AmCham Proposes to Korean Government "Exempt Self-Quarantine for US Vaccinated Entrants"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) has proposed exempting or reducing the mandatory self-quarantine for COVID-19 vaccinated individuals entering Korea from the United States.

On the 20th, AMCHAM sent a letter to the Korean government requesting that "those who have completed COVID-19 vaccination in the United States be allowed exemption or reduction of the mandatory self-quarantine upon entry into Korea."

AMCHAM suggested measures such as requiring entrants who have completed COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. to present relevant certificates upon arrival in Korea. They also stated that verification of vaccination status could be possible through certificates containing personal information and details of the vaccination medical facility, including its name and contact information.

If full exemption is difficult, they proposed shortening the mandatory self-quarantine period from 14 days to 3 days. They also suggested pilot implementation for countries with high vaccination rates like the U.S. or for certain cities.

AMCHAM added that exempting or reducing self-quarantine for vaccinated entrants would greatly aid the resumption of business trips essential for attracting foreign investment, as well as serve as a starting point for the recovery of the travel and tourism industry, which has been hardest hit by COVID-19.

James Kim, Chairman and CEO of AMCHAM, stated, "The Korean government’s transparent and swift public health response system has become a model worldwide. AMCHAM will do its utmost to help overcome this crisis quickly and accelerate domestic economic recovery." He added, "Together with AMCHAM member companies and industry stakeholders, we will spare no effort in providing necessary support to the Korean government."