[Exclusive] Global Special Travel Advisory for Overseas Travel Restraint and Postponement Under Review for Further Extension Until June

On the 18th, when the aviation industry was hit hard by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), citizens visiting the observation deck at Incheon International Airport were looking at the aircraft grounded at the airport. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government has decided to extend the 'Special Travel Advisory' issued to all countries and regions worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The special travel advisory, which recommends canceling or postponing travel, can be effective for up to 90 days according to regulations, making this the final extension. The government plans to establish alternatives through legal review if the COVID-19 situation does not improve by June.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related agencies on the 21st, the government has decided to extend the 'Special Travel Advisory,' which has been in effect since March 23, by about one more month until June. This is the second extension following one in April, reflecting the assessment that the global COVID-19 pandemic and entry restrictions by various governments have not eased. The special travel advisory was originally scheduled to be automatically lifted on the 23rd.

A government official explained, "Since the overseas COVID-19 situation has not stabilized, we are considering extending the special travel advisory for all overseas travel by our citizens to all countries and regions for an additional month," adding, "If extended, the recommendation to cancel or postpone travel will remain in effect until June."

The special travel advisory, which can be issued for up to 90 days, is an urgent measure issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to short-term critical risks. It is a strong measure equivalent to Level 3 (recommendation to evacuate) from the general travel alert system, which has four levels, and temporarily suspends the effectiveness of existing travel alerts. This is the first time a special travel advisory has been issued for 90 days targeting all countries and regions worldwide.

The government plans to take separate measures if the global COVID-19 situation does not improve by June, the maximum issuance period for the special travel advisory. Since the advisory can be issued for up to 90 days, the government intends to prepare alternatives after legal review. A government official said, "Since the special travel advisory can only be issued for 90 days, we plan to conduct a legal review and follow-up measures."

The general travel alert system operated by the government consists of four levels: Level 1 Blue Alert (travel caution), Level 2 Yellow Alert (travel restraint), Level 3 Red Alert (recommendation to evacuate), and Level 4 Black Alert (travel ban). However, amid the global spread of COVID-19, the government issued a separate special travel advisory to prevent infection among Korean nationals overseas and to avoid isolation or quarantine during overseas travel, in light of the significant expansion of foreigner entry bans, increased imported cases, and suspension of flights.

The reason behind the government's decision to extend the special travel advisory by one month is the assessment that the COVID-19 situation remains severe in major countries and regions. As cluster infections and 'Nth generation infections' continue worldwide, as of the afternoon of the 20th (according to the international statistics site Worldometer), the cumulative global COVID-19 confirmed cases exceeded 5 million, with deaths surpassing 325,000. The United States reported the highest number of confirmed cases at 1.57 million, followed by Russia and Spain with 300,000 and 270,000 cases respectively. Deaths surged to 93,553 in the U.S., 35,341 in the U.K., and 32,169 in Italy. France and Spain also recorded deaths exceeding 20,000.

The number of countries banning entry from Korea still stands at 149. Twelve countries have implemented quarantine measures, and 25 countries have strengthened quarantine or taken advisory measures, totaling 185 countries. Additionally, 56 countries have temporarily suspended visa waiver agreements.

Accordingly, the government has recommended that those planning overseas travel during the special travel advisory period cancel or postpone their trips. Furthermore, for citizens staying abroad, the government urged strict compliance with hygiene rules, refraining from participating in mass gatherings or going out, and minimizing contact with others to practice social distancing and avoid exposure to COVID-19 infection risks.

On the 18th, the arrival hall of Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport was deserted due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as the aviation industry, hit hard by COVID-19, faces a wave of layoffs. Photo by Mun Honam munonam@

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