The Number of Countries Banning Entry from Korea Steadily Decreases to 85... 24 Countries Lift Restrictions

Although slow, entry procedures for Korean companies are eased through the 'Fast Track' system
However, some countries strengthen quarantine measures due to COVID-19 resurgence, closely monitoring

The arrival hall of Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport is quiet on the 6th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The number of countries imposing entry bans on travelers from Korea has been steadily decreasing. This is interpreted as a result of countries establishing quarantine systems and opting to guarantee minimal movement rather than border closures, thereby easing the severity of measures. However, due to the resurgence of COVID-19, some countries are strengthening domestic quarantine measures, making it highly likely that entry-related restrictions could be tightened at any time.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of the 12th, 85 countries still maintain entry bans on travelers from Korea. Countries such as New Zealand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Argentina remain on the list. European countries including Germany, Russia, and Belgium are also enforcing entry bans on travelers from Korea.

However, the number of countries with entry bans is steadily decreasing. In May, 153 countries had imposed entry bans, but this number has dropped to about half in roughly four months. Compared to a week ago, three countries have eased their entry restrictions. Six countries, including the United States, have implemented facility quarantine measures.

The lowest level of measures, such as enhanced quarantine and recommendations, are being applied by 73 countries. This is the result of countries that had imposed entry bans gradually easing their restrictions. Twenty-four countries have lifted entry-related measures for travelers from Korea. These include Greece, the Netherlands, Latvia, Romania, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey, France, and Finland.

Along with the trend of easing entry restrictions for travelers from Korea, the number of countries that have introduced expedited entry systems simplifying entry for businesspeople has increased to four: China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, and Singapore. Beyond these countries, cases of entry under exceptional admission have exceeded 18,000 people from 18 countries. The Vietnamese government is reportedly considering shortening the 14-day facility or accommodation quarantine period and allowing self-quarantine for foreign businesspeople and others. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing consultations with ASEAN countries through bilateral contacts to introduce expedited entry channels.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, “Singapore’s expedited entry channel was based on the results of the ASEAN+3 virtual summit held on April 14,” adding, “The summit’s outcome document mentioned the need to promote the movement of essential personnel within the region without undermining public health principles to reduce the negative economic impact of COVID-19, and Korea played a leading role in reflecting this in the outcome document.”

However, the resurgence of COVID-19 in Korea and other overseas countries is a concerning issue. Some countries are strengthening quarantine measures in response to the resurgence. The United Kingdom has banned private gatherings of six or more people starting next week to respond to the resurgence of COVID-19. This measure was taken as new confirmed cases began to exceed 3,000. The French government held its first virtual cabinet meeting since lifting the lockdown order in May.

On the 6th, passengers using Shandong Airlines from China are preparing to depart at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@