travel restrictions for transit in korea

South Korea Transit Visa

Passengers do not usually need a visa to transit through South Korea if they do not intend to leave the airport.

Entry permission is required for travelers who wish to pass through immigration and enter South Korea between connecting flights.

This page contains all the information passenger in transit through South Korea need, including:

• South Korea airport transit requirements
• South Korea K-ETA and visas for transit

30-day transit visa exemption

• Seoul organized transit tours
• Transit in Korea during COVID-19

Do I Need A South Korean Visa to Transit Through Korea?

Most passengers do not need a visa to transit in South Korean airports without passing through immigration.

No visa is required to transit through South Korea when departing:

• Within 24 hours for Incheon International Airport in Seoul
• On the same calendar day for all other airports

Travelers must stay in the transit area of the airport if they do not have a visa or visa waiver.

Nationalities that require a transit visa for Korea

Citizens of the following countries must hold a visa to transit through South Korea:

Passport holders from these countries must apply for a visa at a South Korea embassy to transit, even if they will not leave the airport.

Do I Need a South Korea Transit Visa to Leave the Airport?

Travelers must stay in the transit area of the airport if they do not have a visa or ETA.

A visa or travel authorization is required to:

• Leave the airport and visit South Korea
• Go through immigration to collect luggage

South Korean ETA for transit passengers

Passport holders from visa-exempt countries can enter South Korea with an ETA . This permit allows eligible citizens who meet the Korea entry requirements to visit Korea visa-free.

Travelers who wish to spend some time in South Korea in between flights, or need to collect luggage after immigration, should apply for a K-ETA.

With an approved K-ETA, passengers with a long wait between connecting flights can make the most of their time and visit the city.

Apply for the K-ETA to enter South Korea between flights

K-ETA is now mandatory for visa waiver citizens to visit South Korea, passengers must complete an online application form with basic personal details and passport information.

Travelers receive the approved permit between 24h-48h. The same K-ETA can be used to enter South Korea multiple times during the 2-year validity period, or until the passport expires.

South Korea transit visa requirements

Transit passengers from non-visa exempt countries need a visa to pass through immigration and enter South Korea.

Visa applications are made at the South Korean embassy or consulate. Several supporting documents are required , an appointment must be made to present the paperwork in person.

There is a 30-day visa exemption for travelers who usually need a visa for South Korea provided they meet the following requirements .

They must have a visa or residence permit from one of the following countries:

• New Zealand
• The United States

They must be:

• Arriving directly from or departing directly to one of the above countries
• Arriving from one of the above countries after transiting in a 4th country for no more than 72 hours
• Departing to one of the above countries and transiting for no more than 72 hours in a 4th country

Passengers who believe they are eligible for visa-free transit should get confirmation and further information from an embassy of South Korea.

Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for this 30-day transit visa exemption:

• Afghanistan
•  Bangladesh
•  Kyrgyzstan
•  North Macedonia
•  Uzbekistan

South Korea Transit Tour Program

Transit tours are organized from Incheon International Airport in Seoul . Foreigners can take part provided they are:

• Eligible to enter South Korea
• Have a connecting flight to a third country within 24 hours

Different tours are available including shopping, temples, and business. Tours last 1 to 5 hours . The tours are free of charge however participants must pay any admission fees and meals.

A visa is not required to enter South Korea on an Incheon Airport organized tour.

South Korea Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to South Korea

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

South Korea entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to South Korea from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Can I travel to South Korea without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter South Korea?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in South Korea?

Mask usage in South Korea is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants in South Korea are open. Bars in South Korea are .

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South Korea Travel Advisory

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 .    

Travel Advisory Levels

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International Restrictions:

*Transiting in South Korea: All transit passengers receive a temperature check on arrival in Korea. Symptomatic individuals will be subject to a COVID-19 test and hospitalisation if found positive. Passengers who do not show symptoms and/or test negative may continue their journey. Transit passengers at Seoul Incheon Airport require a ticket/boarding pass for their onward flight to their final destination. They should confirm with the airline(s) before departure that their bags have been checked through to their final destination (as transit passengers are not able to collect and re-check in baggage on arrival in Incheon Airport). Transit hotels are available in both Terminals 1 and 2 at Incheon Airport.

*Testing / screening on arrival: All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea are required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 72 hours of departure. You can find more details at your nearest Republic of Korea Embassy.

All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) after entering South Korea. Arrivals will be taken for testing and must remain at the testing facility until a negative result has been secured. From 7 May, travellers with a Korean government-approved official vaccination certificate showing that they have received two vaccine doses in South Korea more than 14 days before their departure from the country may be exempted from compulsory quarantine on their return. Those exempted will need to comply with active health monitoring through an app, undertake two compulsory COVID tests and limit some activities for a 14 day period. Arrivals from South Africa and Brazil will not be eligible for this exemption. Travellers with vaccination certificates from countries other than South Korea are not currently eligible for an automatic quarantine exemption. For more information contact the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on 1339.

Korean nationals and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, but without an official Korean government-approved vaccination certificate, may self-quarantine at home for 14 days.All other foreign short-term travellers without a Korean government-approved vaccination certificate must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of 120,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities.

There is currently no charge for hospital/community centre treatment for British nationals testing positive for COVID-19. It is worth noting that individuals testing positive on arrival may spend over a month in hospital/community treatment centres before testing negative and being discharged.

Any travellers displaying symptoms or returning a positive test result for COVID-19 must comply with self-quarantine and treatment instructions issued by the Korean authorities. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment, deportation, the revocation of visas or residence permits and an entry ban, and the individual may be held liable for economic losses incurred by further transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Justice has made clear that this policy applies to foreign residents as well as short-term visitors.

*Data collection: Individuals from the UK will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival, and will need to participate with an active monitoring system via regular calls with a health expert and a specialised mobile App. Make sure you have with you a mobile telephone with the roaming function enabled, and/or the telephone number of a friend, relative or contact who can update the authorities daily on your state of health. A hotel telephone number will not be accepted. Immigration authorities will undertake a test call before travellers leave the airport, and any individual unable to verify their contact details may be denied entry to South Korea.

Internal Restrictions:

*Public spaces and services: Face masks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won. South Korea currently has a five-level national social distancing scale. For full details of the current restrictions and requirements you should check the South Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency (KDCA) and here Ministry of Health and Welfare websites (English). You can find information on any local variations in COVID-19 restrictions and requirements on metropolitan and provincial government websites as follows:

• Seoul Metropolitan government ; • Busan Metropolitan City ; • Daegu Metropolitan City ; • Incheon Metropolitan City ; • Gwangju City ; • Daejeon Metropolitan City ; • Ulsan Metropolitan City ; • Sejong City ; • North Chungcheong ; • South Chungcheong ; • Gangwon ; • Gyeonggi ; • North Gyeongsan ; • South Gyeongsang ; • North Jeolla ; • South Jeolla ; • Jeju .

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Immigration Regulations

Find the latest travel restriction information of your destination country tailored to your itinerary.

• Provided data in this page is compiled by Sherpa, and does not guarantee passenger's entry or exit.
• For stopovers or connecting flights, you may need to clear immigration for each flight segment.
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• Government travel restrictions are subject to constant change and sometimes introduced without adequate notice.
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South Korea

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

South Korea travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: June 17, 2024 08:25 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, south korea - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in South Korea

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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border.

Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Crime against foreigners is generally low. Petty crime occurs in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites and public markets. Remain aware of your surroundings in crowded entertainment, nightlife and shopping districts.

Petty crime and sexual harassment can occur in public spaces including bars and restaurants, and on buses.

• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

You can report crimes, including a sexual assault, to the Korean National Police Agency by dialling 112. This is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service. For non-Korean speakers, the police will link an interpreter into the call.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment. Sexual assault and harassment do occur, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, such as Itaewon and Hongdae-Ipgu.

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. If you are sexually assaulted, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the nearest Canadian government office.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Remain vigilant
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations

Political, labour and student demonstrations and marches may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Civil emergency exercises

Civil emergency exercises are held for fires, earthquakes, other disasters and civil defence drills by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

In 2024, four exercises will take place in March, May, August and October. The exercise on August 21, 2024, will be a nationwide exercise. Depending on the exercise, sirens may sound, transport may stop and authorities may ask some people to take shelter in metro stations or basements. While visitor participation is not necessary, familiarize yourself with procedures and check local announcements for further exercises.

Useful links

• Ministry of the Interior and Safety
• National Disaster and Safety Portal

Emergency assistance mobile application

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety offers a free emergency assistance mobile application called Emergency Ready (available on Google Play and iTunes). The app allows users to contact  emergency services, locate the closest medical centre or shelter and view first aid videos.

• Emergency Ready App  - Google Play
• Emergency Ready  - iTunes

Road safety

The rate of fatal road accidents is very high. Check carefully before crossing the road. Vehicles may not stop at pedestrian crossings. Use underground or above-ground pedestrian crossings, where available.

Speeding, running red lights, lane changes without signalling and other risky driving behaviours are common, particularly by buses, taxis and motorcyclists. Motorcycles are sometimes driven on sidewalks.

Automobile drivers are presumed to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles or pedestrians. Criminal charges and heavy penalties are common when accidents result in injury. Even if negligence is not proven, you may be subject to criminal charges.

Public transportation

The use of public transport after dark may be safer than using taxis when travelling alone. When subway and bus services end for the night, use officially marked taxis only. It is mandatory to fasten your seatbelt in a taxi. Drivers may speak some English, but have your destination written in Korean.

High-speed train services (KTX and SRT) link Seoul and major southern cities such as Busan, Gwangju and Mokpo.

• Book high-speed train tickets – Korail
• Book high-speed train tickets – SRT

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the South Korean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from South Korea.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required* Business visa: not required* Student visa: required (must be obtained outside South Korea) Working visa: required (must be obtained outside South Korea)

*Canadians are exempt from the Korea Electronic Travel Authority (K-ETA) requirement to visit South Korea until December 31, 2024.

You can't change your visa status once you're in South Korea.

If you wish to extend the length of your visa, contact the Korea Immigration Service as soon as possible to apply for an extension. Authorities strictly enforce immigration laws and regulations.

• Korea Electronic Travel Authority (K-ETA) – Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea
• More information about visas – Korea Immigration Service

Foreigners must register their biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at their port of entry. Children younger than 17 years and diplomats are exempt from this screening.

Screening measures

The Korea Immigration Service will screen your body temperature upon your arrival at the airport. They may test you for infectious diseases including cholera and Zika virus. In some cases, authorities may quarantine you for medical observation if you show flu-like symptoms or test positive for an infectious disease.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities meet Canadian standards. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Payment is expected at time of service. Korean medical institutions will not charge insurance companies directly.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Police may confiscate your passport and/or detain you during an investigation.

Overview of the criminal law system in South Korea

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines and deportation. Minor violations, including smoking small quantities of an illegal drug such as cannabis (even in a private home) can result in pre-trial detention.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Support for anti-government organizations

South Korea’s National Security Law prohibits statements and materials that praise anti-government organizations.

Photography

Photography of military installations and government buildings is illegal.

You must carry an International Driving Permit or a South Korean driver’s licence.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines and a jail sentence.

International Driving Permit

Teaching English

Carefully review any contract to teach English in South Korea before signing it, even when arranged by a Canadian recruiter. There have been reports that some contracts have been modified after the fact. Ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clear before accepting an offer. Ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.

The Korean government investigates the use of fraudulent documents, degrees and English-as-a-second-language (ESL) certificates. Penalties for using fraudulent documents include arrest, deportation and restrictions on re-entry. Be aware that written contracts may not be binding documents. Verbal agreements often take precedence over written agreements.

Guide for teaching English in Korea

Dual citizenship

South Korea legally recognizes dual citizenship. If you’re a citizen of Canada, but also a citizen of South Korea, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you’re there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

The South Korean government considers children born from a Korean and a non-Korean parent to be South Korean citizens until age 18, even if they weren’t born in South Korea. Former Koreans over 65 who wish to live their remaining years in South Korea may be granted citizenship.

A male dual citizen whose name appears on the Korean family relation certificate may be subject to compulsory military service, even when entering South Korea on a Canadian passport. Before travelling to South Korea, Canadian males of Korean origin may need to renounce their Korean citizenship or have their names removed from the Korean family relation certificate to avoid this requirement.

Korean authorities will only recognize you as a Canadian-South Korean citizen if you meet certain criteria. If you think you may have a claim to South Korean citizenship, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or one of its consulates.

• Entry/exit requirements
• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and South Korea.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in South Korea, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the South Korean court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in South Korea to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Although the laws of South Korea do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated. Same sex marriages are not legally recognised in South Korea.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to South Korea.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

The currency in South Korea is the won (KRW). Some major banks have ATMs that accept international debit or credit cards. The amount allowed per withdrawal may be quite low, making the service charge excessive. Most ATMs that allow withdrawal of money from Canadian bank accounts offer English instructions.

Rainy and typhoon seasons

The rainy season extends from late June until August. July is usually the wettest month. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides.

Typhoons occur in August and September. These severe storms can cause significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to South Korea during the rainy or typhoon seasons:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Korea Meteorological Administration
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Air pollution, including yellow dust pollution, is common in South Korea throughout the year and especially in March, April and May.

Air pollution in South Korea - World Air Quality Index

Wildfires are common in the spring months, but are generally contained within inaccessible areas. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• National Fire Agency  - Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety
• Korea Forest Service  - Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 119
• firefighters: 119

An English interpretation service is available.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to South Korea and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Notice [IMPORTANT] THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE ENTERING KOREA

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE ENTERING KOREA

(Updated: 15 December 2023)

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[1.] TRAVELLING TO JEJU ISLAND WITH DIRECT FLIGHT ONLY:

WITH / WITHOUT VISA (OR) K-ETA?  (Link)

[2.] TRAVELLING TO SOUTH KOREA : DO I NEED K-ETA OR VISA?

China Expands Visa-Waiver Program List: More Countries Added

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

June 17th, 2024 at 6:06 AM EDT

For years, China has been the gift that kept on giving to global tourism, sending millions of its citizens to explore, shop and snap selfies worldwide. Now, it's telling global travelers, "Your turn!" And if visa hassles are a deal-breaker, the country knows that removing them can only sweeten the deal.

Peden Doma Bhutia

China is opening its doors even wider to the world. Australia is now the latest country to join China’s expanding visa waiver program.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang made the announcement on Monday during an official visit to Australia, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations.

“We agreed to provide each other with reciprocal access to five-year multiple entry visas for tourism, business, and visiting family members to better facilitate personal exchanges. China will also include Australia in its visa waiver program,” stated Premier Qiang.

Australia’s national airline Qantas announced last month it was leaving Mainland China just six months after returning to the market. Speaking to Skift, the carrier’s International CEO said “Getting out of China at that point was the right call from our perspective.”

China has yet to detail the specifics of the new visa waiver arrangement, but the announcement closely follows a similar decision concerning New Zealand passport holders.

Just last Thursday, Premier Qiang declared visa-free entry for New Zealand citizens. “China is ready to discuss with New Zealand to introduce more measures to facilitate two-way travel,” Qiang mentioned, highlighting China’s move to ease travel restrictions.

In the past year, China has incrementally broadened its visa-free access to various countries.

China’s Visa-Free Travel Initiatives

In November, China introduced a one-year trial for visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. In March, China expanded this program to include Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

China initially announced the visa-free policy for a trial period until November 30 this year, but has now extended it until December 31, 2025.

With the recent additions of Australia and New Zealand, the number of nations enjoying visa-free entry to China now totals 14. Passport holders from these countries can stay in China for up to 15 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes.

China also signed a 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement with Singapore and a similar arrangement with Thailand, effective March 1, allowing visa-free visits of up to 30 days per entry. It has also eased visa requirements for U.S. citizens visiting the country on tourist visas, removing the need to provide proof of round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, itineraries, or invitation letters.

The Chinese government has also relaxed entry regulations for tourists arriving via cruise ships. As of May 15, such visitors can stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days.

China’s Inbound Recovery Lags Behind

The initiatives are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate China’s tourism sector, which has been struggling to regain its pre-pandemic momentum.

China’s inbound recovery has been gradual. In 2023, China welcomed 35.5 million foreign visitors, which is only about 36% of the 97.7 million recorded in 2019.

However, Chinese online travel agency Trip.com Group notes promising signs of resurgence. During the Lunar New Year in February, the group reported a tenfold increase in inbound travel bookings compared to the previous year, with significant interest from Japan, the U.S., South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, the U.K., Canada, Vietnam, Germany and Thailand.

Moreover, Trip.com Group noted that international travelers are extending their stays in China. The average duration during the Spring Festival increased to just over two days, compared to under two days the previous year. The booking window for travel to China had also expanded from six days in 2023 to 39 days in 2024.

More Inbound Boosters

To further enhance the travel experience for international tourists, China has strengthened partnerships with major payment organizations like Ant Group and Mastercard. The International Consumer Friendly Zones program in Shanghai, has been launched in collaboration with 12 overseas payment partners of Alipay+ and other major international card organizations.

It aims to make transactions smoother for global travelers.

Statistics from the first quarter of this year show a threefold increase in foreign travelers to China compared to the same period in 2023. During this time, China issued 466,000 visas and documents to foreigners, marking a 119% year-on-year increase, and nearly 1.99 million foreigners entered China visa-free, a 266% year-on-year rise.

Highlighting the economic potential of inbound tourism, Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, stated, “China’s inbound tourism has huge potential, and if it is raised to the international median of 1.5% of GDP, it could yield a growth of over RMB 1.3 trillion ($179 billion).”

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Tags: alipay , asia monthly , australia , booking windows , china , china travel , Mastercard , new zealand , trip.com group , visa waiver , visas

Photo credit: China’s inbound recovery has been gradual. XiXinXing / Getty Images

Digital nomads remain excluded from Korea's immigration law

K orea was recently named the most attractive Asian destination for remote workers , and 17th out of 108 countries worldwide, according to cybersecurity company NordLayer's Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) 2023.

It’s an impressive feat, all the more surprising considering that Korea has no legal means of welcoming remote workers, who are also sometimes known as digital nomads. This situation persists despite earlier promises made by the government to introduce a visa for digital nomads , which remain unfulfilled.

In fact, many people even consider digital nomads working in Korea – working remotely for an overseas employer and also receiving pay through transactions not taking place in Korea – to be working illegally under Korea’s uncompromising immigration law.

Jang Man-ik, a licensed immigration specialist who runs the visa consulting agency Visa in Korea , initially assessed that remote work could be illegal in Korea. "The Ministry of Justice has not created this kind of visa yet. So, if someone works like digital nomads in Korea, it is illegal," he said.

"One can’t work in Korea on a tourist visa," agreed Alex, a Romanian who worked remotely in Korea in 2021. "But I am not aware of any restrictions on being employed in another country during your visit there. Most tourists have jobs or businesses in their home countries. I don’t think it is illegal to answer a job-related email during your stay in Korea, right? The same logic applies to digital nomads. They are free to visit Korea for up to three months on a tourist visa or if their countries of origin have visa-free travel agreements with Korea. They can’t be employed in Korea but no one can stop them from using their laptops or mobile phones from time to time."

Based on this premise, Jang reconsidered his assessment of the legality, and reframed what the actual outstanding legal question should be. "Just visiting and doing some work for their company located overseas is okay — all workers do that while traveling," he agreed. "This main point is whether they can stay in Korea with an alien registration card or just as a temporary visitor."

He explained that currently, digital nomads are free to enter the country visa-free, but they can stay only for a maximum of three or six months, depending on the terms their country of origin has agreed upon with Korea. To stay longer than this limited period, they need a valid working visa, such as the proposed digital nomad visa.

"As far as I know, it is in progress or the Ministry of Justice will do it later, because there are many issues if the ministry allows someone to get a digital nomad ARC in Korea," Jang said. "All we can do is wait for updates from the ministry."

Needs of digital nomad community

As Jang mentioned, the digital nomad visa would enable longer stays in the country, and also entitle the holder to a residence card, formerly called an alien registration card (ARC) .

"Not having a local ID card, a local bank account or a mobile subscription can be troublesome, and I believe it discourages many digital nomads from considering more than a three-month stay," said Alex, who said he had worked for a multinational company with a Korea office that managed to get him an E-7 visa. He said on his website, Zen Moments in Korea , that this enabled him to get an ARC, though it was a time-consuming process that took over two months.

Silas, a U.S. citizen residing in Korea for nearly six years, three of which were as a digital nomad, believes the biggest liability issue facing remote workers in Korea is access to health care services. "I will say that it can cause problems if there aren't precautions," he said. "I've been working and traveling overseas even in countries where it is technically forbidden. I've been lucky enough to not become ill in those situations or need to make use of any public service, but there are unfortunately instances of illness, death or criminal activity such as theft etcetera that cause serious problems for the public sector. Of course nobody plans this, and it is always an accident, but on a large scale it is quite costly. This is my biggest concern with nomading."

He runs a social media forum with a little under 200 members for remote workers and digital nomads in Korea, and has seen various complaints there, as well as experienced some of the inconveniences himself.

"Limitations on access to financial resources due to payment gateways is a big problem as well," he said. This results in various disadvantages, such as being unable to use taxi-hailing apps, order food online or purchase tickets for K-pop concerts. "I'm not personally a fan of K-pop," he was quick to add, "but I do know from friends that this is a very challenging feat."

Most of the remote workers he knows are long-term residents like him who he believes hold valid working visas.

"They tend to rent shared office spaces such as WeWork and FastFive, and they tend to meet regularly with other professionals in tech — the No.1 remote work industry," he said. "But in the last months more and more people have requested access to the group which leads me to believe that the need (for guidance) is growing."

Cho Jeong-hyun, founder of the Digital Nomads Korea online community , also stressed the importance in receiving an ARC, and additionally identified the primary need of digital nomads as "a space for a welcoming community."

According to Cho, many digital nomad destinations around the world have built strong communities through coworking spaces and community events. Korea, while rich in laptop-friendly workspaces and great internet infrastructure, lacks targeted offerings for international digital nomad communities.

A Korean national, Cho became involved in the community a little over a year ago, after exploring various locations popular with digital nomads. The enthusiastic response to her initial meetups led to the establishment of the Digital Nomads Korea project, aimed to position Korea as a new hub for digital nomads.

Over the last six months, Cho has focused on building a team to provide resources for digital nomads in Korea. As well as developing an online community, they also host in-person community events in Seoul, including "Coworking Days," to foster a sense of community among digital nomads. Recognizing their needs, Cho recently launched Hoppin , a service for workation experiences throughout Korea. Additionally, she has also opened Hoppin House, a coworking and coliving space in western Seoul's vibrant Yeonnam-dong, to further support this community.

"Our community welcomes digital nomads or people interested in that lifestyle. Around 70 percent of our members are international digital nomads. The rest are local digital nomads and remote workers," she said.

"What we’ve observed in our community is that digital nomads tend to come on average for a minimum of one month. Some stay up to three months — which is the maximum they can stay on a visa exemption."

Over the past year, she has collected data on the comings and goings of this migratory community.

"Our community was born last year in November, so we only have data from that period of time. But among our observations: a lot of people from last year are coming back for the same season; high seasons are mid-august to end-October and April to end of June," she said. "There are people all year long; we’ve seen a lot of people coming for a short trip, falling in love with Korea and wanting to extend as much as they could."

Digital nomads want to be welcome

NordLayer's GRWI 2023 may have missed one very big problem, but it wasn't totally wrong about Korea being an attractive destination for digital nomads.

"Korea has really hit the global stage and I think has finally become more visible globally. The wicked fast internet, safety and incredible transportation are not just eye-catching for travelers but for long-term residents," Silas said. "Traveling abroad and working online is fun, but extremely challenging. Internet problems, rough transit, food costs, etc. These things make many traditional tourist destinations — Europe mostly — a vastly inferior destination for traveling long term. Korea is comparatively low cost, and yet so highly functioning, clean and safe that it is really — in my mind — no contest. Having been to many countries in Europe and all over North and South America, life both as a visitor and resident is far more comfortable here in Korea and I think that secret has reached the rest of the world."

The index analyzed Korea highly in its four categories: cybersecurity, economics, social safety and digital and physical infrastructure. Korea did particularly well in the last category, ranking second overall.

"The GRWI is just looking at infrastructure in general, like the speed of the internet or the cybersecurity level," Cho said. "It’s not looking at the affordability of the country, the cultural aspects, the weather, etcetera. I believe those indicators are usually more relevant to figure out what the ‘best’ digital nomad destination is."

All three interviewees from the digital nomad community urged Korea to introduce the long-promised digital nomad visa soon.

"I believe it is in the interest of Korea to do so," Alex said. "Not only will it help promote their country to the world, but they might directly benefit in the form of taxes paid by the future resident digital nomads. Furthermore, they’ll spend their earnings here instead of in other more nomad-friendly places. If Korea is to continue its global ascension, they have to open up to the world or remain behind. When I was a teenager, Japan was supposed to take over the world … 30 years later they are slowly fading away, unfortunately. Korea should learn something from their rival’s self-made misfortune."

When asked what Korea would gain from welcoming digital nomads, Silas replied with one word: "Money."

"If Americans in particular are allowed to work for companies back home while also living here in Korea, there would be a massive influx in cash as the dollar is worth significantly more than the Korean won," he added. "Their salaries are often tripled compared to the average income of a Korean employee. Having this money in the Korean economy is a slam-dunk in my opinion. This also brings in a younger populace which is something Korea is lacking in as our population grows ever older. International talent is also helpful in opening up new business connections abroad and locally. These business connections will bring Korea into new international horizons and attract incredible global talent."

He identified problems with implementing the visa, including incompatibilities and redundancies in countries' taxation and insurance systems. "If someone who is a nomad comes into a foreign country with no insurance it can be very complicated to handle for them. Also depending on the country of origin there may need to be tax filings that need to take place. My first thought (is) they may need to accept global travel insurance as an alternative to the traditional public health insurance," he said. "Opening a digital nomad visa would cause significant complications, but I don't think that it's unmanageable if there are specific requirements/steps in place to help foreigners traveling and working as a nomad here."

Cho highlighted the immediate effects of allowing in digital nomads, as well as longer-term advantages she suggests could solve the country's worst problems.

"In terms of immediate effects, it would be beneficial because digital nomads tend to be high-salary earners. They like spending money on food, activities, travel …" she said. "In terms of long-term effects, I believe remote work could be a solution to common urban issues caused by rapid urbanization — for instance, overcrowding, high living costs, pollution and shrinking cities with aging populations."

She pointed to the increasing population concentration in the capital region , especially Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, as all other regions see their populations dwindling.

"It's been a tough problem to solve: how do we spread out the population and encourage young people to live in smaller cities?" she said. "I think remote work could be the answer. When you can work from anywhere, you can choose where to live based on what you value most, like nature or community. If smaller cities cater to remote workers, they could become attractive with lower costs and a better quality of life."

She said members of her community are very interested in the introduction of the digital nomad visa. "The government announced last year that they would launch the visa by this year," she said. "But at the moment, there’s been no official announcement about exactly when it’s going to happen or under which conditions."

More from The Korea Times

• Over 500,000 English-language books available at Tongbang Books Open House
• Korea to issue visas for K-culture training, rural workcations
• Demographic gender gap in Korea's unmarried population widens
• Man falls from building, lands on another man killing both in Busan
• SK chief claims critical errors in divorce ruling

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