Number of Countries Restricting Entry of Visitors from Korea Rises to 82... New Zealand and Russia Added (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] The number of countries restricting entry from South Korea due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has increased to 82. New Zealand and Russia strengthened entry procedures for visitors from Korea on the 2nd.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of 7 p.m. on that day, 82 countries and regions have taken measures such as banning entry or strengthening quarantine for visitors from Korea.

There are 36 regions that have completely banned or temporarily blocked entry from Korea. There are 46 places, including China, that allow entry but have strengthened quarantine measures such as isolation. New Zealand and Russia have been added to the list of places that have strengthened entry procedures. New Zealand announced on the same day that foreigners who have visited Korea or Italy within 14 days before entry will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Next, Russia's Sakhalin region stated that foreigners entering after visiting Korea, Japan, China, etc., will undergo testing and surveys, and if symptoms are present, they will be isolated and treated in facilities for 21 days. Even without symptoms, a 14-day self-quarantine is required.

In China, more than half of the 26 provinces and cities (excluding Taiwan), totaling 14, are implementing strengthened entry procedures. Local governments are independently taking measures, ranging from Shanghai City, which requires foreigners and nationals departing from Daegu and Gyeongbuk to self-quarantine for 14 days, to Heilongjiang Province, which quarantines foreigners and nationals boarding flights from Korea in designated hotels for 14 days.

The United States has not yet imposed entry restrictions, but on the 1st (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that travelers coming from high-risk areas will undergo medical examinations both upon departure from the respective countries and after entering the U.S. Regarding this, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We are in close consultation with the U.S., but there is nothing specific to announce yet."

In an unofficial briefing on the same day, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The number of countries may increase slightly, but most of the feasible countries have already taken measures," adding, "If our quarantine strategy quickly yields results and proves that Korea is effectively coping with the coronavirus, the current restrictions can be lifted in a short period."