This has been going on for more than a year now so everybody knows that a negative result of PCR test for visa and travel has become an important requirement. Although travel is still at a minimum, this month is becoming busier compared to last year. Especially when June is the end of the school year for international schools so, families are again arranging for travel or relocation.
For those who are traveling without need of a visa, a one-time PCR test within three days prior to the date of flight will suffice. But for those who are traveling with a need for a visa, most countries require a medical certificate indicating “fit to travel” and “negative” in the PCR test. That would mean, taking the PCR test twice for both the visa and the flight requirement. And that would also mean, going to the hospital twice and spending double the amount, too.
Where to get tested
Most big hospitals are designated by the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) as COVID-19 Diagnostic Examiner. Just make sure they issue an English medical certificate as this needs to be submitted as part of your visa requirement. My sons and I went to the Soonchunyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong. the Yonsei Severance Hospital does it, too. But for this blog, I can only write about my personal experience from Soonchunyang. You can check them out through their international clinic here.
You cannot set an appointment for your PCR test. I was advised by the staff at the international clinic that the testing center only does walk-ins. When my sons and I arrived at the second floor of the hospital where the international clinic is, we were referred to the nearby counter that handles the PCR testing. They only operate on Mondays through Saturdays from 9-11:30 am and 1:30-3:30 pm. There was also an English-speaking staff who was assisting the foreigners so it was an easy and fast process.
Cost of PCR Test
While government mandated PCR tests are free, personal and business-related tests are not. You have to check around for fees as there seem to be varying fees, especially fee for medical certificates. Again, I can only write about the fee at the Soonchunyang Hospital based on my experience.
Here are the costs:
- PCR test – 100,910krw
- medical certificate – 38,910
If you have private insurance, you can apply for a refund. For business purposes, check with your company if they will handle the cost.
I hope information here helps. Stay safe!
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Thank you so much for sharing this information to us. This will help a lot for people who are planning to travel and don’t know what to do and what requirements are needed for them to travel. This is very informative and helpful as well. Keep it up.
Yes, a negative PCR test is a must for people who wants to travel. Countries are still strict when it come to people who are entering their country. They are all avoiding another outbreak that may come because of travellers from other countries. If you are planning to travel then add to your preparation and financial list the PCR test. Because it is now one of the requirement before you can fly to another country
Very Nice, Awesome, and Helpful Blog Mom. Super laking tulong po talaga nito for all the people na may balak pong magtravel, kasi sobrang need po natin ang tamang requirements pra maging maayos ang pag travel natin, and PCR Test Result is one of the most important req. Na hinahanap ngayon bago ka lumabas or mkapasok ng bansa … thanks for sharing this po . Really worth to read and share this po talaga .
A new normal scenario That we need to apply, every where we go.It was actually mabusisi ,but this is for our own welfare.Thanks for sharing this,this might aware us to keep safe always … public awareness is really important,such as this
Thanks for sharing ms wendy,worth it to read and very informative as well
Thank you for sharing this! Such a great blog that’s really helpful.