S.Korea considers early easing of COVID visa curbs on travellers from China - Yonhap

South Korea’s prime minister suggested on Tuesday that COVID visa restrictions on travellers from China could be lifted earlier than scheduled if infections ease, as the travel and tourism sectors hope for a rebound in visitors. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Seoul could consider lifting the restriction on short-term visas for travellers from China before the end of February if the number of COVID infections in China is manageable, Yonhap news agency reported. “If (the situation) is endurable given the PCR COVID-19 test results, the lifting (of restrictions) could be considered earlier,” Han said. His comment comes as the tourism and aviation sectors have been hit by both countries’ decision to suspend issuing short-term visas. “China used to account for 20 to 25% of Korean Air’s passenger and cargo businesses before COVID,” Korean Air Deputy General Manager Kim Ah-hyun said. “We hope travel restrictions between the two countries are eased soon to allow more routes and flights.”<br/>