Traveling To Korea? Vaccination Requirements You Need To Know

do you have to be vaccinated to enter korea

As of June 2022, vaccination status is not relevant for entry into South Korea and there is no quarantine for anyone. However, there have been recent changes in the rules, and they continue to evolve, so it is advisable to check the website of the Korean embassy in your country of residence for the latest information. If you are visiting immediate family in Korea, you may be eligible for a quarantine exemption certificate if you are fully vaccinated. All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea are required to take a total of three COVID-19 PCR tests—one before departure, one within a day of arrival, and one before being released from quarantine.

Characteristics Values
Mandatory vaccination to enter South Korea No
Quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travellers Self-quarantine for up to 14 days, negative PCR test within 24 hours of arrival, and testing before release from quarantine
Quarantine exemption for vaccinated travellers Yes, with a valid quarantine exemption certificate
Quarantine exemption certificate validity 1 month from the issuance date, single-use, must be obtained before entry to Korea
Quarantine exemption certificate eligibility Fully vaccinated with WHO-approved vaccines, visiting immediate family (spouse, grandparents, parents, sons, or daughters), providing proof of vaccination and family relationship

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Quarantine exemption certificates for vaccinated people

As of June 8th, 2022, there are no longer any quarantine requirements for people entering Korea, regardless of their vaccination status. However, all travellers entering Korea are required to present a negative PCR test certificate taken within 48 hours before departure. Without this, travellers will not be allowed to board their plane or enter Korea. Short-term foreign visitors must quarantine in a government facility at their own expense, while Korean citizens and long-term residents must quarantine at home.

Prior to this, fully vaccinated people were exempted from the mandatory 14-day quarantine after entering Korea or coming into contact with a Covid-19 patient, but only if they received their vaccinations in Korea. People entering Korea from countries where coronavirus variants are prevalent, such as South Africa and Brazil, were still required to undergo mandatory quarantine, even if they were vaccinated in Korea.

From September 1st, 2021, those who completed their COVID-19 vaccinations overseas became eligible to apply for a quarantine exemption certificate to visit their immediate family living in Korea. This included spouses, grandparents, parents, sons, and daughters, as well as the immediate family of their spouse, such as parents-in-law. To be eligible, travellers must have completed both doses of a WHO-approved vaccine, such as Moderna, Pfizer, or Janssen, with at least two weeks passing since the last dose. The certificate is valid for one month from its issuance date and can only be used once. It is important to have a printed copy of the certificate, as digital copies may not be accepted.

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Entry requirements for unvaccinated tourists

As of June 2022, vaccination status is not relevant for entry to South Korea. However, the rules are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the Korean embassy website for the latest information.

Entry Requirements for Unvaccinated Toursts:

Prior to June 2022, unvaccinated travellers were required to submit a negative PCR test result and undergo a 7-day quarantine in a temporary residential facility. A PCR test was also required on day 6 of the quarantine.

Currently, all foreign nationals arriving in South Korea, regardless of their vaccination status, are required to take a total of three COVID-19 PCR tests: one before departure, one within a day of arrival, and one before release from quarantine.

Additionally, all travellers must install the Self Diagnosis App on their phones at the airport quarantine site and register their quarantine location on the app. This app is separate from any USIM card you may need to purchase for your phone while in Korea.

If you are travelling to Korea to study, you may be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon entry. This requirement may vary depending on the university and the purpose of your visit, so be sure to check with your university's guidelines.

It is important to note that the entry requirements may change, and certain sources suggest that unvaccinated individuals may be subject to different rules. Therefore, it is recommended to consult official Korean government sources and embassies for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding entry requirements for unvaccinated tourists.

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Vaccination requirements for students

As of June 2022, vaccination status is not relevant for entering South Korea. However, the rules are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the website of the Korean embassy in your country for the latest updates. While vaccination status may not be required, unvaccinated travellers may have to undergo a 7-day quarantine in a facility and will not be eligible for quarantine exemption. Additionally, all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to present a negative PCR test taken within 24 hours of arrival.

For students specifically, there are no explicit vaccination requirements to enter South Korea. However, it is important to be aware of the recommended vaccinations for international travel. The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to South Korea, including:

  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A
  • Polio
  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Rabies
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • COVID-19
  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Chickenpox
  • Shingles
  • TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

It is also important to ensure that you are up to date with all routine vaccinations before travelling. Additionally, students should be aware of the specific requirements for studying in South Korea, such as obtaining the appropriate visas and having the necessary documentation for any prescription medications.

  • Research the specific entry requirements for your country of origin, as some countries may have specific agreements or exemptions in place, such as visa waivers for short-term stays.
  • Consult with a healthcare professional or travel health specialist to determine which vaccinations are recommended or required for your individual needs.
  • Plan for any prescription medications you may need during your stay, ensuring that they are legal in South Korea and bringing them in their original containers along with a letter from your doctor.
  • Be aware of other health considerations, such as the risk of malaria in certain regions and the presence of diseases spread by bug bites.
  • Familiarise yourself with important contact information, such as emergency services and the location of accredited healthcare facilities.

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PCR testing on arrival

As of August 10, 2022, all short-term visitors to South Korea must complete a PCR test on arrival at the airport. This rule is in place until at least September 9, 2022, and may be extended. The test must be taken at the airport, rather than at an approved clinic. This applies regardless of age, nationality, or vaccination status.

The test is available at Incheon Airport (ICN), Gimhae Airport (PUS), and Jeju Airport (CJU). Short-term visitors will be notified of this requirement when they board their flight. Reservations can be made via Q-Code, where travellers must provide personal and flight information, as well as details of their place of stay and contact information. The Q-Code website is also used to register test results.

It is recommended that travellers self-isolate while awaiting their test results. If the result is positive, a mandatory seven-day quarantine period is required. Korean nationals and Alien Registration Card (ARC) holders may self-quarantine at home, but short-term visitors must quarantine at an allocated facility.

It is important to comply with this testing requirement. Failure to take the test could result in a fine of up to KRW10 million (S$10,500) or even imprisonment.

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Quarantine transportation

As of June 2022, vaccination status is not relevant for entering South Korea, and there is no quarantine for anyone. However, rules can change rapidly, and it is always best to check with the Korean embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information.

If you are required to quarantine upon arrival in South Korea, you will need to make your own way to your accommodation from the airport. There are various private transfer services available, including:

  • Incheon/Gimpo Airport ↔ Seoul Van Transfer – Airport Taxi (24/7)
  • Incheon/Gimpo Airport ↔ Suwon/Pyeongtaek/Bundang/Goyang/Hanam/Hwaseong/Dongtan/Gunsan (Kunsan) Van Transfer – Airport Taxi (24/7)
  • Private Round-trip Quarantine Transfer Service to the Health Centre for COVID-19 Test (Seoul/Incheon)

If you do not have a place to quarantine, you can make a reservation at a designated quarantine facility, such as those provided by Roomkor. These facilities typically include transportation from the airport to the quarantine place, meals, and other living support services for the duration of your quarantine.

It is important to note that short-term visitors (less than 90 days) must self-quarantine at a facility designated by the Korean government upon arrival. Long-term visitors, on the other hand, are not eligible for admission to government facilities and must make their own arrangements.

All inbound travellers to Korea must install the Self Diagnosis App on their phones and enter the address of the quarantine place, as well as their cell phone number and the cell phone number of the guardian or owner of the quarantine place. This information must be provided at the airport quarantine site after arriving in Korea.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no mandatory vaccination to enter South Korea. However, vaccination requirements may change, so it is best to check with the Korean embassy or consulate in your country.

All inbound travellers to Korea are required to self-quarantine for up to 14 days. However, some people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in countries other than Korea may be exempt from the 14-day self-quarantine requirement.

If you are exempt from quarantine, you will need to obtain a quarantine exemption certificate before your entry to Korea. This certificate is only valid for one month and can only be used once.

All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea are required to take a total of three COVID-19 PCR tests: one before departure, one within one day of arrival, and one before being released from quarantine.

In addition to the testing and quarantine requirements, you must also install the Self Diagnosis App on your phone at the airport quarantine site after arriving in Korea. You will also need to arrange transportation to your quarantine location in advance, as public transportation is not allowed.

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