Re-entry Conditions in Korea for Foreign Residents

As announced on June 11th, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) updated the rules for the medical examination required for foreign residents prior to re-entry. 

• Family members accompanying the persons traveling on official purpose (business/investment, press, academic/research) for less than 3 weeks, upon submitting a letter of explanation and a proof of family relationship if required, are now exempted from submitting a medical certificate.
   
• A medical certificate is, in principle, valid when written in Korean or English. Yet, a medical certificate written in local languages is acceptable under exceptional circumstances if submitted with a full English or Korean translation and a ‘Certificate of Translation' (see attachment 2). Notarization for the translation is not required.

• Those seeking re-entry should have a diagnosis document issued within 2 days (excluding holidays) from the date scheduled to leave for Korea (yet, within 3 days is acceptable under exceptional circumstances)

As previously notified on May 29th, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) implemented new regulations effective from June 1st:

• Foreign residents shall apply for a re-entry permit through their local immigration office (or online) before leaving Korea (excluding A-1, A-2, A-3, and F-4 visas holders)
   
• Foreign residents shall undergo medical examination not earlier than 48 hours prior to the date of their departure for Korea and present a written diagnosis, (in English or Korean) issued by an authorized medical institution. The diagnosis shall include the date of examination and the presence or absence of fever, cough, chills, headache, breathing difficulty, muscle pain, and pulmonary symptoms.

• Persons who travel on official purpose (business/investment, press, academic/research) for less than 3 weeks are exempted from undergoing medical examination upon application. The traveler needs to apply for the waiver from the Immigration Office in advance, prior to leaving Korea (see Attachment 1).

Find here the the announcement of the government which describes the procedure to follow (ENG) - (KR)

FKCCI will keep you informed of any further evolution and is at your service for any inquiry regarding the conditions of foreign residents in Korea.