The South Korea COVID-19 thread
#92
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC-GGL, GFL, *A Gold, Hilton Diamond , IHG Diamond/Ambassador
Posts: 242
Hello @flyerkit are you coming in as a K-ETA tourist? We have trip coming June 3. Thanks.
Very smooth, got a test on arrival - which was a little irregular at the time, but got a negative result by 4pm that day so was free to roam the same day.
Now I have the challenge of arriving from Japan with new Q-CODE regime... but with the same K-ETA
#94
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ
Posts: 6,138
I just found out I need to be in Seoul on the 20th (leaving USA on 19th). I have just completed the K-ETA application now (23:00 EST 15APR).
I have variously read the application processing time is 72 hours or 1-2 business days. What are my real-world hopes of having a completed K-ETA by noon PST on the 19th?
Edit: got my approval about an hour after submission
I have variously read the application processing time is 72 hours or 1-2 business days. What are my real-world hopes of having a completed K-ETA by noon PST on the 19th?
Edit: got my approval about an hour after submission
Last edited by YYZC2; Apr 15, 2022 at 10:12 pm
#95
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Air Canada A35K, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 169
I'm seeing conflicting information online about whether an arrival test is required for foreign tourists. I know the pre-departure PCR within 48 hours is required, but are we required to also book an arrival test at the airport in Seoul in advance?
For example the MOFA website and US embassy website only mention pre-departure test and no arrival test, the MOHW website and many foreign government/airline websites do mention an arrival test, and I'm seeing different first-hand accounts of whether or not people who landed recently had to take an arrival test.
For example the MOFA website and US embassy website only mention pre-departure test and no arrival test, the MOHW website and many foreign government/airline websites do mention an arrival test, and I'm seeing different first-hand accounts of whether or not people who landed recently had to take an arrival test.
#96
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,809
#97
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: YYZ
Programs: Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 87
Has anyone heard anything about the quarantine procedure if you test positive on arrival PCR? Mainly, you upload your results to an app and then you check yourself into a gov't run hotel? Or do you just stay inside your hotel that you're already booked in for 7 days?
#98
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC-GGL, GFL, *A Gold, Hilton Diamond , IHG Diamond/Ambassador
Posts: 242
Korea has 40 cycle pcr vs standard 25)
Then if positive you get put in a special place for 5 days
#99
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC-GGL, GFL, *A Gold, Hilton Diamond , IHG Diamond/Ambassador
Posts: 242
Test centre
Waiting
Paying
Sampling
Bill
#100
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: YYZ
Programs: Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 87
that's great to hear. esp the shorter quarantine period. thanks for the info and the photos too!
#101
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
Programs: Hilton Diamond; IHG Platinum; Bonvoy Gold; AA Platinum Pro and United Premier Silver (DH = AA EXP)
Posts: 1,927
#102
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gdynia, Poland
Posts: 628
There are two ways you can do the PCR test:
1) at the airport, which you have to pay for
2) in one of many public testing centers in Seoul, which are (so far) complimentary.
I did the second type at Unseo Station, the first one after the airport. You must have Korean phone number in order to take advantage of such method as you receive result only by SMS.
I stayed in Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Station for the first 4 nights and they didn't ask for result of my after arrival. I waited for result there (it came in less than 12 hours).
Later I moved to Millennium Hilton and at check in I was asked to show result of after arrival test. I don't know, what would have happened if it was my first hotel (if they would have let me check in before receiving of result?).
You must be aware however that Korean regulations regarding testing might change, so it's hard to say how long complimentary tests will be available.
1) at the airport, which you have to pay for
2) in one of many public testing centers in Seoul, which are (so far) complimentary.
I did the second type at Unseo Station, the first one after the airport. You must have Korean phone number in order to take advantage of such method as you receive result only by SMS.
I stayed in Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Station for the first 4 nights and they didn't ask for result of my after arrival. I waited for result there (it came in less than 12 hours).
Later I moved to Millennium Hilton and at check in I was asked to show result of after arrival test. I don't know, what would have happened if it was my first hotel (if they would have let me check in before receiving of result?).
You must be aware however that Korean regulations regarding testing might change, so it's hard to say how long complimentary tests will be available.
#103
Question:
Didn't know whether to post this question in the "Covid" or the "International Transfers" threads...
Can I, as a US Citizen, fly from Seattle > ICN (not leaving airport/for transfer only through) for less than 24 hours > onwards to another country-destination?
I can present a negative PCR test, but haven't had any vaccines, I have doctor's statement of recovery from when I had Covid in 2020, certification from Red Cross showing I still have active antibodies a year+ later, etc... but I can't find transfer-only info on the airport's website, or the US Korean Embassy's website, etc.
Anyone done this with experiences to share, or have a link to someplace that spells it all out?
Didn't know whether to post this question in the "Covid" or the "International Transfers" threads...
Can I, as a US Citizen, fly from Seattle > ICN (not leaving airport/for transfer only through) for less than 24 hours > onwards to another country-destination?
I can present a negative PCR test, but haven't had any vaccines, I have doctor's statement of recovery from when I had Covid in 2020, certification from Red Cross showing I still have active antibodies a year+ later, etc... but I can't find transfer-only info on the airport's website, or the US Korean Embassy's website, etc.
Anyone done this with experiences to share, or have a link to someplace that spells it all out?
#105
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Programs: KE Skypass Morning Calm Member, OZ Club
Posts: 2,349
Question:
Didn't know whether to post this question in the "Covid" or the "International Transfers" threads...
Can I, as a US Citizen, fly from Seattle > ICN (not leaving airport/for transfer only through) for less than 24 hours > onwards to another country-destination?
I can present a negative PCR test, but haven't had any vaccines, I have doctor's statement of recovery from when I had Covid in 2020, certification from Red Cross showing I still have active antibodies a year+ later, etc... but I can't find transfer-only info on the airport's website, or the US Korean Embassy's website, etc.
Anyone done this with experiences to share, or have a link to someplace that spells it all out?
Didn't know whether to post this question in the "Covid" or the "International Transfers" threads...
Can I, as a US Citizen, fly from Seattle > ICN (not leaving airport/for transfer only through) for less than 24 hours > onwards to another country-destination?
I can present a negative PCR test, but haven't had any vaccines, I have doctor's statement of recovery from when I had Covid in 2020, certification from Red Cross showing I still have active antibodies a year+ later, etc... but I can't find transfer-only info on the airport's website, or the US Korean Embassy's website, etc.
Anyone done this with experiences to share, or have a link to someplace that spells it all out?