Will Pre-Entry PCR Tests Disappear? ... Health Authorities "Consulting Experts"

On the 11th, passengers are waiting for tests at the COVID-19 departure-only testing center in Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The government has announced that it is gathering opinions on whether to abolish the COVID-19 test before entry.

At a briefing on the 24th, Park Hyang, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' quarantine team, responded to a question about the possibility of abolishing the COVID-19 test before entry by saying, "We are aware of the issue," and added, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is collecting expert opinions on this matter."

Park also noted, "Travel by airplane involves activities such as eating in a confined space, so there are many factors to consider."

Currently, the quarantine authorities require all entrants to submit a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 48 hours before entry or a professional rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 24 hours before entry.

However, there is ongoing controversy over the effectiveness of these measures, especially among the tourism and travel industries, as some countries conduct PCR tests before boarding flights inadequately or demand excessive testing fees from Koreans who need negative certificates.

Meanwhile, according to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government is considering exempting the obligation to submit a negative PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours before entry.