaks that will jeopardize their plans.
“We’re involved, particularly forward of Halloween this weekend, that there is likely to be many violations of social distancing guidelines,” stated the minister of well being on Wednesday.
September 14 – South Korea’s Covid-19 exercise threatens plans to elevate home restrictions
Final Wednesday, South Korean well being officers reported greater than 2,000 new Covid-19 circumstances in simply someday. A report quantity not seen within the nation for the reason that pandemic started.
The vaccination charge stays excessive in addition to the unfold of the virus.
“We see this as a really harmful signal,” stated Park Hyang, a senior well being official in Seoul, “We urge residents of the Seoul metropolitan space to train excessive warning. The virus is quickly spreading, and infections can happen at any time and in anywhere.”
The federal government has set November because the month to return to “regular”. Nevertheless, officers added that to ensure that the nation to open up, circumstances have to be lowered.
Supply: The New York Times
August 28 – South Korea to renew journey with the European Union on Sept. 1 Says authorities
South Korea diplomatic officers have knowledgeable the nation will elevate restrictions on vacationers from the European Union (EU) and Schengen Space beginning Sept. 1.
EU and Schengen Space vacationers will be capable to get pleasure from a 90-day go to with out a visa.
There’s a catch. Vacationers might want to observe a 14-day obligatory quarantine upon arrival in South Korea at their very own expense.
August 11 – South Korea extends social distancing restrictions by means of Aug. 22 because it exceeds 2,000 day by day COVID circumstances
For the very first time for the reason that onset of the pandemic, South Korea has surpassed greater than 2,000 COVID-19 circumstances per day.
Well being Minister Kwon Deok-cheol requested Koreans to remain residence through the vacation break on Friday, as a result of “in our battle towards COVID-19, we’re getting into a brand new section, a brand new disaster,” stated the minister earlier as we speak.
Just a few days earlier than, President Moon Jae-in expressed his considerations concerning the extent of the unfold, “what’s most regarding is the virus’ current unfold within the non-capital areas,” Moon stated at an intra-agency assembly.
In a determined try and comprise the nationwide outbreak, the federal government determined to increase its extreme social distancing restrictions by means of August 22.
Supply: AP
July 27 – South Korea extends Stage-4 restrictions although Aug. 8, amidst the more serious wave of COVID-19 circumstances
South Korea has prolonged Stage-4 restrictions in Higher Seoul, by means of Aug. 8 on account of a worrisome COVID-19 surge.
With virtually 2,000 new infections per day, the nation is struggling to comprise the unfold of the Delta variant.
Residents are suggested to restrict actions outdoors residence as a lot as potential. Vaccinated people are allowed to collect in teams of as much as 4 folks.
Protests are nonetheless allowed however can solely contain 1 individual at a time. Face masks have to be worn for everybody no matter their vaccination standing.
These restrictions are anticipated to be prolonged to different areas of the nation.
Supply: Reuters
July 11 – South Korea to reintroduce heavy COVID-19 restrictions on July 12
The convenience on COVID-19 restrictions shouldn’t be working as anticipated for the South Korean authorities.
With new circumstances skyrocketing, Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom referred to as on Koreans to proceed observing precautions because the delta variant spreads within the capital.
“Our battle towards COVID-19 is dealing with a grave disaster simply as life was slowly returning to regular,” he stated “the traits in and round Seoul are particularly troubling, with 90 p.c of the extremely transmissible delta variant circumstances discovered there.”
The epidemiology state of affairs will probably be revisited on July 11, and if it has not improved extreme restrictions will probably be imposed on Koreans as soon as once more.
“If the state of affairs shouldn’t be underneath management after monitoring for 2 to a few days, it would go away us with no selection however to impose the strictest of all social distancing ranges,” stated the minister.
With the brand new restrictions, gatherings of greater than 2 folks will probably be banned after 6pm and faculties will shut.
Supply: Reuters
June 24 – South Korea-Singapore journey hall (ATB) set to open in July
South Korea has been searching for to signal “journey bubble agreements” with no less than 5 Asian nations over the weeks to come back.
Not a lot has been stated concerning the others however no less than the journey settlement with Singapore appears to be on observe.
Each governments stay “dedicated to launching the ATB with a view to resuming air journey between the 2 regional aviation hubs and worldwide cities in a gradual and orderly method underneath a set of stringent public well being protocols,” in response to a press release issued by Hong Kong’s authorities.
As of now, home restrictions are poised to be dramatically loosened as of July 1 as Singapore has managed to regulate the most recent outbreak of COVID-19.
June 10 – South Korea to hunt journey bubbles with Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Guam and Saipan for July
The South Korean Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism Ministry introduced the nation is actively searching for to shut travel-corridor agreements with Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Guam and Saipan for July.
If accepted, guests from these nations will be capable to go to the nation with no quarantine necessities.
For now, South Korea has prolonged all present home restrictions by means of June 13. It’s anticipated the nation will lengthen them once more on this date.
Supply: Source
Might 27 – Korea to elevate the masks requirement for vaccinated vacationers and locals
Authorities have created an attention-grabbing technique to encourage South Koreans to get vaccinated. Thus far, solely 7.7% of its 52 million inhabitants have obtained, no less than, one shot.
Giving these very low immunization figures, the nation has determined to elevate the masks requirement in all public settings for vaccinated folks.
Moreover, vaccinated residents will probably be allowed to take part in giant public conferences from June, stated Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum.
(Supply: DW News)