S. Korea to suspend visa exemptions for 90 countries starting Monday
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, April 9 (Yonhap) -- The government will suspend visa-free entry and visa waiver programs for 90 countries imposing entry bans on South Koreans from Monday next week as part of efforts to curb the coronavirus inflow from overseas, officials said Thursday.
Along with the planned suspension of visa exemptions, all 90-day visas that were issued before April 5 of this year have become invalid, according to the joint press release by the foreign and justice ministries.
The toughened visa restrictions come as South Korea has seen an increasing number of coronavirus infection cases from abroad, which has emerged as a key factor behind the continuing virus outbreak. Of the total 10,423 infection cases reported as of Thursday, 861 cases had come from overseas.
The recent rise in imported cases has weighed on the country's quarantine capacity already exhausted by virtually endless demand to check all international arrivals after the government toughened quarantine steps.
Foreigners who hold such short-term visas must reapply for a new one. Exceptions apply in some cases, such as for diplomats, flight attendants and C-4 visa holders, who are sponsored by local firms for their highly specialized skills.
Foreigners who have already entered South Korea and been staying here will also be excluded. They are permitted to stay until their existing visas expire.
The government said it will also toughen the review process for all new visa applications. Foreigners will be required to submit a health certificate detailing whether the applicant shows any symptoms related to the virus.
A total of 151 countries and territories currently impose a blanket or partial ban on entry from South Korea. Of them, Korea has forged visa waiver agreements with 66 countries and has allowed visa-free entry from 47 other nations, according to the government.
The United States will not be affected by the planned suspension of visa exemption as the country is still allowing South Koreans to enter. China is not subject to the measure as there is no visa-free agreement or program in place between the two countries.

An immigration official, clad in a full set of protective gear, gives instructions to a passenger about self-quarantine procedures at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on April 8, 2020. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
BTS' J-Hope tries long hair in photo book to be released this month
-
Ruling party, gov't mulling expanding heating bill support for middle class
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Candidate registration opens for PPP leadership race
-
(LEAD) Candidate registration opens for PPP leadership race
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Jay Park's Won Soju to be sold in U.S.
-
(2nd LD) Search under way for 9 missing after fishing boat capsizes
-
(LEAD) Ahn calls off campaigning activities amid row with Yoon's office
-
Ruling party, gov't mulling expanding heating bill support for middle class
-
BTS fails to win Grammy for 3rd consecutive year
-
Son Heung-min partially wins lawsuit filed by former agent
-
S. Korea closely watching N. Korea's 'increased' activities to prepare for military parade: Seoul official
-
(LEAD) 23 Thai tourists out of contact after arriving in Muan Int'l Airport
-
Apparent N.K. weather balloon enters S. Korean airspace earlier this week: Seoul's military