January 4, 2021
Location: Republic of Korea (ROK)
Event: Effective 12:00 a.m. on January 8, 2021, all foreign passengers arriving in the Republic of Korea (ROK) must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test obtained within 72 hours of their departure. Airlines will not board passengers without a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours. Arriving passengers must submit the PCR test result on an original form issued by the testing center in the country of origin (in the English or Korean language) to quarantine authorities. Specific data requirements are evolving, but the embassy’s current understanding is the following information is required on test results:
1. Name that matches passport name;
2. Date of birth and/or passport number;
3. Type of test and test results;
4. Date of test and date of issuance; and
5. Stamp and/or seal and/or signature from the issuing facility.
Authorities will deny entry to individuals who do not fulfill this requirement. Follow your airline’s guidance and consult with the nearest Korean consulate if you have questions.
ROK authorities will also apply the same requirement to all foreign crewmen who board vessels bound for a ROK seaport on or after 12:00 a.m. on January 15, 2021.
For more information, please see the ROK government’s announcement on this matter: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/list.do
U.S. citizens are advised to consult their airline regarding updated information about their travel plans and/or restrictions. Further information about COVID-19 conditions and regulations in the ROK are available on the U.S. embassy’s COVID-19 website.
Helpful Links concerning COVID-19:
- Visit the ROK COVID-19 portal.
- Verify test result requirements with your airline, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the Embassy of the ROK in the USA.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Korea.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Seoul
188 Sejong Daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-397-4114
SeoulInfoACS@State.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs: 1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
- Korea Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
