S. Korea Extends Travel Ban on 6 Countries till July 31

South Korea is going to extend a travel ban on six countries for six months due to prolonged security risks, the foreign ministry announced Friday.

The ban is imposed on six countries in the Middle East and Africa as well as some parts of the Philippines. It was slated to expire on Jan. 31.

The ministry revealed that it will be extended for Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan and the southern region of the Philippine archipelago -- the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

The designated regions are exposed to constant risks of terrorist attacks and political instability that will likely persist for a considerable period of time, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Travel to Iraq, Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan has been banned since 2007. Seoul imposed the ban on Yemen in 2011, Libya in 2014, and the islands in the Philippines in 2015.

Last December, South Korea decided to extend the tightened social-distancing rules for two more weeks to contain the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum announced the new measures during a COVID-19 response meeting, noting that it was too early to be sure that the country overcame the pandemic crisis.

Under the tightened social-distancing guideline nationwide, the maximum number of people allowed for private gatherings will remain four for two more weeks until Jan.16, according to the government.