Seoul, Korea. Photo: Rake/Shutterstock.com
Beginning Sept. 3, South Korea will no longer require incoming passengers to complete a pre-departure test before entering the country.
Starting Saturday, travelers must undergo a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival, register through South Korea’s Q-CODE system and complete South Korea’s electronic travel authorization before travelling, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. However, these three tasks will be the last remaining COVID=19 requirements for travelers to South Korea.
South Korea began the process of normalizing travel protocols in April by lifting its quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers. In July, the country lifted quarantine requirements for all vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
While restrictions remain tighter than many European countries, South Korea’s new deal remains looser than some of its Asian neighbors, including Japan and Taiwan, which continue to impose some broader barriers.
Other countries, including Thailand, dropped all requirements earlier this summer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently includes South Korea on its Level 3: COVID-19 High-Level Travel Advisory List, which recommends that travelers get vaccinated before traveling to South Korea. While this is the highest level beyond Level 4: Special Circumstances, most of North America’s most popular tourist destinations, including France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Spain, and others, are also at Level 3.
