DFA warns Filipinos vs carrying animal products to South Korea

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday cautioned the public anew against carrying animal or livestock products to South Korea.

DFA issued the advisory after it was reported to the Philippine Embassy in Seoul that a five-year entry ban was imposed to a traveler for failing to pay the fine amounting to ₩5 million (P219,907.87) for bringing in pork sausages at the airport when he came to the country on October 21, 2019.

“This shows how stringent the South Korean authorities are regarding the enforcement of the regulation,” the DFA said.

DFA noted that carrying animal or livestock products to South Korea is restricted and must be reported or declared at the quarantine office of the port of entry in accordance with the “Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Disease,” and pursuant to the advisories from various South Korean government agencies.

“Those who fail to report/declare carrying restricted animal/livestock products at airports and seaports will be fined up to ₩10,000,000.00 (PHP439,815.73), and those who fail to pay the fine will be prohibited from entering South Korea,” DFA said.

DFA then advised all Filipinos entering South Korea as visitors, workers, or residents to refrain from bringing restricted items in their hand-carry or checked-in luggage.

“All hand-carry and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening at the airport terminals,” it added.

Edited by KGA