Home Outbound International South Korea to strengthen COVID protocols for international travellers from July 25

South Korea to strengthen COVID protocols for international travellers from July 25

Starting July 25, the quarantine process for international travellers will be strengthened. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Korea, all international travellers must receive a PCR test within 1 day after arrival (by 23:59 on the next day). The previous 3-day leeway has been shortened to 1 day. Travellers must stay in their accommodations until they receive a negative PCR test result. If positive, they must quarantine for 7 days.

Travellers can input their test results on the Q-code system after entry. In addition, to provide easier access to COVID-19 screening, COVID-19 Test Centers will be expanded to more airports in Korea. Currently, there are 3 test centers at Incheon International Airport and 1 test center at Gimhae International Airport. Jeju International Airport will get a test center within the month of July and other airports will be added with the increasing number of visitors.

If the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, the Korean government is considering limiting the 48-hour pre-entry test method strictly to PCR tests only. Currently, Korea accepts negative test results through either a 48-hour PCR test or 24-hour RAT methods long as they are supervised by health authorities as a pre-entry requirement.