Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Seoul, Republic of Korea (May 26, 2020)
Location: All Airports in the Republic of Korea (ROK)
Event: The government of Korea has implemented enhanced health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Effective at 00:00 on June 1, foreigners who are long term residents of the Republic of Korea (ROK) will be required to obtain a re-entry permit prior to departing for international travel. The permits are available at immigration offices, airports, and port offices. The cost is 30,000 won and the re-entry permit is valid for one year. Failure to apply for a re-entry permit prior to departure will result in the cancellation of the traveler’s ROK Alien Registration.
Also beginning at 00:00 on June 1, foreign long-term residents of the ROK will be required to provide a medical certificate or negative COVID-19 test before boarding flights to Korea. The certificate must be in English or Korean and signed by a medical professional within 48 hours of departure; it should include information about fever, cough, and other potential symptoms. While a negative COVID-19 test result is accepted for immigration, it is not a requirement for the medical certificate.
Diplomats (A-1), Government Officials (A-2, A-3) or Overseas Korean (F-4) status do not need to apply for re-entry permits or provide medical certificates when returning to Korea.
For detailed information on the re-entry permit and medical certificate, please call 1345 (ROK Immigration Contact Center) or visit the official website: www.hikorea.go.kr. Note that ROK immigration policies are subject to change with little advance notice.
Visit the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 website for updated information.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- 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 the ROK COVID-19 portal.
- 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
- https://kr.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Korea Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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