South Korea has lifted quarantine for most vaccinated travelers in April of 2022! You can save money and time by completing your vaccine registration in advance! In this article, we explain what you need to do to travel to South Korea with all required government approvals.
Travel Checklist
- Apply for K-ETA E-Visa
- Register your vaccine status
- Take a COVID-19 PCR test
K-ETA E-Visa Application
South Korea requires all non-residents to complete an online E-Visa application for vacation travel. You will need basic travel information and documents handy, including: passport, flight details, accommodation information, etc. You can read about other requirements and the process in our “South Korean K-ETA Program Explained” blog!
- Website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/
- Estimated time: 30 minutes
- Cost: About $10
- Eligible countries: Available on website
Vaccine Status Registration
As of April 1st 2022, the South Korean government allows people vaccinated abroad to register their vaccination status and skip the mandatory quarantine period when they arrive. This is both a time and money saver, as quarantine in South Korea costs around $1000 for seven days!
- Website: https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/cpassportal/biz/beffatstmnt/main.do?lang=en
- Estimated time: 30 minutes
- Accepted vaccine period: Those who received the second (1st for Janssen) shot of WHO COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use within 14 to 180 days or the 3rd (booster shot) shot at home or abroad.
- Accepted vaccines: Pfizer, Janssen, Moderna, AZ, Covishield (AZ-Serum Institute of India), Sinopharm (Beijing), Sinovec, Covaxin, Novavax, Covishield (as of Mar. 21, 2022)
COVID-19 PCR Test
Before you can board a flight to South Korea, you must have received a COVID-19 PCR test, with a negative result, within 48 hours of your departure. You should have this document printed, in English. You may be asked to show it to the flight staff when checking into your flight and you will be asked to show it when you arrive in South Korea.
- Estimated time: 1 hour
- Requirement: Must receive test within 48 hours of departure
- Requirement: Must receive a negative result