81 Countries Restrict Entry of Visitors from Korea... New Zealand Tightens Procedures

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] The number of countries restricting entry from South Korea due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has increased to 81. This follows New Zealand strengthening its entry procedures for visitors from Korea on the 2nd.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of 3 p.m. on the same day, 81 countries and regions have implemented measures such as banning entry or strengthening quarantine for visitors from Korea.

There are 36 regions that have completely banned or temporarily blocked entry from Korea. Meanwhile, 45 places, including China, allow entry but have strengthened quarantine measures such as isolation. New Zealand has been added to the list of countries that have tightened entry procedures. New Zealand announced on the same day that foreigners who have visited Korea or Italy within 14 days prior to entry will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

In China, more than half of the 26 provinces and cities (excluding Taiwan), totaling 14, have implemented strengthened entry procedures. Local governments have independently taken measures ranging from Shanghai, which requires both nationals and foreigners departing from Daegu and Gyeongbuk to self-isolate for 14 days, to Heilongjiang Province, which quarantines nationals and foreigners who boarded flights from Korea in designated hotels for 14 days.

The United States has not yet imposed entry restrictions, but on the 1st (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that travelers from high-risk regions will undergo medical examinations both before departure from the respective countries and after entering the U.S. Regarding this, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We are in close consultation with the U.S., but there is nothing specific to announce yet."

At an unofficial briefing on the same day, a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The number of countries may increase slightly, but most of the feasible countries have already taken measures," adding, "If our quarantine strategy quickly yields results and proves that Korea is effectively coping with the coronavirus, the current restrictions can be lifted in a short period."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.