100 Countries with Entry Restrictions from Korea, Including Advanced Quarantine Nation Australia, Also 'Lockdown'... Japan Announces 'Entry Ban'

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Expresses Strong Regret Over Measures Taken Without Sufficient Prior Consultation
Japan Significantly Strengthens Entry Ban Measures... Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announces Entry Refusal Regulations... Announces Corresponding Measures

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is checking a fever screening camera while on her way to meet the rapid response team formed to support Korean nationals quarantined in Vietnam due to COVID-19 prevention measures at Terminal 1 departure hall of Incheon International Airport on the 5th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Australia and Japan have joined the list of countries strengthening entry bans on travelers from South Korea, a trend that had been increasing mainly among countries with vulnerable quarantine systems. As countries considered advanced in quarantine measures impose entry bans and restrictions on arrivals from South Korea, the evaluation by Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha that "countries lacking quarantine capabilities are resorting to crude measures such as entry bans" has been rendered meaningless.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 6th, the number of countries imposing entry restrictions on travelers from South Korea has reached 100 (as of 1 a.m.). Although each country's measures related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vary widely, concerns grew as countries such as Australia, Russia, the Philippines, and India were added to the list of countries banning entry, eventually reaching the psychological threshold of 100 countries.

The countries imposing entry bans number 43, those requiring facility quarantine number 12, and those implementing strengthened quarantine or advisory measures number 45. Countries enforcing full entry bans include Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Israel. Countries imposing entry bans on certain regions of South Korea include Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines.

Concerns are growing over the impact of Australia and Japan's sudden and stringent entry restrictions without sufficient prior consultation. Australia announced that from the 5th to the 11th, it will ban entry of all foreigners who have visited South Korea within 14 days prior to arrival and will decide on renewal thereafter.

Subsequently, Japan significantly strengthened its existing entry bans. Since the 27th of last month, Japan had banned entry of foreigners who visited Daegu and Cheongdo, but from the 9th, it plans to implement additional measures such as 'suspension of validity for single and multiple-entry visas,' 'mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated locations for foreigners entering after visiting South Korea or China,' and 'limiting arrival airports for passenger flights to Narita and Kansai airports.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The South Korean government immediately expressed strong regret. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Australian ambassador to South Korea to express strong regret over the measures taken without sufficient prior consultation, and regarding Japan's additional measures, it defined them as 'entry refusals' and announced plans to take corresponding actions.

On the morning of the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Despite our government's repeated calls for careful consideration of additional measures to the Japanese side, we express extreme regret that such unreasonable and excessive measures were taken unilaterally without sufficient prior consultation with us," and "We strongly urge an immediate reconsideration of these measures."

It added that there is no choice but to suspect motives other than quarantine, and that it will consider corresponding measures such as designating Japan as a contaminated area and raising travel alerts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out, "While our government is making every effort at the whole-of-government level to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the world is recognizing our excellent testing and diagnostic capabilities and transparent and proactive quarantine efforts," and "Given that these measures were taken at a time when the results of containment efforts are becoming visible, we cannot help but suspect motives other than quarantine."

On the 5th, Kim Jeong-han, Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Bureau, summoned Hirohisa Soma, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in South Korea, to express strong regret and protest over the unilateral measures taken without sufficient prior consultation and to point out that these measures are excessive and unreasonable.

Subsequently, on the 6th, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Se-young is scheduled to summon Koji Domita, Ambassador of Japan to South Korea, to reiterate protests and express regret.

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