South Korea will suspend visa-free entry and visa waiver programs for 90 countries that have imposed entry bans on South Koreans from Monday as part of measures to curb a surge of imported coronavirus cases.
The foreign and justice ministries said in a joint press release Thursday that all 90-day visas issued before April 5 have also become invalid.
Foreigners entering South Korea with short-term visas must reapply for a new one, however, those already in the country are permitted to stay until their existing visas expire.
Exceptions will apply to diplomats, flight attendants and C-4 visa holders sponsored by local firms.
Some countries including the United States, Britain and Mexico are not affected by the move as they still allow the entry of South Koreans.
China is also not subject to the measure as Seoul and Beijing have no visa-free agreement or program in place.
A total of 151 countries and territories have imposed a blanket or partial ban on entry from South Korea amid the COVID-19 pandemic.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
