Travel Bubble Q&A... Group Travel Allowed 14 Days After Vaccination

Use Incheon Airport and National Airlines
3 Tests Before Departure, On-site, and Upon Return

On the 9th, employees were busy working at the headquarters of Chamjoeun Travel Agency in Jung-gu, Seoul. On the same day, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19, "We plan to allow group travel as early as July for those who have completed vaccination, after consultations with countries where the quarantine situation is stable," raising expectations for the resumption of travel. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Gang-wook] The government is expected to ease the long-blocked overseas travel of citizens after COVID-19 by promoting the designation of ‘Travel Safe Zones (Travel Bubble)’ targeting some Southeast Asian countries as early as July. The government initially mentioned Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Guam, and Saipan as target countries, but there is a possibility that the list may expand or shrink during detailed negotiations. However, with only 4.5% of the domestic population having completed the second dose of vaccination, the path to herd immunity is still far, and since agreements with counterpart countries or regions have not been finalized, cautious views suggest that premature expectations for overseas travel are premature. Some also criticize the government’s announcement as hasty, given that the overseas travel countries have not yet been finalized. Questions and answers regarding group tours within the Travel Safe Zones are summarized below.

- What benefits are provided in the Travel Bubble implementation areas?

△ It refers to a system that exempts travelers from quarantine in countries or regions with excellent quarantine measures. It means that inside the bubble, travel is free, but there is a quarantine barrier blocking the outside, similar to a bubble, and it is also referred to as an ‘Air Bridge.’ Once implemented, only those who have tested negative for COVID-19 or have been vaccinated in recognized counterpart countries with proven quarantine capabilities can travel freely.

- Why are Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Guam, and Saipan chosen as the five target countries?

△ Because these countries or regions are recognized as excellent quarantine areas. Singapore’s first-dose vaccination rate has exceeded 35%, and the second-dose rate has surpassed 25%, with stable quarantine conditions. Taiwan, considered a model country for quarantine, started a Travel Bubble with Palau last month. The governments of Guam and Saipan also exempt overseas arrivals who have completed Pfizer, Moderna, or Janssen COVID-19 vaccinations from quarantine. Currently, Singapore, Saipan, and Guam are the most proactive among them.

- Does the system allow unrestricted free travel in the areas where it is implemented?

△ No. In the initial phase, only ‘group tours’ for those who have completed vaccination are allowed. The number of flights and the scale of entry are also limited, considering the number of direct flights and boarding rates between the two countries. However, if the quarantine situation stabilizes, it will be expanded through consultations between quarantine authorities. For example, for tourists visiting Korea, about one to two times a week is expected, based on agreements with counterpart countries such as Singapore. Assuming a 60% boarding rate, up to about 200 people, including both domestic and foreign nationals, can board per flight. The final number of entrants will be confirmed after consultation with quarantine authorities.

- Is it possible to implement the system in July even though agreements with counterpart countries have not been reached?

△ Of course, there is a recruitment period, and final negotiations with counterpart countries must be completed. Although somewhat tight, the goal is set and pushed because the vacation season starts after mid-July. To this end, consultations with quarantine authorities and counterpart countries will be conducted first regarding the number of flights, number of users, and detailed quarantine management plans. However, detailed matters such as the schedule for agreements with counterpart countries will be finalized later, considering inter-ministerial consultations and quarantine situations.

- Are there restrictions on airports or airlines for travel?

△ Yes. Initially, only Incheon International Airport and specific airports in counterpart countries must be used, and other airports may be added later depending on inter-country agreements. Travelers must use direct flights operated by Korean or counterpart country national carriers.

- What documents and procedures are required for travel?

△ Before departure, travelers must complete COVID-19 vaccination either in Korea or the counterpart country and obtain a ‘Vaccination Certificate.’ Departure is allowed only after 14 days have passed since vaccination completion, and a negative test result must be confirmed within three days before departure. A COVID-19 test must also be taken once after arriving in the counterpart country.

- What is the quarantine plan for group tourists entering from overseas?

△ During the entry process, a COVID-19 negative certificate issued within 72 hours before entry and a vaccination certificate will be checked. The airline checks these documents at boarding, and after entry, the travel agency verifies possession of certificates and whether 14 days have passed, undergoing two verification processes. Finally, after entry, a PCR test must confirm a negative result for tourism to be allowed. During the trip, a quarantine manager will be assigned to the travel agency. The quarantine manager will provide education on quarantine guidelines to tourists, monitor compliance, regularly check body temperature and respiratory symptoms, manage tourist movements, and report the quarantine status once daily. Additionally, only products approved as ‘Safe Korea Tourism Products’ will be allowed for recruitment and operation to ensure systematic and stable quarantine management.