From March onwards, South Korea will no longer require travelers from China to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. This comes after the country’s Ministry of Interior and Safety noted a significant drop in the positive rate of arrivals from China, from 18.4% in the first week of January to 0.6% in the third week of February.
The relaxation of rules is part of an effort to improve relations with China, which had imposed its own visa curbs in retaliation for South Korea’s border restrictions. However, mandatory PCR tests before departure for passengers from China will remain in place until March 10, as a way to monitor and evaluate the effects of the relaxation.
The move is part of a larger effort by South Korean authorities to ease COVID-19 related measures, as the country has seen a steady decrease in the number of new cases. This has allowed the government to gradually reopen various sectors of the economy, including schools, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The easing of restrictions on travelers from China is expected to further improve relations between the two countries, while also helping to boost tourism and economic activity. It is also hoped that it will help to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus, as travelers will no longer be required to take a test upon arrival.