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South Korea lifts pre-departure Covid test rule

Visitors arriving in South Korea are no longer required to provide a negative pre-departure Covid test certificate.

However, arrivals still need to submit a questionnaire on their health condition.

An updated UK Foreign Office advisory said: “The South Korean government encourages all arrivals to log this information in the Quarantine Covid19 Defence (Q-Code) system prior to travel.


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“Paper-based alternatives can be used instead but may result in a slower arrivals process.”

Arrivals are required to take a PCR test within 24 hours of entering South Korea.

“All foreign short-term travellers are advised to take a PCR test at an airport clinic,” the FCDO advice said.

“You can reserve an appointment for a test on arrival at Seoul’s Incheon airport, through the airport clinic’s website.

“Foreign short-term travellers should pay for a PCR test at the airport clinic upon arrival while Korean citizens and long-term visa-holders may visit a local public health centre to take a test for free.

“Arrivals are encouraged to log the result of their arrival PCR test in the Quarantine Covid-19 Defence (Q-Code) system, even if they did not use the Q-Code system when entering South Korea.

“You must remain in your accommodation or residence until you have received a negative PCR test result.”

Reuters reported the latest easing of rules comes amid falling case numbers in the country. Other southeast Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore have also relaxed their Covid restrictions recently.

Pictured: Seoul by Shutterstock


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