South Korea: Removal of Quarantine Requirements for Eligible Travelers 

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points  

  • Quarantine requirements removed for fully vaccinated travelers vaccinated in South Korea or those registered with a local Korean public health center 
  • Beginning 1 April 2022, quarantine requirements removed for fully vaccinated travelers who received their vaccination abroad and are registered with the South Korean government  

Overview  

On 21 March 2022, the government of South Korea announced that fully vaccinated travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination in Korea or those who have already registered their overseas vaccination history at a local Korean public health center will be exempt from quarantine requirements when entering the country.  

Beginning 1 April 2022, fully vaccinated travelers who have completed a vaccination regime abroad and registered their vaccination history through the Quarantine COVID-19 Defense (Q-Code) system within 48 hours of traveling to South Korea will also be exempt from quarantine when entering the country.  

To be considered fully vaccinated, at least 14 days must have passed after the second dose or a booster dose was received. If travelers received their second dose over 180 days ago and have not received a booster dose, they will not be considered fully vaccinated.  

All travelers entering South Korea will continue to be subject to PCR testing and reporting requirements. This includes undergoing testing within one day of arrival in South Korea and additional testing on day six or seven of arrival. For additional information, click here.  

What are the Changes?  

The government of South Korea reduced quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers who received their vaccination in South Korea or registered their vaccination history with the South Korean officials. Fully vaccinated travelers who finished their vaccine regimen abroad will also be permitted to enter the country beginning 1 April 2022 without undergoing a quarantine period.  

Looking Ahead 

Continue to check the government of South Korea’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.  


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This article was published on 24 March 2022 and may not be the most recent update concerning COVID-19 entrance restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine measurers. For the most recent updates be sure to check our Global Mobility Resource Center.

Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.