Despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' full-scale response to 'Block First, Then See,' 92 countries maintain entry restrictions... Partial easing in the Philippines and Maldives

Classification of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Entry Restrictions from Level 2 to Level 3
Comprehensive Task Force Operation... Additional Briefing Scheduled for Diplomatic Corps in Korea

On the 3rd, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all flights departing from Korea to the United States began fever screenings. Passengers departing for Los Angeles on Asiana Airlines at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport are having their temperatures checked. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The number of countries imposing entry restrictions on South Korea has begun to exceed 90. Although some countries such as the Philippines, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia are partially easing their entry restrictions, the increasing trend shows little sign of slowing despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' full-scale response.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 4th, the number of countries implementing measures such as entry bans, quarantine measures, strengthened inspections, and recommendations reached 92 (as of 9 a.m.), marking the highest since official tracking began. Among them, 38 countries have imposed entry bans, 23 have implemented quarantine measures, and 31 have taken actions such as strengthened inspections and recommendations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs began announcing entry restriction types divided into three stages instead of two from the previous day.

The 'entry ban' category includes countries that prohibit foreigners who have been in all or parts of South Korea from entering, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Countries enforcing 'quarantine' measures on foreigners who have visited South Korea include 14 regions within China, as well as Taiwan, New Zealand, Iceland, and Croatia. Countries taking relatively lighter measures such as mandatory quarantine declaration forms, suspension of visa validity, and health screenings include India, Laos, Thailand, and Mexico.

While the increase in countries imposing the strictest entry bans appears to have slowed, the number of countries implementing quarantine measures and strengthened inspections is rapidly rising. This is interpreted as a result of heightened perceived risk among governments worldwide following South Korea's elevation of its infectious disease crisis alert to the 'serious' level and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Department raising travel advisories consecutively. Although not included in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official tally from the 3rd, the U.S. has begun medical screenings for all passengers on flights departing from South Korea.

Notably, India has effectively started banning entry by immediately suspending the validity of all general and electronic visas issued to South Koreans, Japanese, Italians, and Iranians from this day. Singapore expanded its entry ban from Daegu and Cheongdo to the entire South Korean territory, and Russia decided to impose a 14-day self-quarantine on foreigners disembarking from flights arriving from South Korea in Moscow, following Sakhalin.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of countries and regions banning or restricting the entry of Koreans is increasing, and on the 3rd, aircraft are parked at the apron of Incheon International Airport in Yeongjongdo. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making an all-out effort in response. Consequently, countries such as the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives, which had imposed entry bans on Koreans and foreigners who had visited South Korea, have eased their measures. The Philippines had banned entry of foreigners arriving from Daegu and Gyeongbuk and announced a travel ban on Filipinos traveling to all regions of South Korea but lifted the travel ban on regions other than Daegu and Gyeongbuk as of the previous day.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We have contacted the Philippine government through diplomatic channels to actively explain South Korea's excellent quarantine and medical capabilities and efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19," adding, "We requested the Philippine government to restore the measures to their original state."

Saudi Arabia, which had completely banned entry of foreigners who visited South Korea and China, has allowed entry for holders of work, business, commercial, family visit visas, and residence permits. The Maldives excluded Seoul and Gyeonggi from its entry ban regions within South Korea.

Minister Kang Kyung-wha continues consultations with foreign ministers of major countries and has urged active communication at all levels to prevent excessive entry restrictions. Minister Kang has been requesting the easing and withdrawal of excessive measures through phone calls with foreign ministers of 3 to 4 countries daily. Additionally, since the 23rd, the Ministry has been operating a comprehensive task force led by First Vice Minister Cho Se-young, expanding the existing task force.

Deputy Minister Kim Geon plans to hold a second briefing session focusing on introducing South Korea's high-level quarantine measures and requesting restraint on excessive entry restrictions on South Korea, following a meeting with the diplomatic corps in Korea on the 25th of last month. Furthermore, discussions are underway with major countries on allowing businesspeople who cannot travel due to simultaneous entry bans to enter South Korea.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We are also considering sending a rapid response team to regions where many of our nationals are quarantined to assess the situation and provide support." It is estimated that about 1,200 nationals are quarantined worldwide. He added, "Our position is that personnel must be able to move to maintain necessary economic relations," and "We are currently in talks with 24 to 25 countries, but it is taking time for those countries to review the matter."

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is attending the government questioning session on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 2nd, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

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