This article was published on April 22, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.
Can I enter South Korea?
You can enter South Korea if you have all the standard documents and an entry visa. Nevertheless, please note that there are specific COVID-19 regulations in place, together with visa requirements.
Can I enter South Korea if I am vaccinated?
You can enter South Korea if you are vaccinated. At present, there are five vaccine drugs approved in South Korea:
- Novavax (Nuvaxovid)
- Moderna (Spikevax)
- Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Oxford/AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
Travel documents if I am vaccinated
If you are vaccinated, you have to present all the documents:
- A vaccination certificate
- A negative PCR test result no more than 48 hours old
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30 million won (ca. $25,000) for COVID-19 related medical/treatment expenses and (not applicable for Korean nationals, long-term visa holders and exempted groups)
Can I enter South Korea if I am unvaccinated?
You can enter South Korea if you are unvaccinated. However, there are tight restrictions for unvaccinated individuals inside the country.
Travel documents if I am unvaccinated
If you are unvaccinated, you have to present all the documents:
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30 million won (ca. $25,000) for COVID-19 related medical/treatment expenses and (not applicable for Korean nationals, long-term visa holders, and exempted groups)
- A negative PCR test result no more than 48 hours old
Who cannot enter South Korea?
As of March 2022, South Korea does not ban any countries due to COVID-19 risks. However, double-check whether you have permission to travel (typically, a visa) before you travel. Usually, these visas are:
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
- C-3-1 Humanitarian Visa for Visiting Korean Family)
- C-3-1 Humanitarian Visa for Visiting Family (ARC)
- C-3-1 General Visa (Conference, Competition, Training, etc.)
- C-3-4 Short-Term Business Visa
- C-3-9 Short-Term Tourism Visa
- C-4-5 Short-Term Employment(Working) Visa
- D-2 Student Visa (Full-time degree / Exchange Program)
- D-4-1 Korean Language Training Visa
- F-4 Overseas Korea Visa
- F-6 Spouse of Korean National Visa
Can I leave South Korea?
You can leave South Korea. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health stresses that no travel is safe during COVID-19.
Can I leave South Korea if I am vaccinated?
Vaccinated travelers can leave South Korea.
Travel documents if I am vaccinated
- A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 in paper or electronic format
Please make sure to learn the requirements about presenting a negative COVID-19 test result of your destination country in advance.
Can I leave South Korea if I am unvaccinated?
Unvaccinated foreign travelers can leave South Korea.
Travel documents if I am unvaccinated
- A certificate of recovery from COVID-19 (no more than 180 days old before the day of crossing the border of a particular country)
- A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of the destination country)
COVID-19 situation in South Korea currently
Compared to the previous months, the COVID-19 situation in South Korea is safe as of March 2022 due to vaccination programs and local regulations.
FAQs
Is it safe to travel to South Korea right now?
International travel to South Korea is currently safe. Please, follow the basic COVID-19 regulations:
- Wear masks indoors
- Keep a social distance
- Mind that unvaccinated people are mostly banned from visiting public places (even big supermarkets)
Is Seoul open for travel?
Currently, Seoul is open to travelers. COVID-19 restrictions in the capital are the same as in the rest of the country.
Do I have to quarantine if I go to South Korea?
Yes, most travelers must undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine in a specially designated facility. The facility is assigned randomly and can not be changed for personal reasons.
Certain travelers are exempt from quarantine:
- A-1, A-2, and A-3 visa holders with negative test results from COVID-19 diagnostic testing
- Travelers who enter Korea via Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) from Singapore
- Travelers who have a Quarantine Exemption Certificate issued for important business, academic, public interest, official purposes and attendance of funeral
Regardless of quarantine requirements, all inbound travelers have to get tested within 14 days of their arrival in South Korea.
How do I get a health pass to travel to South Korea?
Together with printed-out copies of the documents mentioned above, you will need to install one of the following applications:
- Self-Quarantine Safety Protection App (for Korean nationals and long-term residents of Korea)
- Self-Check App (for short-term visitors, VTL travelers, A-1, A-2, A-3 visa and a Quarantine Exemption Certificate holders
What are the biggest international airports in South Korea?
Here is a list of the biggest international airports in South Korea:
- Incheon International airport (ICN)
- Jeju International airport (CJU)
- Gimpo International airport (GMP)
- Gimhae International airport (PUS)
Useful link:
- Self-Check App to enter South Korea
- Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea: COVID-19 Updates
Visit our Travel Restriction section at Kiwi.com Stories to read more travel restrictions articles
