August 19, 2020
Location: Republic of Korea (ROK)
Event: Effective August 17, U.S. citizens who are infected with COVID-19 at any time due to violation of Republic of Korea (ROK) preventive measures, such as quarantine measures and limits on group activities, or who submit false COVID-19 examination results must pay for their COVID treatment. Effective August 24, U.S. citizens diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of entry to Korea must also pay for their COVID treatment. The Korean government will continue to pay COVID treatments costs for U.S. citizens who are following all ROK guidelines and are infected with COVID while in Korea. Long-term residents who enroll in Korea’s national health insurance service may also have some of their treatment costs covered. As treatment can be expensive, the Korean government recommends U.S. citizens purchase international health insurance before traveling to Korea. The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills. See Travel.State.Gov for more information on travelers insurance.
Authorities regularly update guidelines and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ROK has provided these basic guidelines for social distancing in daily life. Please visit the ROK’s COVID-19 portal for other important country-specific rules and regulations.
The U.S. Embassy would like to remind all U.S. citizens visiting and living in the ROK that everyone in the ROK is subject to local laws (foreigners included). Violation of Korean laws may result in expulsion, arrest, or imprisonment. Please visit the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 website for updated information.
Tell your friends and family to register in STEP to receive updates.
Helpful Links concerning COVID-19:
- Read about this policy on the Embassy of the ROK in the USA website
- Visit the ROK COVID-19 portal.
- 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.
