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Checklist for Foreigners travelling to the Republic of Korea

For all foreigners who wish to travel to Korea short or long term, please read the below information regarding entry and Covid19 regulations. Currently there are no quarantine requirements for people entering Korea including unvaccinated people. However, you will be subject to a 7-day quarantine if you are tested positive/diagnosed COVID in your after-entry PCR test. From 3rd of September, Koreans and Foreigners will not be required to take a pre-departure PCR test and submit a negative certificate. 
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​1. Pre-departure Negative PCR test certificate will no longer be required to enter Korea from 3rd Sept 2022

 From 3rd September 2022, pre-departure PCR(RAT) test and negative certificate will not be required to enter Korea, for all Koreans and Foreigners. 

2. All nationals entering Korea will not be required to do a 7 day mandatory quarantine. 

3. Mandatory for entry: K-ETA or Valid Visa
 

For entry to Korea, all foreigners must have a K-ETA or a valid visa to enter Korea. The K-ETA process will take up to 72 hours and the result will be sent to your email address directly. Please have the printed hard copy ready.

Irish nationals are eligible to enter and stay in Korea for up to 90 days with a K-ETA for tourist purpose.
 

​※You do not need a K-ETA if you have a valid visa to enter Korea.
 

​4. Q-code system.

Using the Q-code system is recommended for all people entering Korea to upload their After-entry PCR test result of the 1st day of entry in Korea.

Mandatory quarantine will still be in place for those who get a positive PCR test result after entry to Korea. Short term foreign visitors must do their quarantine in a Government facility, and expenses must be paid by yourself. Korean and Long term residents are to do their quarantine in their home.  
 

5. Two Covid tests in Korea

Requirements:  1 PCR test within 1 day of entry and 1 RAT test on the 6-7th day.

(Short term foreigners) PCR test will be conducted in the airport(Incheon, Kimhae, Jeju) upon arrival or facility informed by Covid officer. Expense must be paid by yourself. You are to follow the instructions of the Covid officer during the testing and waiting for the result.* A Self RAT test on the 6-7th day may be required. All instructions on COVID test upon entry must be followed. (Test schedule and price(approx. 80-100euros) in Incheon airport : click here )

(Korean and Long term foreign residents) PCR test will be conducted in the Public Health Facility of your home area within 3 days of entry. (within 1 day of entry from 25th July) A Self RAT test on the 6-7th day may be required. All instructions on COVID test upon entry must be followed.
 

*What happens if you get a positive PCR test after entry to Korea?

A: The Covid officer will assess to check if the positive result came from a past recovery, or a new infection. If it is judged that it is from a old infection and you are fully recovered, you will be considered 'negative.' If the assessment shows you are newly infected, you will be subject to quarantine. (Short term foreigners: Facilty / Long term foreigner or Korea: Home quarantine)