Notice on Suspension of Re-Entry Permit Exemption and Submission of Diagnosis for Re-Entry of Long-term Stayers

1. Suspension of Re-Entry Permit Exemption and Application for    Re-Entry Permit

▪ Beginning June 1, 2020, registered aliens who are seeking re-entry into the ROK after departure are required to obtain a Re-Entry Permit in accordance with Article 30 of the Immigration Act, and leaving the Republic of Korea without a Re-Entry Permit will result in cancellation of Alien Registration.

▪ Yet, those with Diplomats (A-1), Government Officials (A-2, A-3) or Overseas Korean (F-4) status do not need to apply for a Re-Entry Permit, and are allowed to re-enter the ROK as previously done.

▪ Re-Entry Permit can be applied for at immigration offices across the nation including at the airports.

2. Submission of Diagnosis for Re-Entry of Long-term Stayers

▪ Beginning June 1, 2020, registered aliens (except Diplomats (A-1), Government Officials (A-2, A-3) and Overseas Korean (F-4) status) seeking re-entry into the ROK after departure are required to undergo a medical examination related to COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to the date of departure for the ROK and carry and present a medical certificate (diagnosis) detailing the results to re-enter the ROK.

< NOTE>

A diagnosis must be written either in Korean or English and be issued by an authorized local medical institute.

It must include the date of examination, and the presence or absence of fever, cough, chills, headache, difficulty of breathing, muscle pain and pulmonary symptoms, and must be signed by a medical examiner.

It does not have to include a COVID-19 test result (Test Negative).

(A medical certificate (diagnosis) listing a COVID-19 negative result shall also be             deemed as valid.)

▪ Failure to undergo the examination or present a written diagnosis, and forging/falsifying documents or presenting false documents will result in denial of boarding and entry, and other disadvantages.

▪  Yet, those with a valid ‘Isolation Exemption Certificate’ issued by a Korean embassy or consular office are exempted from the obligation to submit a written diagnosis and are allowed to re-enter the ROK as an exception.