Overview
Security status
High degree of caution
Latest Travel Alert
Citizens planning travel abroad should take into account the ongoing risk of testing positive for COVID-19 while abroad and are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes COVID-19 cover. Before departure and during travel, citizens are advised to monitor our Travel Advice, follow us on Twitter, and register with their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Travel to South Korea
Entry requirements for Korea can change at short notice, so all travellers are advised to check entry requirements with the Korean authorities before travel. Up-to-date information is available on the websites of the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), as well as the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ireland.
Currently, there is no requirement to take a COVID-19 test before travel to Korea. However, COVID-19 testing is required after entry to Korea. A PCR test is required within 24 hours of arrival in Korea (short term visitors must get their test at the airport on arrival, while long term visitors may get tested at a public health facility near their residence ). A self-administered antigen test is also required on the 6th or 7th day after arrival.
The Korean authorities strong recommend that all arrivals use the ‘Q-Code system’ to upload their post-arrival PCR test result taken within 24 hours of arrival, even if they did not use the Q-Code system when entering South Korea. Further information is available here.
Mandatory quarantine remains in place for those who receive a positive COVID-19 test result after entry to Korea. Short-term foreign visitors must do their quarantine in a Government facility, and expenses must be paid by the visitor. Korean and long-term residents can complete quarantine in their home.
Currently, nationals of 66 visa waiver countries and 46 designated visa-free countries, including Ireland, must obtain ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering Korea. This only applies to travellers who arrive under a visa waiver and does not apply to those who hold a visa for Korea. You do not need a K-ETA if you have a valid visa to enter Korea. More information can be found here.
General Travel Advice
The likelihood of tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalating to impact the lives of those in the Republic of Korea is very slim. However, visitors should continue to monitor the travel advice in case of an increase in tensions.
Irish citizens in Korea should follow Irish Embassy Korea on Twitter. In the event of a crisis, we will issue travel advice from @IrishEmbKorea, based on updates issued by the authorities in Ireland and Korea.
We would strongly encourage all Irish citizens resident in Korea to register on our Citizen’s Registration Portal so as to ensure that they can receive any communications being issued by the Embassy.
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, start by talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
You can contact the emergency services in South Korea by dialling 112.