The South Korean government has issued official guidance on the quarantine exemption for vaccinated travelers re-entering the country.

Key Points:

  • Under a change that took effect May 5, individuals are exempt from the mandatory 14-day quarantine when re-entering the South Korea if:
    • They were fully vaccinated in South Korea.
    • The vaccination was completed at least two weeks before departing South Korea.
    • They submit a negative COVID-19 test result when re-entering the country.
    • They do not show any COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Those arriving from Botswana, Brazil, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Paraguay, South Africa, Suriname and Tanzania are excluded from the quarantine exemption.

Additional Information: If all of the conditions are met, individuals must visit the public health center in their current district of residence, take a COVID test and show documentation of their vaccine. If the test result is negative, then they can self-monitor by using a mobile app for 14 days. An additional COVID-19 test will be taken on the sixth, seventh and thirteenth day after entry.

Analysis & Comments: The quarantine exemption will make returning to South Korea easier for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This list of countries excluded from the exemption is subject to change and may be updated with little or no notice.

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