South Korea, a popular Asian country, has simplified entry rules for foreign tourists. We are talking about the cancellation of the mandatory coronavirus test for arrival in the country from October 1. This became known from the statement of the central headquarters for countering emergency events and security measures of the republic.
Under updated protocols, travelers no longer have to undergo PCR tests for the coronavirus upon arrival in the popular Asian region. “As of October 1, mandatory PCR testing within one day after arrival for all arrivals will be canceled,” the government’s decree said.
According to the agency, the decision to relax anti-virus measures was made in connection with the improvement of the epidemiological situation in the country. Thus, the South Korean authorities followed the plan of their neighbors in the Asian region and eased the conditions of entry for travelers.
Earlier, Thailand also decided to withdraw from October the obligation to provide vaccination certificates and tests for COVID-19 for tourists. In addition, the mandatory quarantine for patients with a mild form of COVID-19 and persons with an asymptomatic course was canceled. Thai authorities have explained that they are changing the rules for tourists, locals, and anyone infected, as they have decided to downgrade the status of the coronavirus from a “dangerous epidemic” to an “infectious disease under surveillance”.
In addition, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced at a press conference in New York on September 22 that from October 11 the upper limit of 50,000 entries per day, which was previously introduced to contain the spread of the coronavirus, will be lifted, and foreigners will be able to enter the country without a visa. Japan has eased most travel restrictions, lifting the requirement to undergo a covid test before entering the country and allowing self-guided package tours, but maintaining the requirement to obtain group visas through travel agencies.