All you need to know before you go: South Korea entry requirements

Visitors who already completed the COVID-19 vaccinations have been exempt from mandatory quarantine as of April 1, according to South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

And the exemptions expanded to include overseas vaccinations that have not registered for vaccination status in Korea as well.

For international travelers, that is definitely good news! With beautiful mountains and oceans, colorful cities and nightscapes, dynamic culture and delicious K-food, South Korea is one of the best destinations for global travelers. Trip.com has offered you the latest entry requirements and essential travel information before your trip to South Korea!

Visitors are not required to provide a pre-departure COVID-19 test or to have a PCR test on arrival to enter South Korea. It's recommended you register your personal information in the Korean Q-code registration system before you travel to South Korea at the Q-code website.

- From September 3 2022, pre-departure PCR (RAT) test and negative certificate will not be required to enter Korea, for all Koreans and Foreigners.

From April 2022, nationals of visa waiver countries or designated visa-free countries must obtain ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering The Republic of Korea.

​For entry to Korea, all foreigners must have a K-ETA (for visa-free visitors) or a valid visa (for visa-required visitors) to enter Korea. The K-ETA process will take up to 72 hours and the result will be sent to your email address directly. Visitors need to have the printed hard copy ready.

Irish nationals are eligible to enter and stay in Korea for up to 90 days with a K-ETA for tourist purpose.

Using the Q-code system is recommended for all people entering South Korea to upload their health condition and after entry COVID-19 test results.

Day 1 PCR test will not be mandatory from people entering South Korea from October 1. Korean and foreigners who wish to get a COVID test, may visit the Public Health center of their resident area to get a test free of charge.

Here is a helpful checklist of South Korea travel documents that you will need to present before you enter the country:

- A valid Q-Code. Foreign tourists are required to register their vaccination history through the Quarantine COVID-19 Defence (Q-Code) System before your trip.

- A valid visa (for visa-required visitors) or K-ETA (for visa-free visitors). Since the visa-free and visa-waiver program is temporarily suspended, visa-free passport holders must check for their eligibility and apply for a K-ETA in advance to be able to enter South Korea.

Passengers can enter the country without a visa as long as they apply for an electronic travel permit K-ETA 72 hours before the departure! At present, South Korea has also announced an indefinite extension of the visa-free entry measures, so that any passenger can easily enter South Korea.

From September 3 2022, pre-departure PCR (RAT) test and negative certificate will not be required to enter Korea, for all Koreans and Foreigners.

Tips: Remember to register your personal information in the Korean Q-code registration system before you travel to South Korea at the Q-code website.

From June 8, no matter whether you have been vaccinated or not, you no longer need to be quarantined when entering South Korea!

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