Pcr Test: Unlocking The Gateway To Korea

As of 2024, a PCR test is not required to enter South Korea. The requirement for a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test ended on September 3, 2022, and the requirement to take a PCR test on arrival was lifted on October 1, 2022. However, travellers should be aware that travel restrictions and health requirements are subject to change, and it is recommended to check for the latest updates before travelling to South Korea.

Pre-departure PCR test no longer required

As of September 3, 2022, a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test is no longer required to enter South Korea. This means that travellers do not need to take a PCR test in their country of origin before flying to South Korea.

However, it is important to note that other COVID-19-related travel requirements may still be in place for South Korea. For example, as of May 23, 2022, foreign nationals seeking to enter South Korea must complete pre-arrival COVID-19 testing, which can be either a negative PCR test or a supervised rapid antigen test (RAT). This test must be conducted by a healthcare provider such as a hospital or clinic, and the test result must be issued within a certain timeframe before departure.

In addition, travellers may be required to submit a health questionnaire or register for a Q-code before entering South Korea. It is always recommended to check the latest travel advice and entry requirements before planning a trip to South Korea or any other international destination.

As of 2024, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry. However, it is still recommended to check for updates with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. While a pre-departure PCR test is not required for entry, travellers seeking or requiring testing for travel to other countries can find a non-comprehensive list of COVID-19 testing facilities in Korea.

On-arrival PCR test no longer required

As of 1 October 2022, the requirement to take a PCR test on arrival in South Korea has been lifted. This means that travellers are no longer required to undergo a PCR test when they arrive in the country.

Previous Requirements

Previously, all travellers entering South Korea, including Korean nationals, were required to submit negative COVID-19 PCR test results to curb the influx of new variants. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) mandated that all arrivals, regardless of nationality, must submit negative PCR test results conducted within 72 hours before their departure to South Korea. The document had to be in hard copy and issued in English or Korean. If the test result was issued in another language, a supplemental translated version had to be submitted along with the original test result.

Current Requirements

Currently, there are no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to South Korea. However, it is important to note that travel restrictions and health requirements are subject to change at short notice. Therefore, travellers are advised to check for the latest South Korean travel safety information before planning a trip to the country.

Health Declaration Forms

While PCR testing is no longer required, passengers entering South Korea are still required to submit a health questionnaire, also known as a Health Declaration Form. To save time on arrival, travellers can register for a Q-code on the Q-code website three days before entering South Korea.

No quarantine on arrival

As of June 8, 2022, there are no quarantine requirements for all passengers arriving in South Korea, regardless of their vaccination status. This means that travellers are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival in South Korea. This rule applies to both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors.

However, it is important to note that travellers who experience COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus while in South Korea should follow local guidelines and isolate themselves. The local guidelines may include recommendations or requirements for isolation, treatment, and reporting of positive COVID-19 cases. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the latest guidelines and regulations.

In addition to the quarantine rules, South Korea has also lifted the requirement for a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test for entry into the country. Since September 3, 2022, international visitors, including those arriving from China, Hong Kong, and Macao, can enter South Korea without providing proof of a negative pre-departure test result. This means that travellers are exempt from showing a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for South Korea.

Despite the lifted restrictions, travellers to South Korea should still stay updated with the latest information and guidelines. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency provides updates and information on the current COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, and quarantine requirements for entry into South Korea. Additionally, travellers can refer to official government websites and local health authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information. It is important to note that travel restrictions and health requirements can change at short notice, so staying informed ensures travellers can make the necessary arrangements and have a smooth journey to South Korea.

Health declaration forms needed

As of July 2024, there are no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to South Korea. However, it is important to check for updates from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as travel restrictions and health requirements are subject to change at short notice.

Passengers entering South Korea are required to submit a health questionnaire or health declaration form. To save time on arrival, travellers can register for a Q-code on the Q-code website up to three days in advance. The Q-code can be presented in place of the required health documents.

The Q-code registration process involves providing personal information, completing a health status questionnaire, and uploading a negative COVID-19 result certificate. From July 15, 2023, Q-code registration is no longer necessary for travellers from Hong Kong and Macao.

Other Requirements

All individuals entering South Korea from quarantine inspection-required areas must go through a special immigration process to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. This includes filling out a health questionnaire or using a Q-code to pre-register their information.

It is recommended that travellers showing COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever or coughing, isolate at their place of residence for five days and contact the Korea Travel Hotline for inquiries.

No vaccination certificate required

As of September 3, 2022, a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test is no longer required to travel to South Korea. Additionally, the requirement to take a PCR test on arrival was lifted on October 1, 2022.

Both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors are exempt from quarantine. However, passengers with a vaccine certificate showing they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not have to quarantine on arrival. They must have received the second dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before departure.

To be eligible for quarantine exemption, vaccinated travellers must submit their COVID-19 vaccine certificate online before departure to receive a Q-code. The Q-code must be shown when boarding and on arrival.

Visitors to South Korea who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must quarantine on arrival for 7 days.

A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is not required to enter South Korea. However, testing requirements still apply to all passengers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.

Frequently asked questions