The Number of Countries Banning Entry from Korea Drops Sharply to 100... 22 Countries Have Lifted Restrictions

At one time, over 150 countries imposed entry bans... Gradual easing of measures as international exchanges need recovery
In July, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, etc., successively lifted entry restrictions
Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues consultations with governments to expand entry for essential personnel such as businesspeople

On the 22nd, businesspeople and expatriate families heading to Vietnam are checking in at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Countries that had raised border restrictions on arrivals from Korea due to concerns over reverse importation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are easing entry restrictions to restore human and material exchanges. The number of countries imposing entry bans, which once approached around 150, has steadily decreased to 100. However, as some countries are strengthening quarantine procedures due to a resurgence of COVID-19,

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 1st, the number of countries maintaining entry bans on arrivals from Korea was counted at 100 (as of July 31). Considering that over 150 countries had banned entry during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a significant decrease. Only six countries still require facility quarantine measures.

The number of countries implementing the most relaxed entry restrictions, such as enhanced quarantine and advisory measures, has increased to 59. This is the result of countries that had imposed entry bans easing their restrictions. Countries implementing these measures include India, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Greece, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.

The number of countries lifting entry-related restrictions is also steadily increasing. A total of 22 countries have lifted restrictions, with 20 in Europe and 2 in the Middle East. In July, European countries such as Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, and Hungary lifted their restrictions, while Tunisia and Egypt lifted theirs on the 2nd and 7th, respectively.

The trend of easing border restrictions that were imposed due to COVID-19 is expected to continue steadily. The prolonged COVID-19 situation has caused considerable social and economic shocks due to comprehensive lockdown measures. Accordingly, meaningful but slow progress is being made, with the number of essential personnel such as Korean businesspeople entering the country exceeding 10,000. Korea has agreed on specific procedures for establishing a fast-track entry system with the United Arab Emirates following China and plans to expand the system to Indonesia, Singapore, and others.

On the 30th of last month (local time), the EU Council, representing the governments of the 27 European Union member states, recommended lifting entry restrictions for residents of 12 countries, including Korea. The EU Council presented a list of 12 countries whose entry restrictions at external borders should be gradually lifted starting from the 31st of last month. The countries on the list are Korea, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to continue negotiations through diplomatic missions with countries that still maintain entry bans to restore human and material exchanges. In particular, it is making every effort to expand the entry of overseas businesspeople. According to the Federation of Korean Industries, except for 16 countries including China, which implemented a businessperson fast-track (simplified entry procedure) in May, overseas business trips have been impossible since April. However, as some countries are reinforcing quarantine procedures due to a resurgence of COVID-19, it is expected to take considerable time before exchanges fully recover.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged, “Since entry measures are frequently changing worldwide due to the global spread of COVID-19, please be sure to check the entry requirements on the website of the Korean embassy or consulate in the destination country before departure.”