Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

Strengthened Screening Procedure for All Inbound Travelers from the United States of America

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In order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to strengthen its screening procedure for all inbound travelers, regardless of nationality, from the United States of America. The following enhanced measures will apply to travelers from the United States of America effective March 27, 2020 at 00:00 hours.

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1. All inbound travelers, regardless of nationality, must undergo the “Special Entry Procedure”, which includes fever checks and the submission of completed Health Questionnaire and Travel Record Declarations.

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2. Based on the results of the fever check and Health Questionnaire, all inbound passengers will be divided into two groups:

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A. Those who show potential symptoms of COVID-19 will be escorted to a quarantine facility for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.

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B. Those without any symptoms will be subject to the following measures based on their status of sojourn:


(1) Foreign nationals who reside in the Republic of Korea and Korean nationals will be issued a written notice to self-quarantine at their place of residence for 14 days. In case they develop symptoms associated with COVID-19 during the self-quarantine, they should visit the nearest public health care center for COVID-19 testing. If they, regardless of nationality, do not comply with the order to self-quarantine, they will be sentenced to up to one year in jail or pay a fine of up to KRW 10 million (approximately USD 8,100), in accordance with the relevant law.


(2) Foreign nationals who are temporarily staying in the Republic of Korea will be escorted to a separate facility outside of Incheon International Airport for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Test results will be available in 6 to 24 hours. Travelers will be provided with accommodations if an overnight stay is required.
(a) Those with positive test results will be moved to hospitals or designated treatment centers based on the severity of their condition.
(b) Those with negative test results will be subject to “Active Monitoring”, which includes the submission of health status information via the “Self-Diagnosis App” and answering phone calls from health authorities, both daily, throughout their stay in Korea.


(3) Diplomats holding valid A-1 visas will also be subject to the aforementioned “Active Monitoring.”

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3. The Government of the Republic of Korea has taken into account that foreign nationals traveling to the Republic of Korea briefly will not be enrolled in the nation’s health care system and, as a result, have limited access to it. Therefore, given the limited resources and facilities in the vicinity of Incheon International Airport for testing, the Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to focus on its on-site testing capacity for foreign temporary visitors. This decision was taken in order to enhance the effectiveness of entry screening and protect the health and safety of both Korean and foreign nationals. /END/

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