S. Korea Extends Entry Ban on Travelers from 11 African Countries

South Korea decided to extend the entry ban, on Wednesday, for short-term foreigners from 11 African countries for another 4 weeks until Feb 3 to prevent the spread of 'Omicron'.

The countries covered by the extension are Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia.

Seoul made a decision after noticing the continued rise in "Omicron" cases and the possibility of an increase in cases from abroad during the Lunar New Year holiday and others, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Korean citizens and foreigners can stay long-term after entering the country, but they are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test 4 times in the period from entry until the mandatory quarantine is lifted.

People from other African countries except for 11 take a PCR test on the first day of their entry. The suspension of all direct flights from Ethiopia to South Korea, except for irregular flights to transport members of the Korean community.

Also, there will be a mandatory quarantine of all arrivals from abroad for 10 days regardless of vaccination. The government will stop the sale of new tickets for flights from Singapore to South Korea from today to Jan 20 to restrain the "Omicron" outbreak.

However, transit travelers who do not enter the country and travelers who agree to a mandatory quarantine for 10 days after entry can buy flight tickets. In addition, the mandatory quarantine exemption will be maintained for holders of advance reservations for a flight from Singapore to South Korea.

Contributed by Israa Farhan