Introduction of Pre-Entry System for Quarantine of Overseas Entrants Starting from the 21st

Pre-Enter Quarantine Information Input and QR Code Issuance
Quarantine Exemption for Fully Vaccinated Entrants

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Starting from the 21st, a quarantine information pre-entry system (Q-code) will be implemented for all arrivals through Incheon International Airport.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) announced on the 17th, "In a situation where the number of arrivals is expected to continuously increase, the system was introduced to maintain the effect of blocking overseas inflow through quarantine while minimizing long waiting times for arrivals." The pre-entry system was piloted from the 21st of last month until the 11th of this month.

Before arrival, travelers can access the pre-entry system website and input quarantine information such as ▲personal information ▲a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test negative certificate issued within 48 hours before departure ▲vaccination certificate ▲health status questionnaire, and attach the relevant documents. After completing the pre-entry, a QR code is issued on the website. Presenting this QR code either printed or as a photo on a mobile phone during quarantine inspection completes the process.

The pre-entry system will also be used to distinguish quarantine exemptions for fully vaccinated individuals. From the 21st, overseas arrivals who have completed vaccination domestically will be exempt from quarantine based on the vaccination records entered into the pre-entry system. Fully vaccinated individuals are those who have completed the second dose (or the first dose for Janssen) within 14 days to 180 days, or have received a third dose. This will be retroactively applied to domestic vaccinated arrivals before the 21st, and all will be released from quarantine on the 21st. Regardless of quarantine status, all arrivals must undergo a PCR test on day 1 of arrival and a RAT test on days 6 to 7.

Overseas arrivals who completed vaccination abroad but have never registered their vaccination records at a domestic public health center are subject to quarantine. From April 1st, they can be exempt from quarantine by entering their vaccination records and attaching certificates in the pre-entry system. Overseas vaccinated individuals who arrived before April 1st and have not registered their vaccination records domestically are subject to quarantine but can register their vaccination records at a public health center after completing quarantine.

Meanwhile, the use of quarantine transportation networks (private cars, quarantine taxis, KTX exclusive cars) available to overseas arrivals will be suspended from April 1st. This measure considers the burden on local governments depending on the quarantine situation. Instead, all arrivals will be able to use public transportation.

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