'COVID-19 Pandemic' Government Extends Global 'Special Travel Advisory' for One Month

Originally announced to be in effect from March 23 to April 23... Extended until the 23rd of next month considering the overseas COVID-19 spread
Special Travel Advisory, strong measures equivalent to Level 2 travel restraint to Level 3 evacuation recommendation

Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport is quiet on the 8th. On this day, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) meeting held at the Government Sejong Complex regarding the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "We will temporarily suspend visa exemptions and visa-free entry for countries that have banned the entry of our citizens, and expand restrictions on the entry of foreigners for non-essential purposes." / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government will extend by an additional month the "Special Travel Advisory" for all countries and regions, which was initially scheduled to be in effect for one month starting last month, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the "Special Travel Advisory," which has been in effect since March 23, will be extended until May 23. The government had originally planned to issue the advisory until April 23. A government official explained, "Since the overseas COVID-19 situation has not yet stabilized, an extension is necessary," adding, "We understand that the special travel advisory, which was issued for one month earlier, will be extended until May."

The Special Travel Advisory is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to urgent short-term risks and is a strong measure equivalent to Level 3 (Recommendation to Evacuate) of the general travel alert system, which ranges from Level 2 (Travel Caution). As it is a measure to respond to urgent risks, the advisory can be set for up to 90 days from the date of issuance, and during its validity, the effect of any previously issued travel alerts is temporarily suspended.

The general travel alert system operated by the government consists of four levels: Level 1 Blue Alert (Travel Notice), Level 2 Yellow Alert (Travel Caution), Level 3 Red Alert (Recommendation to Evacuate), and Level 4 Black Alert (Travel Ban). However, considering the World Health Organization's (WHO) pandemic declaration and the rapid global spread of COVID-19, the significant expansion of countries banning entry worldwide, the increase in imported cases, and the frequent suspension of flights, the government issued a separate Special Travel Advisory to prevent Korean nationals from infection abroad, isolation, and quarantine during overseas travel.

The reason behind the government's decision to extend the Special Travel Advisory by one month is believed to be the assessment that the COVID-19 situation in major countries and regions remains severe. According to statistics from Johns Hopkins University as of the morning of the 21st, the global cumulative confirmed cases have reached approximately 2.47 million, with 170,000 deaths. France's death toll has surpassed 20,000, making it the fourth country with the highest number of deaths after Italy, Spain, and the United States.

In the United States, which has the highest number of confirmed cases, the number is expected to exceed 800,000 this week. Countries with more than 30,000 confirmed cases worldwide include the United States, Spain, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Iran, China, Russia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, and the Netherlands, with the numbers continuing to rise.

The number of countries banning entry from Korea has reached 151, including one country banning entry from certain regions of Korea and those including China. Fourteen countries have implemented quarantine measures, and 18 countries have strengthened quarantine and advisory measures. Among the 183 countries that have tightened entry restrictions, more than 160 countries have implemented entry bans or quarantine, indicating the need for preventive measures. A government official stated, "Although the spread of COVID-19 has somewhat stabilized domestically, it continues to spread overseas," adding, "We cannot overlook the fact that 'social distancing' measures are still being implemented domestically."

Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the competent authority, plans to once again recommend canceling or postponing travel for an additional month for those planning overseas trips. Furthermore, for those currently staying abroad, the ministry will urge strict compliance with hygiene rules and to practice 'social distancing' at the level implemented domestically, emphasizing special attention to personal safety.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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