Despite its small size, South Korea offers a range of places to see, from Seouls infamous drinking districts to Andongs traditional folk village. The mask requirement indoors and on public transportation remains in place. While it is far from being a full reopening in the mold of fellow Asian hotspot Vietnam, there are good news for Korea enthusiasts, especially those vaccinated. KIM JAEWON, Nikkei staff writer June 1, 2022 17:31 JST. Beginning Dec. 6, the government will reduce the maximum number of people allowed in social gatherings and require confirmation of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test for access to restaurants, cafes, and other venues. South Korea has extended Level-4 restrictions in Greater Seoul, through Aug. 8 due to a worrisome COVID-19 surge. The government has also relaxed social distancing measures and is set to ease curfew limits in the coming weeks. It has since had 353,089 infections, with 2,773 deaths. COVID-19 Information Mon, 03 Apr 2023. Travelers who have symptoms of COVID-19 may take an antigen test. Additional questions regarding Korean entry and quarantine requirements should be directed to your, Short-term visitors must provide passport information to lodging facility owners, who must forward it to the Ministry of Justice. Once a traveler is in South Korea and out of quarantine, life largely looks like it did before the pandemic. Vaccinated Foreigners Again Allowed To Enter South Korea Quarantine-Free From April 1. This applies to visitors from most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more. Travelers must still apply for a Q-Code before flying, They can avoid quarantine by presenting a valid vaccination certificate, If more than 180 days have passed since the initial doses, a booster is required. But since the beginning of the pandemic its borders have essentially been closed to tourists, with strict entry rules that have only recently started to ease. High-risk businesses nationwide must participate in a contact-tracing system, requiring patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code for scanning before entering designated establishments. North Korea seems to be strengthening its internal integrity by stepping up public criticism of South Korea, the U.S., Japan and a number of European nations, as well as issuing in. A record number not seen in the country since the pandemic began. Most foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, arriving in South Korea must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure and complete a 10-day quarantine at a government facility at their own expense, regardless of vaccination . EU and Schengen Area travelers will be able to enjoy a 90-day visit without a visa. Beginning April 1, 2022, travellers from all countries will be will be allowed to enter the country provided they have a valid visa and have completed their COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. As of today, the country has reported 24,848,184 COVID-19 cases and 28,528 deaths. If more than 180 days have passed since the initial vaccination scheme, visitors can enter quarantine-free by providing proof of a booster dose. . Try another? Updated April 1, 2022 at 4:00 a.m. EDT | Published April 1, 2022 at 3:09 a.m. EDT. Both governments remain committed to launching the ATB with a view to resuming air travel between the two regional aviation hubs and international cities in a gradual and orderly manner under a set of stringent public health protocols, according to a press release issued by Hong Kongs government. Tourists with the visa can stay in the country for up to 90 days. All rights reserved. With all news that is breaking, tourists may want to be better safe than sorry., Read our full post: Malaysia Eliminates All Covid-Related Entry Restrictions For Travelers. One appears to be throwing its doors wide open. People from most countries can visit South Korea but different restrictions apply. The government has set November as the month to return to normal. Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol asked Koreans to stay home during the holiday break on Friday, because in our fight against COVID-19, we are entering a new phase, a new crisis, said the minister earlier today. 5 Days 4 Nights In Seoul, South Korea: Every Trendsetter's Dream Holiday (With Downloadable Itinerary). View Alerts and Messages Archive. In addition, they must show documentation of a 7-day reservation at a specified quarantine hotel, as well as proof of a negative COVID PCR-based nucleic acid test taken within 48 hours of their flights arrival in Hong Kong. Face masks are compulsory in high-risk places such as healthcare facilities. Quarantine at a centralized facility for 7 days followed by 3 days of self-monitoring at home. Myanmar is still struggling with the effects caused by a coup in February 2021. As borders reopen, is Japan ready for tourism's pitfalls? Bring negative COVID-19 test (apart from countries on the green list), Negative COVID-19 test results (or a test on arrival for Air Travel Pass visitors). The virus is rapidly spreading, and infections can occur at any time and in any place.. Its expected the country will extend them again on this date. Foreign travelers can apply for a 90-day visa for group or individual tours. Your patience proves worthwhile. You might also like:Canada to end pre-arrival COVID-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelersNew Zealand is opening borders ahead of schedule in April and MayHow to interpret the CDC's COVID-19 travel advisories. The CECC said it would be able to lower the quarantine period from 14 to 10 days since testing measures can detect infections within that time. Important! The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who decided that participants in outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people, as well as sporting events and concerts, will no longer be required to wear masks starting Monday, Yonhap news agency reported. If you plan to visit South Korea this year, you will be required to have received a booster shot to bypass quarantine if more than 180 days have passed since your last recommended dose of a primary vaccine schedule. Read our Privacy Policy. A second dose given in the last 3 months is also valid. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said the highly infectious Omicron variant was driving the record wave of infections. Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno announced that the visa-on-arrival programat I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has been expanded to included people from75 countries. There is still some confusion surrounding the dropping of the Travel Form on the MySejahtera app and as such tourists may still want to download the app. Pre-arrival PCR test is not required for all passengers arriving in Maldives. Former college lecturer but never again! But if you have been jabbed? Embassy Telephone Outage (October 8, 2022) Fri, 07 Oct 2022. As of May 6, 2022, the Travel Green Lane classification will be lifted and visitors will no longer be required to apply for entry or exit permits. Thanks for subscribing! The South Korean Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry announced the country is actively seeking to close travel-corridor agreements with Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Guam and Saipan for July. Thank you for keeping this up to date! The obligatory closing of bars, cafes, and restaurants, which has been in effect since December, would be relaxed by one hour, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Indias Ministry of Health announced that all travelers will no longer be subject to quarantine or post-arrival testing from Feb. 14. One of the strictest Asian nations when it comes to pandemic management, South Korea has finally begun its reopening process after two years of barring most visitors from entering due to Covid. For the time being, to be granted access workers are evaluated on a new point-based system that takes into account their vaccination status, the epidemiology situation in their home country, and the prospective employers epidemic prevention plan.. on March 14, 2022 Last updated: 10:07 AM ET, Mon March 14, 2022. Laos has reopened all its international borders as of May 9, 2022. Japan to reopen to tour groups from 98 nations and regions, South Korea charges ahead to break COVID-19 shackles, Japan to downgrade COVID-19 to flu level on May 8, Japan to shorten quarantine for COVID infections to five days, Masked Japan: 90% cover face 1 month after rules lifted. Face masks must be worn for everyone regardless of their vaccination status. South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety has just announced that its borders are soon to open for leisure travel! Disclaimer: Travel restrictions and governmental regulations can change rapidly and the information below might be outdated within a few hours. EU and Schengen Area visitors will be subject to 14-day mandatory quarantine until April 1. Individuals are expected to wear a mask and social distance, and unlike the US, compliance is mandatory. If more than 180 days have passed since the second vaccination, travelers must have a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. Users and operators of high-risk businesses who violate disinfection and quarantine guidelines can be fined up to 3 million won (approximately $3,000). The decision, which takes effect immediately, was issued in response to a request by Prime Minister Hun Sen. We have removed the requirement for all inbound travellers in all modes of transport: Land, waterways and air. Whether its two doses under six months (one with Johnson & Johnson), or complete vaccination and a booster, at least 14 days must have passed since the most recent shot before foreigners become eligible for travel. Currently, venues like restaurants, cinemas, karaoke rooms and bathhouses must close at 11 pm under the current guidelines. AP, Japan slowly opens up to foreign tourists: 5 things to know. However, depending on ports of departure, visa status, and nationality, some inbound passengers may undergo a mix of temperature screening and health questionnaires according to the American embassy. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the country added 9,896 new COVID-19 infections, including 119 from outside the country, increasing the overall caseload to 18,339,319 people. International travelers who have registered their vaccination on South Koreas Q-code website will be able to enter the country without the mandatory 7-day quarantine beginning April 1. Arrivals are subject to mandatory screenings at points of entry. Do I need to go into quarantine when arriving to South Korea? The new Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) is the first of its kind between two major aviation hubs in Asia, reads the press release. Laos. Of course, there are some changes worth noting. In 2019, most of Taiwan's tourists came from nearby Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, according to government data, with their length of stay averaging 6.2 nights - making any length of . Thailand modified its entry restrictions as of May 1 Vietnam reopened for tourism on Nov. 20. Yes, South Korea is open for tourism and dropped quarantine for fully vaccinated international travelers on April 1. Also read: The Philippines reopening for tourism. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Travelers must now either give evidence of completion of all required vaccinations or a recent negative RT-PCR test as the Thailand Pass is no longer valid. The news was released in an announcement on the country's official tourism website, Imagine Your Korea. The two discussed the G20 conference that will take place in November, education, and the future of tourism. According to local news outlets, the decision comes as the number of daily Covid-19 cases has dropped to roughly 4,000 in recent days after peaking at over 7,000 last month. This is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service. As of November 2021, vaccinated visitors from all nations (except Tajikistan) can visit Kyrgyzstan. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). The Cambodian government has agreed to abolish the Covid 19 entry restrictions for inbound travelers. South Korea is reportedly working with the Philippines to launch a travel bubble with the Philippines as confirmed by the Philippines Secretary of Tourism on Friday. Airports are already operating at pre-pandemic levels as the country prepares for summer tourism in 2022. Warmest congrats to #Indian #students! I understand that I may unsubscribe at any time. Authorities, however, will remain vigilant to avoid any outbreaks that may jeopardize their plans. Authorities are banning flights from Ethiopia, the only location with direct flights to South Korea, through at least Feb. 3; the government plans to arrange some repatriation flights for stranded residents. ], L.A. Travelers To Reach Las Vegas In Record Time With New High-Speed Train, This Converted Boeing Private Jet Will Take You On A 21-Day Arctic Trip, ChatGPT Introduces AI-Powered Plugins For Expedia and Kayak, Making Travel Planning Effortless, This Backpackers Paradise In Asia Dropped All Covid Restrictions, China is open to foreign nationals with work or residence visas. Starting Jan. 2, unvaccinated people must eat by themselves or take food home. For those with the ability and need to go to South Korea, visiting the country can be an incredible experience. UX, SEO, and Digital Content Wizard at Traveling Lifestyle. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Among those were the usual border closures, blanket country bans, successive lockdowns, contact tracing, and financially crippling testing regimes for those visitors who were able to bypass bans. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions. Trekkers and Mountaineers need to bring proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 up to, at least, US $5,000. Not much has been said about the others but at least the travel agreement with Singapore seems to be on track. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. After the number of infections declined from a peak of more than 600,000 per day in mid-March, South Korea lifted most pandemic-related restrictions including a requirement that people wear masks outdoors. Face masks are still needed, although the requirement to wear them outdoors could be lifted in two weeks. Dj vu! In every corner, Hongdae is filled with fun and creative activities from watching street performers, singing in K-Pop karaoke bars, and trying interesting street food along the way! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Its capital and largest city, Seoul, has a population of more than 9 million, making it larger than New York City. ), For more information, visit the official Imagine Your Korea website. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. In 2023, 103 Countries That Dont Require COVID Vaccinations For Travel, Digital Nomads Are Key For Portugals Development, Says Government, 7 Amazing Cities For Digital Nomads Where You Can Live For $1000 Per Month, Ecuador Launches Its Digital Nomad Visa Program To Attract Remote Workers, 21 Best Places to Visit in July 2023 in USA [Summer Spots! In Korea, food is for the soul as well as for the stomach. Travellers from Europe and the UK will need to apply for a South Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which allows tourists to travel without a visa. Special entry requirements for Mount Everest climbers. Can I travel to South Korea? On arrival, youll also need to takelateral flow test at the airport, then wait until you get the result. TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As happening daily! In the wider Asian continent, which has also experienced tough border closures, new travel bubbles are also being formed in order for visitors to country-hop more smoothly, and even the highly conservative Singapore (in terms of Covid) has reopened to all nations recently. Several major industrial plants and offices have also temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19. A daily average of 101,290 cases and 31 fatalities have been reported so far in August, up from the average of 80,648 cases and 24 fatalities between July 25 and July 31. Here's our Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more info. . Annyeonghaseyo we've got some excellent news for you: finally, South Korea allows tourist travel again starting June 1! Theres a catch. According to the Korea Tourism Organization website, tourists are given a QR code to scan through the Q-code system upon entry.