South Korea travel ban partially lifted

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Philippine government has partially lifted the travel ban to South Korea.

What does the change mean? Nationals of the Philippines are now allowed to travel to South Korea, with the exception of North Gyeongsang Province, including Daegu City and Cheongdo County. Travelers from these South Korean locations are temporarily banned from entering the Philippines, except for Filipinos and their foreign spouses and children, holders of Philippine permanent resident visas and members of the diplomatic corps.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing from March 3.
• Visas/permits affected: Any Philippine visa used for travel to South Korea, and visas used to travel from the banned locations.
• Who is affected: All travelers from the Philippines to South Korea and travelers from the banned South Korean areas to the Philippines.
• Business impact: The partial lifting of the travel ban will affect all forms of travel to and from the South Korean target areas, including travel for business.
• Next steps: Employers should expect that employees who are in the banned areas will not be allowed to enter the Philippines, and that Filipino nationals will not be allowed to visit the banned areas.

Background: Nationals of the Philippines traveling to South Korean locations other than the three banned areas will be given a health declaration form to read and sign to acknowledge they understand the risks of such travel. They will also be given a health advisory pamphlet. For South Korean travelers from locations other than the banned areas visiting the Philippines, strict protocols will be followed.

Analysis & Comments: The Philippines Bureau of Immigration implemented the temporary South Korea travel ban on Feb. 28. Partially lifting it will make travel between the countries easier, with the exception of the three banned sites. Travelers planning trips to these sites may wish to reconsider their plans. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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