In the last two years, travelling to Asia has been almost impossible. With a few exceptions, the borders of almost all states remained closed. Now, with the increasing spread of the Omicron variant, things are slowly improving.
In the last few weeks, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia, among others, have lifted many of their entry restrictions – or promised simplifications. Now there is also good news from South Korea: According to Visit Korea, the current quarantine mandate will no longer apply from April 1, 2022.
The prerequisite for this is proof of vaccination against Covid-19. A complete series of vaccinations (including a booster shot) is valid without a time limit. Two vaccinations with the vaccines from BioNTech, Moderna and Co or one dose of J&J/Janssen are equally valid – but only within 180 days of the last vaccination dose.
However, entry into South Korea will remain subject to restrictions from April 1. According to Executive Traveller, the previous test regulations remain in place. Three covid tests are therefore required:
- A PCR test, taken max. 48 hours before departure
- A PCR test upon arrival in Korea
- An antigen test on the sixth or seventh day
If one of these tests is positive, you can still expect to be assigned to a quarantine facility. You may also have to wait in a hotel for the result of the second PCR test. A holiday trip to South Korea is therefore associated with certain risks.
Sources: Visit Korea & Executive Traveller
Cover Picture: Markus Winkler