[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] On the 29th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in South Korea exceeded 3,000, the number of countries banning or restricting entry of travelers from Korea is increasing.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others, as of 2 p.m. on the same day, a total of 72 countries have taken measures regarding the entry of travelers from Korea. This is an increase of 7 countries from 65 the previous night. This accounts for more than one-third of the United Nations member states (193 countries).
The number of countries that have imposed full or partial entry bans on entrants from Korea has increased by 3 from 31 the previous day to 34. The Cook Islands, a New Zealand territory in the South Pacific, recently banned entry of foreigners who have visited Korea, China, Japan, etc. within the last 14 days. Kyrgyzstan will ban entry of foreigners coming from or transiting through countries with a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, such as China, Korea, Japan, and Italy, starting from the 1st of next month. Lebanon banned entry of travelers who visited COVID-19 outbreak areas including Korea the previous day.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia banned entry of foreigners who visited Korea within 14 days prior to entry. However, entry is allowed if the person holds a Saudi visa or residence permit. Japan and Singapore ban entry of foreigners who visited Daegu and Cheongdo regions within the last 14 days, while Hong Kong and Mongolia ban entry of travelers from Korea.
Vietnam suspended entry of foreigners who entered or transited through Daegu and Gyeongbuk within the last 14 days starting from the 25th of this month. The 15-day visa-free entry policy for Koreans was also temporarily suspended. Vietnamese authorities temporarily prohibited Korean flights from landing at Hanoi Airport on the morning of the same day. Instead of Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, travelers must use Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Province, about a three-hour drive from Hanoi.
The number of countries strengthening entry procedures such as quarantine or isolation increased by 4 from 34 the previous day to 38. Latvia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan in Europe have strengthened entry procedures. Paraguay conducts health authority interviews before entry screening for foreigners (including nationals) entering from Korea, China, Japan, Italy, etc. Through the interview, entrants from Daegu and Gyeongbuk or symptomatic individuals are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China has strengthened entry procedures for Korean nationals in Shandong Province, Liaoning Province, Jilin Province, Heilongjiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province, Shanghai City, Shanxi Province, and Sichuan Province.
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