Latest Travel advice South Korea

• The U.S. Department of State currently has a level 2 travel advisory (Exercise Increased Caution) for the Republic of Korea (ROK) indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country.  Please see the full language of the travel advisory here.
• All travelers to Korea must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours of their departure.
• There is a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entry for most travelers.  Only those who have been vaccinated in Korea and whose vaccinations are registered in the Korean health care system may be eligible for active monitoring in lieu of quarantine at the discretion of Korean authorities at the point of entry.  At this time, the Korean government does not recognize U.S. COVID vaccine records, including the CDC vaccination card, for active monitoring status upon arrival. Travelers vaccinated in the United States generally must still undergo 14 days of quarantine. However, limited categories of vaccinated travelers may apply for a quarantine exemption certificate at an overseas Korean Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.  Significant restrictions apply, and the U.S. Embassy plays no role in these decisions. Please direct any questions to your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate. If you are not granted an exemption prior to travel, regardless of your vaccination status, most tourists must quarantine in government facilities at their own expense.  COVID-19 screening measures are subject to change with little advance notice. General information is detailed below, but please consult the ROK COVID-19 Portal, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Embassy of the ROK in the USA for the most up-to-date information on special COVID regulations and immigration procedures before your travels.
• Although most stores and public buildings are open, national and local governments exercise authority to regulate businesses, schools, the size and type of gatherings, treatment and quarantine requirements for those who test positive for COVID, and testing mandates to respond to outbreaks.
• The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is aware of mandates by local public health officials making COVID-19 testing mandatory for foreign workers.  We have raised our concerns with senior level Korean authorities and will continue to advocate strongly for the fair and equitable treatment of all U.S. citizens in our shared efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.  We encourage U.S. citizens in Korea to abide by all local laws, including mandatory testing.  Non-compliance with these orders may result in fines. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor their local government website for up-to-date COVID testing information.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Korea? Yes.  PCR tests are more widely used, but both are available.
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes.  Typical wait time is 24 to 48 hours.
• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html.  Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity.  To submit information in support of an exemption, email seoulinfoacs@state.gov.
• Testing for travel purposes. If you need a COVID test for travel or other purposes, many local hospitals and clinics offer them for a fee, usually between $100 and $300.  The U.S. Embassy does not have designated testing centers.  The ROK government maintains a list (in Korean) of all testing centers, including private clinics: https://www.mohw.go.kr/react/popup_200128_3.html.  Also see Incheon Airport’s website for information on a testing clinic at Terminal 2 that provides testing certificates within 24 hours.  Please note this testing center is located before passenger check-in and requires an appointment, so it is not available to passengers in transit.  Please ensure that the clinic you choose will provide test results that comply with CDC guidelines and those of your airline as travelers present this documentation to their airline.  For additional information, including recommendations and requirements after you travel, please refer to the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions.
• Testing for health reasons.  U.S. citizens experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact Korean health authorities at 1345 for English service or 1339 for Korean service to be directed to the appropriate facility.  Local testing centers may offer free testing if you are identified by the government as a close contact, if you are suffering COVID symptoms, or if the local situation warrants expanded testing.  Results from these testing centers are often texted directly to your mobile number and do not include your name.
• Responsibility for treatment costs.  The Korean government determines the treatment required and quarantine conditions for those who test positive for COVID, and U.S. citizens are reminded that they are subject to Korean laws while in the country.  U.S. citizens who are infected with COVID-19 at any time due to violation of ROK preventive measures, such as quarantine measures and limits on group activities, or who submit false COVID-19 examination results must pay for their COVID treatment.  Additionally, U.S. citizens diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of entry to Korea must also pay for their COVID treatment.  The Korean government will continue to pay COVID treatments costs for U.S. citizens who are following all ROK guidelines and are infected with COVID after the 14-day quarantine period.  Long-term residents who enroll in Korea’s national health insurance service may also have some of their treatment costs covered.  More information about this policy is available on the Embassy of the ROK in the United States’ website.  As treatment can be expensive, the Korean government recommends U.S. citizens purchase international health insurance before traveling to Korea.  The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills.  See State.Gov for more information on travelers insurance.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Korea approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
• Are vaccines available in Korea for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes.
• Which vaccines are available in Korea? The ROK government approved the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Janssen, and Moderna vaccines for use.  See the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website for updates on the review process for various vaccines.
• According to ROK guidance issued to local governments on COVID-19 vaccinations (in Korean only), foreigners living in Korea with valid residence cards (i.e., Alien Resident Cards commonly referred to as ARCs) are eligible to receive vaccinations in the same priority order as Korean citizens.  See Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency vaccination statistics and FAQs on this website (in Korean only).  Korea Immigration Service has information in English on current eligible populations. Contact your local government for more information on when vaccines will be available to your priority group and for vaccine registration information. You may also call 1339 to verify your local government’s contact information.  See, for example, the COVID website for Seoul Metropolitan Government.
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
• The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes. Pre-departure testing required for all inbound travelers to Korea, including those who have been vaccinated.
  There is also a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entry for most travelers. See “Quarantine Requirements” below for more information.
  – ROK COVID-19 Portal
  – Korean Immigration Service
  – U.S. military retirees living in Korea can visit the U.S. Forces Korea’s website to register for more information regarding COVID-19.
  – The Embassy of the ROK in the USA has information about testing and quarantine requirements for short-term visitors to Korea.
• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.  Passengers arriving in the ROK by plane must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of their departure.  Airlines will not board passengers without this negative PCR test result.  Arriving passengers must submit the PCR test result on an original form issued by the testing center in the country of origin (in the English or Korean language) to quarantine authorities.  Specific data is required on the test result certificate and is detailed on the Embassy of the ROK in the USA website. Required data includes:
  1. Name that matches passport name;
  2. Date of birth and/or passport number;
  3. Type of test and test results;
  4. Date of test and date of issuance; and
  5. Stamp and/or seal and/or signature from the issuing facility is recommended.  If it is not possible to get the testing lab’s official seal or a signature, an official name of the test provider should be included.
  Authorities will deny entry to individuals who do not fulfill this requirement.  Follow your airline’s guidance and consult with the nearest Korean consulate if you have questions.  Policies regarding testing upon arrival and quarantine are unchanged by this announcement, and travelers will be tested either upon arrival or within three days of arrival, and then tested again before release from quarantine.  ROK authorities will also apply the same requirement to all foreign crewmen on vessels arriving at ROK seaports.  Please see “Transit Passengers” section below for information on COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers transiting Korean airports (e.g. those who do not pass through immigration).
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.  Arriving passengers will experience some combination of temperature screening, health questionnaires, quarantines, and/or COVID-tests, depending on points of departure, visa status, and nationality.  All arriving passengers are required to download and respond to daily questions via a Self-Diagnosis Mobile App for 14 days.  See: http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck/.  Passengers who are unable to download the mobile app must provide a valid local phone number and address in Korea to facilitate daily health monitoring by local government officials.
• Exit requirements for long-term residents. Foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea.  The permits are available online through an e-application at www.hikorea.go.kr website.  The cost is approximately 25,000 won, and the re-entry permit is valid for up to one year.  Long-term residents who do not receive the permit and depart anyway may have to reapply for a visa before returning to Korea.  For inquiries, call the Korean Immigration Contact Center at +82-1345.
• Visa extensions. Travelers wishing to lengthen their stay in Korea must submit an online e-application, documenting the circumstances that compel them to extend their stay.  Extensions will not be granted beyond the validity of the passport.  Please refer to these websites for more information:
  – http://www.hikorea.go.kr
  – http://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do

Movement Restrictions:

• Is a curfew in place? No
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes.  There are no restrictions on domestic travel in Korea.  However, those entering Korea from abroad will not be permitted to board domestic connecting flights (i.e., to Jeju or Busan) until completing government-mandated quarantine.
• QR code-based access to facilities. Korea has a QR code-based registration system for patrons at restaurants, clubs, and other entertainment facilities across the country that are considered high risk for COVID-19.  This system enables the government to conduct contact tracing as COVID cases are identified. Information on this system is available on the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s COVID-19 Portal.

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes.  Most arriving passengers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.  Travelers who were vaccinated in Korea and whose vaccinations are registered with the Korean health system may be eligible to be actively monitored instead of undergoing quarantine.  At this time, the Korean government does not recognize U.S. COVID vaccine records, including the CDC vaccination card, for active monitoring status upon arrival.  However, limited categories of travelers vaccinated overseas may apply for a quarantine exemption certificate at an ROK embassy or consulate overseas prior to travel. Significant restrictions apply, and the U.S. Embassy plays no role in these decisions. Please direct any questions to your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate. Please see the Embassy of the ROK in the USA website for more information.
  Short-term visitors. Unless you receive a quarantine exemption prior to travel from an overseas Korean Embassy or Consulate, most foreign travelers on short-term travel will be required to quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense for 14 days.  This includes U.S. citizens traveling on 90-day visa-free travel and short-term visa holders.  The nightly cost at these facilities could range from $100 to $150 USD per night (approximately $1,400-$2,100 USD total) depending on various factors, and prices are set by the Korean authorities.  Passengers that fall into this category will be required to sign a release form agreeing to these conditions prior to boarding a plane.  Passengers who refuse to sign the form will be denied boarding.  Details about the quarantine process and a copy of the release form are available on the Embassy of the ROK in the USA’s website: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/list.do.  In some cases, Korean authorities have permitted immediate blood relatives or spouses of long-term residents to self-quarantine at their family’s home.  Please bring proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) with you, but understand that Korean immigration officials have the final authority to approve quarantine arrangements.
  Long-term visitors or residential visa holders. Travelers who are long-term or residential visa holders are required to self-quarantine at their own residences and must undergo a COVID test within three days of arrival and again before their release from quarantine.  All passengers who exhibit symptoms will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing on arrival at the airport and may be subject to additional procedures.
  Transit passengers.  Passengers originating from the United States who transit through Korean airports (who do not pass through immigration) do not require a negative PCR COVID-19 test and have no quarantine requirement for stays less than 24 hours.  Passengers originating from other countries should consult the ROK Embassy in the country of their departure to find out whether a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required to transit through Korean airports.  The Korean Immigration Contact Center can clarify testing requirements for transit passengers at telephone number +82-1345.  Transit passengers should also confirm entry requirements at their onward destination.  Please note, there are no COVID testing facilities available in airport transit areas.
  Isolation exemption certificates for short-term travelers. Some U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea for business or emergencies such as a family member’s death may be exempt from self-quarantine requirements. Certain categories of vaccinated travelers may also apply for an exemption. Isolation exemption certificates must be approved prior to travel at a Korean Embassy or Consulate in the United States. See website for locations and procedures: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/index.do

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes.  Despite reductions in flight services by several carriers, South Korea remains well-served by commercial aviation.  Please see https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/index.do to check departure schedules and flight availability.
• Is public transportation operating? Yes.  Masks are compulsory on all modes of public transportation, including taxis and domestic/international flights.  Drivers and pilots are authorized to deny passengers who refuse to wear a mask.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

• Short-term visitors must provide passport information to lodging facility owners, who must forward it to the Ministry of Justice.  Failure to comply could result in a fine of 500,000 won (approximately $500). More information is available on hikorea.go.kr.
• Face masks are compulsory in public places (public transportation, demonstration sites and in healthcare facilities). Failure to wear an appropriate mask that covers both nose and mouth could result in a fine of up to 100,000 won (approximately $100).
• People suspected of having COVID-19 who refuse to get tested can be fined up to 10 million won (approximately $10,000) or one year of prison.
• Users and operators of high-risk businesses who violate disinfection and quarantine guidelines can be fined up to 3 million won (approximately $3,000).
• Those who violate a self-quarantine order may be subject to a fine, arrest, or deportation. This includes failing to respond to daily checks conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW).
• Local governments may enact their own fines for non-compliance with COVID-19 rules on gathering size, permitted activities and/or testing mandates.

Consular Operations:

• American Citizen Services offers limited in-person appointments for passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Loss of Nationality, and notarials. Passport renewal applications (those using form DS-82) must be submitted by courier service. Please see information on all U.S. Citizen Services in Korea on the “U.S. Citizen Services” page of our website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services
• The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has resumed routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services for all visa categories; however, the number of visa interviews per day will remain limited to ensure appropriate social distancing. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided online here to request an emergency appointment. Please see the latest information on U.S. Embassy Seoul visa services on the “Visas” page of our website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/visas/

Local Resources:

• ROK COVID-19 Portal
• Korean Immigration Service
• Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
• Embassy of the ROK in the USA
• Other links:
  –  COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
  –  CDC page on COVID-19
  –  ROK Information and Travel Advisory page
  –  Consular Alerts & Messages