By Xu Aiying and Kim Hayeon

A health check procedure that reduces the time spent entering Korea through Incheon International Airport will be applied next week.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on March 16 said that from March 21, the Quarantine Information Pre-entry System, or Q-code, will be applied to all passengers arriving from overseas through Incheon International Airport. 

To get a Q-code before arrival, travelers should visit the KDCA's website (https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr) to register their personal information and attach a certificate of a negative result on a PCR test issued within 48 hours of the departure date, proof of vaccination certificate and a completed health questionnaire.  

The code will be issued through the website upon completion of registration and delivered via email for print or mobile download for use in quarantine procedures.

Vaccination records registered in Korea are automatically linked to the pre-registration system.

Also from March 21, those who received a second vaccine shot against COVID-19 at least 14 days before but within 180 days in Korea or those who got a third shot are exempt from self-quarantine, and their vaccine status is automatically linked to the pre-entry system. Starting April 1, people vaccinated abroad can avoid self-isolation only if they input their vaccination status into the system and attach the required certificates. 

KDCA Commissioner Jeong Eun-Kyeong said, "The full-scale operation of the advance entry system requires the active interest and use of travelers from overseas," adding, "In addition to Incheon International Airport, application of the quarantine information pre-entry system will be expanded in phases to raise the convenience of inbound passengers based on the opening schedules of provincial airports."

xuaiy@korea.kr