Exception for Submission of Negative Test Certificate for Overseas Entrants to Take Effect from the 7th

Domestic Residents Confirmed Infected Within 40 Days, Starting 10 Days Before Departure

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] From the 7th, exceptions to the submission of negative test certificates for overseas arrivals will be implemented.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 4th that, considering the situation where the entry of nationals whose isolation period has ended after testing positive is restricted due to the mandatory submission of negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificates for overseas arrivals, the exception to the submission of negative test certificates will be enforced from the 7th.

Going forward, nationals who have already been released from quarantine domestically or abroad and who were confirmed infected within 40 days but at least 10 days before the departure date will be exempt from the obligation to submit a negative test certificate by submitting documents that can accurately confirm the date of diagnosis. These documents include quarantine notices and quarantine release certificates issued domestically or overseas.

Additionally, considering the burden on local governments' quarantine capabilities due to the recent increase in confirmed cases and the individual risk of arrivals based on vaccination status, it was announced that those who have completed vaccination domestically or abroad will be allowed to use public transportation after entering the country, as was the case before the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Vaccination completion refers to those who have received a third dose or the second dose (or the first dose in the case of Janssen) within 14 to 180 days (verified through the COOV app, domestic vaccination certificate, or vaccination confirmation documents).

Previously, to prevent the entry of COVID-19 infected individuals from overseas, the government mandated the submission of negative test certificates for all arrivals starting from July last year. Furthermore, due to concerns about the introduction and spread of the Omicron variant, from January 20th, the use of public transportation by arrivals was restricted, requiring them to use private vehicles, quarantine buses, or quarantine taxis.

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