TRAVEL BUBBLE IS ON

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Vice Minister Seong-Kyu Hwang of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea sign the travel bubble agreement that takes effect today, July 1, 2021. The agreement facilitates the safe resumption of air travel between the two countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The CNMI and South Korea have formally established a travel bubble that takes effect today, July 1, 2021.

The agreement, which facilitates the safe resumption of air travel between the two countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, was signed late yesterday, June 30, 2021, between Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on behalf of the CNMI and Vice Minister Seong-Kyu Hwang of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea.

The agreement was signed in Seoul, South Korea where Torres is leading the CNMI delegation negotiating with the South Korean government and business leaders to reestablish tourism to the Western Pacific beach resort destination.

The travel bubble applies to nationals, foreign national families of nationals, permanent residents, and families of permanent residents. Those who wish to travel between the two countries under the travel bubble agreement must complete vaccination against COVID-19 at least 14 days ahead of departure with vaccines approved and provided by their respective governments (Pfizer, Moderna, Janseen, AstraZeneca). In general, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

The CNMI delegation in South Korea includes Marianas Visitors Authority board chair Viola Alepuyo, who lauded the agreement. “Because of the CNMI’s Level 1 designation by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], the high number of vaccinated community members, and it being lauded as one of the safest places during this worldwide pandemic, the Korean government chose the CNMI as the first destination to enter into a Travel Bubble Arrangement,” said Alepuyo. “Today’s agreement between MOLIT and the CNMI is the biggest step forward in rebooting the CNMI tourism industry. This travel bubble is the bridge we need for Korea travelers choosing our destination as tourism resumes worldwide. In consultation with the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., we are confident that the safety measures established by this travel bubble agreement—essentially full vaccination—is the safety choice to keep our island community safe.”

Approved travelers must have remained in their country of embarkation for at least 14 days prior to departure. Travelers under the travel bubble must travel on direct nonstop flights between the Republic of Korea and the CNMI operated by either country’s national carriers. The agreement is for group tours between Seoul Incheon International Airport and Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport. Other entry or exit points, including Rota and Tinian, may be added by mutual consent.

Travelers must also undertake a RT-PCR COVID-19 test within three days before departure, and obtain a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from accredited laboratories by the health authorities of each country. For the return journey, both Korean and the CNMI governments shall provide convenience for travelers to be tested for COVID-19 three days before their departure.

Upon arrival at each destination, travelers will be subject to an on-arrival RT-PCR COVID-19 test. They will be exempt from quarantine and allowed to travel as long as they test negative on their on-arrival test. However, travelers may be placed on a controlled itinerary as required by health measures of both destinations. (PR)