Key Points
- The government of South Korea will perform COVID-19 post-arrival testing within one day of arrival in the country
Overview
The government of South Korea updated its post-arrival COVID-19-related requirements for all travelers entering the country as of July 21, 2022. Travelers will now be required to complete a PCR COVID-19 test within one day of arrival in the country, a faster period than previously required. The test will need to be performed at the airport upon arrival for short-term travelers and visitors or at a district health office nearest to the traveler’s place of residence for long-term visitors. Testing locations in the airport can be found here. Travelers who test positive upon arrival will then be required to undergo a seven-day quarantine period.
The following requirements will also apply to travelers entering South Korea:
Pre-Departure
- Travelers must perform a PCR COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of departure for South Korea
- Travelers must provide proof of a negative test result translated into English
Unvaccinated travelers may qualify for quarantine exemption if they have completed the online registration process and received a QR code before arrival in South Korea. To obtain the code, travelers must register within 48 hours of departure and provide proof of the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Proof of flight ticket and the traveler’s itinerary
- Proof of accommodations or residence details for the stay in South Korea
- A negative PCR test results taken within 48 hours of departure for South Korea
What are the Changes?
On July 21, 2022, the government of South Korea reduced the post-arrival testing period for all travelers entering the country. Travelers will now be required to undergo COVID-19 testing within one day of arrival. Previously, travelers were required to undergo a three-day quarantine period while PCR test results were obtained. According to the government, this change will reduce wait times for travelers seeking entrance into the country.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of South Korea’s government website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
