quarantine-free visits for vaccinated tourists from April 1

South Korea is preparing to ease border restrictions on travelers despite its worst coronavirus surge.

From April 1, fully vaccinated tourists will be able to fly to the country free of quarantine.

South Korea will also recognize more vaccinations, including those given abroad, the Ministry of Interior and Security said. This will allow more people to apply for quarantine-free travel.

Easing restrictions will increase the number of inbound tourists. Last year, the country saw a sharp drop in inbound tourist arrivals, with fewer than one million tourists, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Tourists from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Myanmar are still exempt from quarantine and will have to quarantine for seven days upon arrival, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea as it eases restrictions, here’s what you need to know.

Who can travel to Korea?

Most fully vaccinated tourists traveling to South Korea will be exempt from quarantine

To be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must have had a second dose of Covid-19 vaccine more than 14 days ago but less than 180 days ago, or a booster shot within the same time frame.

Travelers who meet this criteria can travel to the country without quarantine from April 1, but must complete all travel details on the Q-Code website before departure.

Passengers from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Myanmar cannot apply for entry in this exempt category, even if they are fully vaccinated and must continue to quarantine on arrival.

Unvaccinated tourists can still travel to the country, but must quarantine for seven days in a government-designated quarantine facility.

Do I need a PCR test when traveling to South Korea?

All travelers are required to obtain PCR test results within 48 hours of departure.

Children 5 and under are not required to test negative to enter, but all passengers, regardless of nationality, vaccination status and length of stay, will be tested on arrival or within the first 24 hours after entering South Korea.

Visitors will be tested at the airport upon arrival and must remain there until they receive a negative test result.

Do I need to quarantine?

If you are fully vaccinated and not from one of the countries that prohibit quarantine exemptions, you do not need to be quarantined upon arrival in South Korea.

Passengers are free to travel around the country once a negative test result on arrival has been released by airport testing agencies.

what are the restrictions in korea

In South Korea, masks are still mandatory in all public places and public transport, and those who do not comply will be fined.

There are also local differences in Covid-19 restrictions in different parts of the country, so you should check the relevant local authority’s website for more information on social distancing and restrictions on groups and gatherings.

When is the best time to go to Korea?

Spring is the best time to visit Korea if you want to catch a glimpse of Korea’s cherry blossoms in full bloom. Autumn is another popular time – September to November are usually dry days, giving visitors a chance to see the changing shades of orange and red in national parks such as Mt. Songli, Mt. Jiris and Mt. Seorak.

August is the hottest and wettest month, with cold and snowy winters, and winter sports fans flock to Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces.

Which airlines fly to South Korea?

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seoul, and Etihad Airways operates the same route from Abu Dhabi. The flight time to South Korea is a little over 8 hours and the return journey takes about 10 hours. Korean Air also flies to and from South Korea and the UAE, with flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

What can you see and do in Korea?

South Korea fascinates everyone, including interesting history, delicious food, wonderful culture, and top-notch tourist attractions. Visit magnificent palaces such as Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, built by the Joseon Dynasty, explore the ancient history of Jeonju or immerse yourself in the culture of the country’s Hanok Village,

Visitors can also head to the beaches of Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, or climb to the top of the capital’s iconic observation tower, the N Seoul Tower. For those interested in history, a visit to No Man’s Land allows you to see part of the military border between two opposing nations.

Updated: March 18, 2022 6:58 AM