Iran and Israel "Recommendation to Depart"... Step-by-Step Guidelines for Each Travel Advisory Level [News Seolcham]

Travel Ban System for the Safety of Nationals
Caution Needed Even in Countries Without Travel Advisories
Unauthorized Visits to Travel Ban Areas May Result in Criminal Prosecution

Editor's Note'Seolcham' is a newly coined word meaning "please refer to the explanation for more details." In [News Seolcham], we aim to highlight parts of the news that require fact-checking or further explanation and provide more detailed information.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a Level 3 travel advisory, "Recommendation to Depart," for all of Iran amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, there is growing interest in the travel advisory system. There is a misconception that the travel advisory system is merely a recommendation and not legally binding. However, unauthorized visits to high-risk areas can result in criminal prosecution for violating the Passport Act.

Implemented since 2004, the travel advisory system serves as a kind of "protection mechanism for nationals." The system was established in response to growing calls for measures to restrict entry into high-risk countries, following the shocking kidnapping and beheading of Kim Sunil by Islamic extremists.

Level 1 (Navy Blue Alert), which advises travelers to exercise caution, indicates a risk level significantly higher than that of major domestic cities. As of the 19th, this applies to African countries such as Gambia, Senegal, and Zambia, as well as Middle Eastern and North African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, and Kuwait. It also includes East Asian countries frequently visited by Korean tourists, such as Macau, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as European countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, and France.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges travelers to remain vigilant about personal safety anywhere abroad, even in areas with only a Level 1 advisory or no travel advisory at all. This is because risks are always present in every region of the world, and situations can rapidly deteriorate due to various factors such as political circumstances, international affairs, or crime.

Level 2 (Yellow Alert) is a stage where travelers are advised to refrain from unnecessary travel. This applies to Central and South American countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Brazil, as well as Sub-Saharan African countries like Ghana, Guinea, and Madagascar. There are no countries in Northeast Asia or North America under a Yellow Alert.

Level 3 (Red Alert) indicates a serious level of danger that threatens the lives and safety of nationals, and travelers are advised to depart. Those planning to travel are recommended to cancel or postpone their trips, while those already in the area are advised not to leave unless absolutely necessary. As of now, a Level 3 advisory is in effect for areas within a 30 km radius of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, as well as for Iran, South Sudan, Rwanda, and others.

Level 4 (Black Alert) applies to countries at war, such as Russia and Ukraine, and neighboring countries including Belarus, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. It also includes countries with unstable security and political situations, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen.

In the case of Israel, which has recently been engaged in mutual airstrikes with Iran, the Level 4 Black Alert issued for the Lebanon border region and Gaza Strip in 2023-2024 remains in effect, and as of the 17th, a Level 3 advisory has been issued for all other regions. A Level 3 travel advisory is also in effect for all areas of Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged nationals staying in either country to follow the guidance of diplomatic missions and leave as quickly as possible.

Unauthorized visits to areas under a Black Alert may result in criminal prosecution. These are regions with an extremely high level of danger that threatens the lives and safety of nationals, and are designated as "areas where passport use is prohibited" under the Passport Act.

According to Article 17 of the Passport Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs may restrict the use of passports or prohibit visits and stays in certain countries or regions to protect the lives, bodies, and property of nationals in cases of natural disasters, war, civil unrest, riots, terrorism, and similar situations. Exceptions may be granted for reporting, official duties, or humanitarian reasons. Violations, such as unauthorized entry, are punishable under Article 26 of the same law by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

There have been actual cases of punishment. Lee Geun, a former Navy Special Warfare Flotilla (UDT/SEAL) captain, made headlines when he revealed that he had entered Ukraine as an international volunteer soldier, bringing attention to the travel ban system. After returning to Korea, Lee was prosecuted for violating the Passport Act and received a suspended prison sentence on appeal in June of last year. His companion, identified as Mr. A, who left the country with him, was fined 3 million won.