The COVID-19 test center at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on July 24 is crowded with arriving foreign passengers. (Yonhap News)
Incoming passengers from abroad from July 25 must take a PCR test for COVID-19 upon arrival in the country.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on July 25 announced that those arriving from overseas must take a PCR test on the day of their arrival in principle and that if they arrive too late for testing, they must get tested the next day.
Quarantine authorities last month had eased the rule for getting a PCR test to within three days of arrival given the low number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at the time. The recent surge in cases, however, led to the strengthening of quarantine measures in a month.
Among those entering the country from abroad, Korean nationals and expats can get free PCR tests at health centers under the jurisdiction of the areas of their residences or lodging.
Quarantine authorities recommend that short-term foreign visitors to Korea get tested for COVID-19 at a test center in the airport for a fee. After the test, they are advised to stay in their residences or accommodations until the results come out.
dusrud21@korea.kr
