Philippines to South Korea: Travel Requirements, Quarantine Rules, Restrictions, etc.

However, on-arrival RT-PCR test is still mandatory for all travelers.
by Ina Louise Manto | September 28, 2022

Did you know that the Philippines is the third top country South Koreans visited the most in 2019? While Koreans can’t get enough of the Philippines’ tropical weather, Pinoys love South Korea just as much, as seen in the growth of appreciation for Hallyu or the Korean Wave over the years. K-dramas helped us survive the lockdown, so it’s no wonder that we’re raring to visit!

Here’s everything you need to know to help you prepare for your visit to South Korea:

Is South Korea open to tourists now?

As of May 30, 2022, South Korea is opening its borders to tourists from June 1, 2022. Four Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, can also enjoy visa-free travel to Jeju and Gangwon province in June. The country has previously eased its border restrictions on April 1, allowing fully vaccinated non-leisure travelers to enter the Republic of Korea without the mandatory quarantine requirements.

Who can travel to South Korea from the Philippines?

Beginning April 1, 2022, South Korea is reopening its borders to international passengers who are traveling for non-leisure purposes such as students, businessmen, employees, seasonal workers, and families of Korean nationals. Other allowed travelers include Korean nationals and foreigners re-entering the country after a long period of time (those who left after June 1, 2020).

On March 21, the Republic of Korea waived its mandatory quarantine requirement for inbound travelers whose vaccination status is registered in the country.

Requirements for travel from the Philippines to South Korea

Here are the travel and health documents you need to prepare for:

• Valid passport
• Proof of vaccination. You may request an International Certificate of Vaccination through the Bureau of Quarantine or request proof of vaccination from VaxCertPH.
• Valid visa
• Q-CODE registration. Submit your vaccination history and upload your vaccination certificate/proof of vaccination in the system here.
• Travel and health insurance that includes treatment and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infection

Find more information about detailed travel requirements here.

Do you need a visa to enter South Korea?

Yes, you need to secure a visa to enter South Korea. These are the types of visas you can apply for at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines and its requirements:

• For Seasonal workers (C-4, E-8)
• For F-1-5 or those visiting and joining family
• For Korean’s parents-in-law
• For Korean’s sister or brother-in-law
• For Filipino married to military personnel stationed in Korea
• For Parents of naturalized citizens (Filipinos who acquired Korean citizenship)
• For Employees
• For Businessmen
• For Students
• For Religious Workers
• For Housewives

Find more visa categories here.

Beginning June 1, 2022, the embassy will resume processing Korean Tourist Visa applications.

For when tourists are allowed again, you will have to process tourist visa applications through accredited agencies.

Note: Multiple entry visas issued prior to April 5, 2020 may be used without re-application.

Visa-free entry for Filipinos

Visa-free entry to Jeju Island resumed on June 1, together with the reopening of Korea’s borders to tourists. Another addition to the visa-free entry is via Yangyang International Airport where tourists can visit and explore Gangwon Province. Find more about it here:

South Korea quarantine rules

Beginning April 1, 2022, all fully vaccinated travelers entering South Korea are exempt from quarantine. This means that you must have already taken your third or booster shot prior to traveling or have completed your primary vaccines at least 14 days prior but within 180 days.

However, passengers coming from Myanmar, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine will still have to quarantine for seven days upon arrival.

As of September 3, 2022, all arriving travelers are still subject to an on-arrival PCR test within 1 day of arrival and upload the test result to the Q-code site.

Current South Korea COVID Situation

For updates and more information regarding travel to South Korea, don’t forget to visit the following pages:

• https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3275/list.do
• http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en
• https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761454&page=1