S. Korea to require pre-entry COVID-19 testing for travelers from Hong Kong&Macao

South Korea will require a negative COVID-19 test for arrivals from near China; Hong Kong and Macao. In addition to the planned requirement for travelers from China, due to a surge in infections in the region, health authorities said Tuesday.

Since 7th of January, travlers from Hong Kong and Macao will be required to receive a PCR or an antigen test before boarding flights to South Korea. The result must be registered in the Q-CODE system, also known as the Guide for the Advance Input System, before arrival, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

The KDCA said “The decision was made in consideration of the recent virus situation in Hong Kong, a larger number of incoming travelers from there, and restrictive moves by the United States, Canada and other nations,” in adidtion “We will closely monitor the virus situation in the region and will review imposing additional measures if needed.”

Recently, Hong Kong has seen a surge in the number of infections and deaths from the COVID-19. The KDCA added that number of entrants from Hong Kong came to 44,614 in December, larger than the 37,121 from China.

The planned measure came after South Korea tightened entry rules for those from China to minimize the impact of a recent surge of the virus there.

Earlier on Monday, South Korea began requiring a PCR test for arrivals from China within the first day of their entry.

They must remain in separate facilities here until their test results are confirmed, while South Korean nationals and foreigners with residency status returning here from visiting China have to quarantine at their residence after a PCR test.

Starting Thursday, those from China must show either a negative PCR or an antigen test for the coronavirus before their arrival.

Editor Miso