South Korea Travel Requirements for Philippine Passport Holders

Annyeonghaseyo, Pinoys! On 1 Jun 2022, South Korea resumed its issuance of travel visas. And starting 3 Sep, the country will be lifting its pre-departure COVID-19 test policy, according to Yonhap news agency. Learn the latest South Korea travel requirements for Philippine passport holders here.

Also read: How to Get a South Korean Tourist Visa for Philippine Passport Holders

South Korea travel requirements for Philippine passport holders

South Korea is now open to leisure travellers, allowing vaccinated tourists to enter without mandatory quarantine. Unvaccinated passengers may also enter the country but must undergo quarantine.

Regardless of travel purpose, Filipinos may visit the country for up to 90 days as long as they hold a C-3 visa. They may do so on either group or individual tours.

BOOKING OPTIONS IN SEOUL

Required documents for Filipinos travelling to South Korea

To enter South Korea, Philippine passport holders must secure the following requirements:

• Passport with at least six months’ validity
• Korean tourist visa
  • Valid multiple entry visas issued before 5 Apr 2022 can be used.
  • If visiting Gangwon or Jeju Island, Filipinos will NOT need a Korean visa. Read more here.
• Negative COVID-19 test
  • Negative RT-PCR certificate result taken within 48 hours before departure; OR,
  • Negative RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) certificate result taken within 24 hours before departure
  • Upload the test certificate here.
  • Starting 3 Sep, the country will be lifting its pre-departure COVID-19 test policy.
• Online vaccination registration via Q-code
• Health insurance with COVID-19 coverage (optional, but recommended).

Upon arrival, passengers may need to go through temperature scanning, a Record Declaration (Special Quarantine Report), and health questionnaires. For a smoother process, register your information at the Q-code website. 

All travellers are required to take an RT-PCR test once arriving in South Korea. Short-term travellers may get tested at the COVID-19 Testing Center in Incheon International Airport. Meanwhile, long-term travellers may take the test at any public health centre accredited here. 

If you’re visiting South Korea for more than a week, you’ll need to take a RAT on your sixth or seventh day from arrival. You may use a self-test kit for this.

Also read: How to Verify Legit Travel Agencies in the Philippines

COVID-19 health and safety protocols

While in South Korea, all tourists must adhere to the following COVID-19 health and safety protocols:

• Wear a face mask when indoors, on public transport, or outdoors without social distancing.
  • Note: Violators may be fined up to 100,000 KRW (~₱4,000).
• When outdoors, keep at least a two-metre social distance from others at all times. If not possible, wear a mask.
• Comply with temperature screenings and hand sanitising procedures.
• If you are suspected of having COVID-19, you must get tested in one of these medical institutions. 
  • Symptoms include but are not limited to the following: signs of a fever (37.5 ℃ or higher), coughing, and difficulty breathing.
  • If tested negative, travellers may forego quarantine. Instead, they must take a RAT on the sixth or seventh day after their arrival.
  • If tested positive, travellers must transfer to a hospital or residential treatment centre.

After reaching a peak of almost 500,000 COVID-19 patients in March, South Korea finally saw a drop in cases in the recent months. The tourism industry is expecting to boost both foreign and domestic tourism after opening its borders. For more information, read this.

Also read: Pinoy Shares His Visit to ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ Filming Locations

With South Korea now open for tourism, click here to get started with some travel inspiration! And if you’re still looking for where to stay in South Korea, here are some South Korea accommodations you can consider.

Planning to explore more international destinations? Check out our COVID-19 travel guide for Japan.

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