About Korea
COVID-19 Travel Updates
COVID-19 Travel Updates
Last updated: 3 April, 2023
* Depending on the situation of COVID-19, travel restrictions will be updated as changed *
*Participants currently are not required to get COVID 19 vaccinated. However, IFFAS 2024 highly encourage, where possible.
Entry requirements
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
→ No. These requirements were removed beginning September 3, 2022
→ No. These requirements were removed beginning September 3, 2022
Mandatory quarantine for international arrivals is lifted from June 8, 2022
The requirement for a COVID-19 PCR testing for inbound travelers after their arrival in Korea is lifted From October 1, 2022
Those who show virus symptoms within three days of their arrival may undergo a free PCR test at public health centers across the country.
Mandatory wearing of the mask
- Wearing a Mask is recommended for Hospital and Pharmacy.(Not Required)- Wearing a mask is mandatory in large hospitals, medical institutions, or facilities vulnerable to infection.
When you show symptoms of COVID-19
Do not come to the event venue, COEX, and stay isolated in your room.
Wear a KF94 mask at all times and avoid any forms of contact with others.
Conduct a COVID-19 self-test (can be purchased at convenience stores).
If the result of your self-test is POSITIVE, please report it by calling 1339 / 1330 / 1345. Then you will be advised to go to the public health center to conduct the supervised RAT/PCR test.
(1339: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency)
Go to the KDCA
(1330: Korea Tourism Organization)
Go to the KTO
(1345: Ministry of Justice Korea Immigration Service)
Go to the KIS
When confirmed POSITIVE from the official PCR/RAT test
You will receive further instructions from the public health center where you got tested.
You will be instructed to go through a 5-days self-quarantine at a accommodation that accepts it.
Health Treatment Cost in South Korea for foreign visitors:
The subsidy amount (Full / Partial / None) for treatment costs depends on your nationality based on the Principle of Reciprocity.
The subsidy amount (Full / Partial / None) for treatment costs depends on your nationality based on the Principle of Reciprocity.
Health insurance
You are recommended to purchase travel insurance in your country that covers the COVID-19-related costs before coming to Korea.
You are recommended to purchase travel insurance in your country that covers the COVID-19-related costs before coming to Korea.
What is the method of exemption from isolation requirement (manual monitoring)?
Make sure to undergo diagnostic examination during manual monitoring.
1) Receive PCR test on the first day after arrival.
(Korean and long-term stay foreigner) Public health clinic with jurisdiction over residence
(Short-term stay foreigner) COVID-19 screening center at Incheon International Airport or medical institution near place of accommodation (cost to be borne by the corresponding person)
2) Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) recommended on the 6th ~ 7th day after entry.
(RAT method) Self-screening or visit medical institution (if the self-test result is positive, visit a public health center)
However, arrivals over the age of 60 years can undergo PCR test at public health clinic or screening center
Please comply with infection prevention rules during manual monitoring period.
Within three days of entering the country, you are advised to remain at your accommodation until you receive the NEGATIVE test result.
Check your health conditions in the morning and evening every day for 7 days and visit nearest medical institute if there are suspicious symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever and coughing, etc.
Please refrain from going out, including personal gathering and visiting high-risk facilities, etc.
When going out, make sure to wear KF94 (or equivalent rated) mask.