COVID-19 ADVISORY - KOREA

Updated as of June 22nd, 2021.

KOTRA launched a logistics service to assist small and medium-sized companies in assuring distribution in the context of the global pandemic. Any SMEs, including foreign-invested companies, which find difficulty in establishing their own distribution centers overseas to import products in Korea (including sourcing import of raw and subsidiary materials) can jointly use warehouse of local KOTRA partner logistics companies.

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The outbreak of the virus has disturbed significantly the transport & logistics operations worldwide and in Asia. In China, most freight services (airports, ports and trucking) have recovered as Bolloré Logistics reports, but the price has increased significantly. In Korea, all ports, airports and customs office are operational, but the situation remains very tight with increasing rates for air freight with Europe and the USA. Bolloré Logistics also reports regarding sea freight that total lead time of the vessel is getting longer due to added sailing port without prior notice, but terminal congestion has been more and more stabilizing. Regarding global air freight, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a platform to help companies have updated information on a daily basis on cargo operations available here. Upon entry at Incheon Airport, a sanitary checkpoint is put in place.

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France eased travel conditions for seven countries outside the E.U., including South Korea. As of March 12, it will no longer be necessary to prove a compelling reason to travel to or from Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Singapore. The other restrictions remain, including the presentation of a negative PCR test less than 72 hours before departure,

The eased conditions apply both to Korean nationals and French residents in Korea. The latter still have to apply for a re-entry permit at their local immigration office with a valid reason (family, business,....) prior to leaving Korea in order to re-enter in Korea. In the case where re-entry permit is not granted, the applicant can ask for the help of the French Embassy in Korea. 

Before departure, a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before boarding, a written pledge stating that were no Covid-19 symptoms and no contact with Covid-19 patients within 14 days before boarding are required. France requires also a 7 days long self isolation after entering the country. A second PCR test must be taken after this 7 days period. Downloading the smartphone application " "TousAntiCovid" is recommended.

French residents abroad coming back to France are also highly recommended to follow these measures.

For more information in French, refer to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

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For more information in English, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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For more information on travel regulations around the world, refer to the National Association of Air Transportation.

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Entry in Korea

Due to the sanitary situation in France, the Korean authorities announced in March the suspension of the issuance of all Korean visas for residents in France. However, from April 19th some visas can be granted by derogation. You can find the list of exceptions here. Expedited visa issuance is possible only at discretion of the head of the Diplomatic Mission, whereas urgent reasons are justified. After the exception is granted, visa applications are handled by the newly opened Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Paris. 

The prolongation of visas and resident cards for French residents already in Korea are not affected by this decision and can be carried out as usual.

Upon arrival, all inbound travelers are required to undergo a 2 weeks self-quarantine. Additionally, from January 8th, all foreign residents going or returning to Korea are required to present negative PCR test results within 72 hours prior to departure, in English or officially translated to Korean.  After entry in Korea, quarantine conditions remain unchanged, meaning another PCR test need to be taken within 72 hours upon return. After the 14 days of quarantine, if the local authorities assess the person is still at risk, it could require a third PCR test. If not considered at risk, the third PCR test is not obligatory.

Additionally, since the leveling up of the social distancing scheme in Korea, the quarantine exemption procedure is suspended for 77 countries hit by a Covid-19 variant including France, but an exception might be provided, upon request, for C-level executives (임원급). To benefit from this exception, high-level executives need to justify the signature of a contract or agreement, an action to perform onsite for a new facility construction or maintenance, or any action considered by the government as inevitably performed through a quarantine exemption. 

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For some countries (Japan, Singapore, China, Indonesia), Korea also signed fast track agreements to facilitate business trips.

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Vaccine campaigns in Korea

General procedure
Foreign residents in Korea registered at the National Health Insurance, as well as illegal immigrants, have access for free to COVID-19 vaccination campaign, following the national calendar. In Q1, priority was given to patients and caregivers under the age of 65 at nursing homes, as well as medical personnel in "high-risk" medical institutions. In Q2 2021, priority will be given to senior citizens aged 65 or over. Additionally, a digital certification system to verify a person's COVID-19 vaccination status through a smartphone application will be introduced by the end of April. You can contact the KCDA (dial 1339) to check your eligibility for vaccination and the general procedure.

Special track for businessmen
The Korean authorities announced that people who need to travel overseas for essential business will be given priority for Covid-19 vaccine shots. Priority will be given to those traveling for “business that is directly related to national interests”, diplomats and troops. No details are given regarding businesses related to national interest since it applies to a wide variety of activities, but the reasons are examined upon application opened since March 17 via the KITA support center, and pending approval by the related ministry and KCDA.

Foreign representatives of businesses in Korea are also eligible: they need to have a valid alien registration card issued since at least 3 months, and do not necessarily need to be affiliated to the Korean National Health Insurance.

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