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Pre-questionnaire systems for quarantine information

South Korea Q-Code for Quarantine-Free Travel

Find out about the QR-code system for South Korea on this page.

Travelers can now visit South Korea quarantine-free. There are no quarantine requirements for entering the country, regardless of vaccination status.

Passengers are no longer required to present a COVID-19 vaccine certificate or negative PCR test result.

Visitors do still need to submit a questionnaire about their health condition on arrival in South Korea. Passengers are advised to do this online before traveling, using the Q-code system.

What Is the Q-Code for South Korea?

The Q-code system has facilitated travel to South Korea during COVID-19.

Passengers who input their health information through the Q-code system can pass quarantine inspection procedures—South Korea QIPs—quickly on arrival.

The Q-code verifies a traveler’s health condition for airline personnel and quarantine authorities in South Korea.

Who Can Input a Q-Code for South Korea?

All travelers who meet the COVID-19 entry requirements for South Korea can input a Q-Code.

The system applies to all travel purposes , including tourism. Korean nationals and foreign nationals can apply.

Entry rules are now the same for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign visitors.

Is the QR Code Mandatory for Visitors to South Korea?

The QR Code is not mandatory for South Korea. However, it does make traveling more convenient.

Visitors with a Q-Code can pass through quarantine inspections quickly.

What Documents Do I Need to Get My QR Code?

Travelers need to prepare the following documents to get a Q-code for South Korea:

• Valid passport
• Airline ticket
• Health condition form

A valid email address is also required to complete the process.

How to Register for a South Korea Q-Code

These are the steps to completing Q-Code registration for South Korea.

• Input email address
• Input passport details
• Input entry and stay information
• Input health status
• Confirm and submit
• Receive the Q-Code

The registration system is 100% online and travelers receive the Q-Code electronically.

South Korea Q-Code Questions and Answers

The questions and answers below provide important information about the South Korea Q-code and QIPs.

How long is a South Korea Q-code valid?

Each Q-Code is valid to enter South Korea once . It expires after the holder completes immigration procedures.

Travelers taking multiple trips to South Korea need to input the information for a new Q-code each time.

When should I register for a South Korea Q-Code?

Travelers can register for a Q-Code before boarding a flight to South Korea.

Does a Q-Code guarantee visa-free travel to South Korea?

Holding a Q-Code verifies the visitor's health condition and allows passengers to pass through Quarantine Inspection Procedures (QIPs) quickly on arrival.

The Q-Code does not guarantee quarantine-free entry. Anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be required to self-isolate.

How can you correct Q-Code information?

The information input by travelers is recorded in the generated QR code. Once the QR code has been issued, only health status can be modified.

Travelers must enter South Korea with the Q-Code containing the correct information.

Are travelers with a Q-Code exempt from COVID-19 testing?

Korea’s COVID-19 test requirements have been lifted. Visitors do not need to input PCR test results when submitting their QR-code questionnaire.

Related News

South Korea Customs Declaration Form Information

South Korean Work Visa: Types, How to Get and Requirements

South Korea Traffic Rules and Road Conditions: Driving as a Tourist

Q-CODE: Easier way to enter Korea without Quarantine (April 2022)

Streamlined immigration (e.g. quarantine exemption for fully vaccinated overseas entrants) – Effective Fri, Apr. 1: Quarantine exemption for fully vaccinated entrants – Effective Mon, Mar. 21: Immigration screening (e.g. vaccination record) via Q-Code* Link here ( cov19ent.kdca.go.kr )

Quarantine exemption for overseas entrants (all of whom were subject to quarantine for 7 days since the Omicron outbreak) to be applied only to “fully vaccinated and domestically registered entrants” as of Mon, Mar. 21, and expanded to be applied to “fully vaccinated but not domestically registered entrants” as of Fri, Apr. 1

– Fully vaccinated and domestically registered entrants: Those who have been fully vaccinated in Korea or abroad, and their vaccination record is registered on Q-Code.

– Fully vaccinated but not domestically registered entrants: Those who have been fully vaccinated abroad, but their vaccination record is not registered on Q-Code.

Quarantine exemption eligibility is set in accordance with the vaccination criteria set by the WHO (Attachment 1): those who are within 14 to 180 days after receiving their second dose vaccination (first dose for Johnson & Johnson), and those who have received their third dose vaccination.

– Immigration screening (e.g. vaccination record) via Q-Code to be applied to overseas entrants of all flights arriving at Incheon International Airport (ICN) as of Mon, Mar. 21.

– Vaccination record of those who have been fully vaccinated in Korea or fully vaccinated abroad and registered their vaccination record in Korea is automatically linked with COOV (COVID-19 vaccination certification service) via Q-Code.

– Vaccination record of those who have been fully vaccinated but not domestically registered must be entered manually and certificate of vaccination uploaded to Q-Code, and be subject to quarantine exemption as of Fri, Apr. 1.

* Unvaccinated persons are subject to quarantine as per norm (self-quarantine for Korean nationals and long-stay foreign nationals, and facility quarantine for short-stay foreign nationals).

Modes of quarantine transport (i.e. personal vehicle, quarantine taxi, designated KTX train) for overseas entrants to be suspended as of Fri, Apr. 1 pursuant to the circumstances of nationwide COVID-19 protocols considering local governments’ involvement, and all overseas entrants will be allowed to use public transport.

COVID-19 tests currently conducted on all entrants 3 times (i.e. before arrival, day of arrival, and sixth/seventh day of arrival) to be streamlined to include RAT* test for entrants on their sixth/seventh day of arrival (effective Mar. 10).

* Those subject to self-quarantine and exempt from quarantine may choose from either self-test or RAT test at a medical institution/screening clinic. Those subject to facility quarantine subject to PCR test (as-is) in consideration of the hospitalization/discharge procedures and the ease of pooling.

However, entrants from high-risk countries* to be subject to quarantine being fully vaccinated in consideration of the degree of risk for each country and the burden of domestic quarantine.

* The exemption does not apply to entrants from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Myanmar.

Overview of Q-Code

(Purpose) Disease control and prevention via QR code scans of data entered by overseas entrants before entering the country → Reduced quarantine station’s operational turnover time (e.g. queue) and strengthen follow-up management using entered data.

(Details) QR code issued or printed upon entering: personal information (e.g. passport number), arrival/visit information (e.g. departure country, flight, place of stay, contact details), and quarantine-related information, etc.

* Q-Code (URL): cov19ent.kdca.go.kr

Quarantine Details

• (Negative PCR test certificate) Enter data within 48 hours of departure (as of midnight)
• (Vaccine certificate) Check the updated vaccination record data imported via COOV service
• (Quarantine exemption certificate) Search via Consular Services 24 (consul.mofa.go.kr) and enter data
• (Health declaration form) Enforcement Rule of the Quarantine Act (Form 7)

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South Korea to Welcome Vaccinated Tourists April 1 — What to Know

Travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

South Korea will become the latest country to welcome international tourists next month when the country eliminates quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers.

Starting April 1, the country will welcome international travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the Korea Tourism Organization . Travelers who received the final dose of their initial vaccine series more than 180 days ago must get a booster shot.

Travelers who qualify as vaccinated will be exempt from the previous requirement to quarantine upon arrival.

Visitors will have to fill out a Q-CODE form with their passport information, vaccine record, and travel information before arriving in South Korea and will receive a QR code to scan.

While South Korea has remained closed to much of the world, the country previously opened Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Singapore for quarantine-free travel. In that case, vaccinated travelers had to arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure, take another PCR test six to seven days after arrival, and purchase travel insurance, according to the tourism organization .

South Korea may be preparing to open its borders to the world, however the country is experiencing its worst coronavirus surge with record pandemic-related deaths recorded due to the omicron variant. On Tuesday, the country saw more than 290 deaths from the virus and had more than 1,190 patients in serious or critical conditions, The Associated Press reported .

Currently, South Korea leads the rest of the world in average daily new infections, Reuters reported , "accounting for one in every 5 infections reported worldwide each day."

But the country has an extremely high vaccination rate and more than 62% of people have received a booster shot, according to the AP.

South Korea joins countries all around the world in easing border restrictions. Last month, Australia began welcoming international tourists and New Zealand plans to open its borders to the world in May. And several other countries have done away with pandemic-related border restrictions completely like Ireland and Iceland .

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

South Korea to allow fully vaccinated travelers to visit without a quarantine period

More than two years after the onset of the pandemic, South Korea is getting ready to make travel easier for international tourists. 

Starting April 1 , travelers who have been fully vaccinated overseas and registered their vaccination history with South Korea's  Q-Code website will be able to enter the country without a  seven-day quarantine period. 

Travelers who have completed a two-dose vaccine series at least 14 days before their trip will be considered fully vaccinated. A one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will also be accepted. If more than 180 days have passed since a traveler completed their initial vaccination series, they will need a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. 

Overseas travelers will receive a QR code through the Q-Code system, which can be scanned at immigration, according to the Korea Tourism Organization's website. The Q-Code system will ask for information such as a passport number, departure country, airline, phone number and vaccine records. 

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Travelers arriving by plane will need to show proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Children under the age of 6 do not need a coronavirus test to enter. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the Republic of Korea  says passengers may also face "temperature screening, health questionnaires, quarantines, and/or COVID-tests, depending on points of departure, visa status, and nationality" upon arrival. 

Unvaccinated travelers and as well as all travelers from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Myanmar – regardless of vaccination status – are still required to quarantine.

Delta Air Lines offers flights between the U.S. and Seoul and airline President Glen Hauenstein cited the country's new travel measures as another positive sign of the travel rebound during an investor conference in New York on Tuesday.

The easing of restrictions comes as South Korea faces its largest COVID-19 surge yet. The country reported a record-high 383,651 cases on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University data. There were 293 deaths reported Monday, also a record high. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says South Korea has "very high" COVID levels, and says U.S. travelers should avoid the country.

"If you must travel to South Korea, make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travel," the CDC says on its website. 

Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for South Korea’s Q-Code

How to Apply for South Korea’s Q-Code? You no longer have to limit yourself to binge-watching K-dramas or listening to K-pop songs on repeat in order to experience Korean culture. Travel to South Korea is now available again! As travel restrictions are being lifted, foreign tourists can finally embark on their long-awaited adventures in South Korea without the need for quarantine, starting from April 1, 2022. However, before you start making bookings for your South Korea trip, it’s important to prepare the necessary travel requirements, including the essential Q-Code. To help you navigate this process, we have created a quick guide on obtaining and using the Q-Code for your travel.

Table of Contents

What is a Q-Code?

Lastest update : korea eases travel entry requirements, applying for a q-code: a step-by-step guide, frequently asked south korea q-code questions.

A Q-Code, also known as a South Korea QR code, is designed to contain essential vaccination information required for entry. It was developed as a travel necessity to streamline the quarantine inspection process for foreign individuals arriving in the country, ultimately reducing the duration of their quarantine period.

Starting July 15, 2023, visitors to Korea will no longer need to register for Q-Code due to the decrease in COVID-19 and mpox cases. The new screening procedures will only involve a simple temperature check, unless travelers are arriving from designated quarantine inspection required areas. These areas include countries with outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola virus, cross-species virus transmission, and MERS. Travelers coming from these areas will still be required to register for Q-Code in advance.

Step 1: Prepare your supporting documents

In order to register for your Q-Code, you must ensure that you have the following information prepared for your application: personal details such as your passport number, entry information including the country of departure, flight details, and accommodation details in South Korea (including address and contact number), as well as your vaccination records. It is advisable to have all this information ready before applying to ensure a seamless process.

Step 2 : Apply for your Q-Code online

Step 3: present your q-code upon arrival in south korea.

Make sure to bring this QR code with you as it is the crucial step. The QR code is an essential document that will be inspected by the Immigration and Quarantine Control officers upon your arrival in South Korea. Therefore, it is vital to have a copy of it readily available. If all the information on your QR code is accurate and there are no issues, you can expect a smooth and hassle-free entry into the country.

1. Who needs a Q-Code? 

Regardless of the purpose of their visit (such as tourism or visiting family), foreign travelers are obligated to obtain a Q-Code when traveling to South Korea.

2. Is there a fee required to apply for a Q-Code?

Applying for a Q-code does not incur any charges!

3. Is it guaranteed that I can enter South Korea without undergoing quarantine if I have the Q-Code?

It is important to note that the Q-code does not necessarily ensure exemption from quarantine upon entering South Korea. Upon arrival, the Immigration and Quarantine Control officers will assess and determine the requirements for your entry and quarantine. Please keep in mind to prioritize your health.

4. What should I do if I mistakenly included incorrect information in my Q-Code application?

If you make any mistakes while inputting information into your Q-Code application, you have the option to start over and receive a new Q-Code. It is important to make all necessary changes before your arrival to avoid being required to quarantine during your trip.

5. What is the duration of validity for my Q-Code?

Once you have completed your immigration process, your Q-Code will be valid for single-entry only and will expire. If you intend to travel to South Korea again, you will be required to register for a new Q-Code.

Ethan Explorer is a passionate adventurer and travel writer. With an insatiable curiosity and a love for exploration, Ethan has embarked on countless journeys to discover the hidden gems of the world. From remote corners to bustling cities, he immerses himself in diverse cultures, capturing the essence of his experiences through engaging travel articles and stunning photography. Ethan's writings transport readers to the heart of each destination, inspiring them to embrace their own spirit of adventure and embark on transformative journeys. Through his work, Ethan aims to ignite a sense of wanderlust and encourage others to explore the remarkable wonders our world has to offer.

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Q-Code Korea 2024: List of Countries with Q-Code or Health Declaration Requirements

Last update: 3 April 2024

In the  previous article , we listed the countries of embarkation with Q-Code or health declaration requirements. In January 2024, the government of South Korea through Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as the designated agency for disease control updated  the list of countries  that are under special monitoring for diseases of interests. Passengers who embark from the countries under monitoring to South Korea are required to complete Q-Code registration or submit health declaration form upon entering Korea. The list of countries was updated again in February 2024 and the next update can be expected to be announced before summer 2024.

The important note for each announcement is as follows.

Initial announcement (8 January 2024), obsolete :

• Q-Code is required for arrival from 109 countries
• Symptom-based Q-Code registration is applied to 47 countries
• There are 10 diseases under monitoring, with 9 classified as high-stake and 1 classified as medium-stake

First update (21 February 2024), currently active :

• Q-Code is required for arrival from 54 countries
• Symptom-based Q-Code registration is applied to 102 countries
• There are 10 diseases under monitoring, with 5 classified as high-stake and 5 classified as medium-stake

More details on the countries with Q-Code requirements and diseases under monitoring are elaborated in the rest of this article.

What is Q-Code and Health Declaration Form?

Q-Code is a QR code that points to a record that consists of information about a traveler or visitor who is entering Korea. The information includes visitor’s name, passport, contact and address in Korea, countries visited prior to Korea arrival, and self evaluation on symptoms related to diseases that are under special monitoring by the Korean government.

Initially, Q-Code was developed as a digital system to monitor the spread of COVID-19 through inbound travel. As COVID-19 eased and risk level downgraded to that of influenza, Q-Code was then transformed into a more generic digital system to monitor possible transmission of other infectious diseases through inbound travel from moderate or high risk countries to Korea.

A traveler can create his/her Q-Code prior to entering Korea by visiting the  Q-Code web portal  and fill out the online form. After completing the form, the system will generate a QR code, which is referred to as Q-Code. An example of Q-Code is shown in the image below.

When arriving in Korea, the traveler shall present his/her Q-Code to the health officer at the health clearance gate and scan the Q-Code on the scanning device. After passing through the health clearance checkpoint, the traveler will then proceed to the immigration clearance section.

Besides Q-Code, there is also another method for visitor’s health monitoring, which is through health declaration form submission. The health declaration form is a yellow-colored paper with a number of personal data inputs and questions related to the visitor’s health condition. Health declaration form is usually distributed by flight attendants to the passengers during a flight. It is the manual version of Q-Code. If you have completed Q-Code registration, you don’t need to fill out the health declaration form. Similarly, if you opt to fill out the health declaration form, you don’t need to do Q-Code registration. You can choose which option you’re more comfortable with.

If you choose to submit health declaration form, you will hand in the completed form to the health officer at the health clearance checkpoint.

Diseases under Monitoring by Korean Authority (KDCA)

In the latest announcement, KDCA defines 10 diseases that goes into special monitoring. The diseases are categorized into two: diseases that pertain to compulsory Q-Code registration (high-stake diseases) and diseases that should be monitored through symptom-based Q-Code registration (medium-stake disease).

Diseases that are categorized into high-stake are as follows:

• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• Human transmissible animal influenza

Diseases that are categorized into moderate-stake are as follows:

• Yellow fever
• Dengue fever
• Chikungunya fever
• Zika virus infection

If a country is included in the monitoring list due to association with high-stake or both high-stake and medium-stake diseases, then all passengers arriving from the country are required to register Q-Code or submit health declaration form. However, if a country only has association with medium-stake disease, then only passengers who exhibit symptom of the disease are required to register Q-Code or submit health declaration form.

List of Countries with Compulsory Q-Code Registration / Health Declaration Submission

Starting from February 21st, 2024, all passengers embarking from the following countries are required to present Q-Code or submit completed health declaration form to the health officer at health clearance checkpoint.

Compared to previous announcement in August 2023, the list of countries with compulsory Q-Code registration / health declaration form submission has increased from 74 countries to 109 countries. In the first update, Q-Code registration requirement is applied to 54 countries, a reduction from the initial 2024 announcement due to disease reclassification.

List of Countries with Symptom-based Q-Code / Health Declaration Submission

Starting from February 21st, 2024, passengers arriving in Korea from the following countries are not required to register Q-Code or complete the health declaration form. However, if a passenger exhibits the symptom of the disease under monitoring, such as high fever, red rash, or watery eyes, the passenger has to fill out the health declaration form and hand in the completed form to the health officer at the health clearance checkpoint.

What if your country is not in the list?

It means you are good to go. You do not need to either register Q-Code or submit health declaration form. When arriving on Korea, at the health clearance checkpoint you can simply walk through the alley while your body temperature is being monitored by the sensors installed near the checkpoint.

Related posts:

• Q-Code Is Not Required Anymore When Entering South Korea
• List of Countries with Q-Code Requirement to Enter Korea
• Traveling to Korea: How to Fill out Korea Arrival Card
• What Are Visa-free Countries for Entry to Macao?

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Trial run for QR Code Immigration Clearance System for Johor-Singapore factory buses to start soon

S INGAPORE: To address the longtime traffic problem at one of the busiest land crossings worldwide, a trial run for the QR Code Immigration Clearance System of Johor-Singapore factory buses will begin in June.

With this new system, passengers will be inspected for immigration on board the buses, announced Mr Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, the chairman of the State Works, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communication committee, earlier this week.

The New Straits Times quotes him as saying, “The immigration officers equipped with handheld QR scanners will board the buses and clear immigration inspection using the QR code system. Passengers are required to show their generated QR code to the officers on board.”

There are between 400 and 500 factory buses that travel the Johor-Singapore Causeway every day.

The trial run will be held before a wider implementation at checkpoints at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) in Johor Baru and the SecondLink Komplex Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) in Gelang Patah, which is currently being refined.

Mr Fazli said, “It is now at the ‘polishing up’ and ‘tightening’ stage.”

He told CNA, “The pilot test initiative involves only Malaysians who pass through onboard bas kilangs . These travellers are still required to bring their passports because, at this point, the QR code systems for both Malaysia and Singapore function differently and are not yet integrated.”

The new QR code system will eventually be rolled out in stages, beginning with Johor.

Johor’s Chief Minister, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, said, “If the QR clearance system proves to be effective in alleviating congestion at our land checkpoints, it should be implemented without delay” at the BSI and KSAB facilities.

NST also reported that he said the state government is open to endeavours from the federal government to address traffic problems.

Read also: SG-JB customs clearance time cut to just 55 seconds with new QR code system

This initiative in Johor follows Singapore’s QR code customs clearance system at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

Implemented just last month, the system allows people entering and exiting by car from the two checkpoints to use QR codes to clear customs and no longer need a passport.

Its goal is to alleviate congestion and reduce waiting times, particularly during peak hours.

A number of Malaysians had expressed the hope that a similar QR code system would also be implemented on the Johor side to speed up the process, especially during peak hours. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans and Malaysians both love SG’s new land checkpoint QR code system

The post Trial run for QR Code Immigration Clearance System for Johor-Singapore factory buses to start soon appeared first on The Independent Singapore News - Latest Breaking News

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