south korea travel restrictions for indian

South Korea Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from India to South Korea

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Documents & Additional resources

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Can I travel to South Korea from India?

Most visitors from India, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from India can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Can I travel to South Korea without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from India can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter South Korea?

Visitors from India are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea without quarantine?

Travellers from India are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in South Korea?

Mask usage in South Korea is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants in South Korea are open. Bars in South Korea are .

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• South Korea removes travel restrictions for Indians, announces special campaigns for the market

• Navneet Mendiratta ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Aug 4, 2022 at 10:34 AM IST

South Korea allows entry to all international travellers without quarantine regardless of vaccination status

Covid-19 testing will still be in effect, making it necessary for travellers to submit a negative test result. Travellers must do a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before departing for Korea. After arrival in Korea, another PCR test must be done within three days and a negative PCR test result must be submitted.

• By Navneet Mendiratta ,
• Published On Aug 4, 2022 at 10:34 AM IST

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South Korea Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to South Korea

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

South Korea entry details and exceptions

Documents & additional resources, ready to travel, find flights to south korea, find stays in south korea, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to South Korea from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Can I travel to South Korea without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter South Korea?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in South Korea?

Mask usage in South Korea is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants in South Korea are open. Bars in South Korea are .

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Embassy of India Seoul, Republic of Korea

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• Advisory on Korean Transit visa rules
• Consular/Visa Services

Indian nationals are required to obtain visa prior to travelling to the Republic of Korea. However, there is a special provision that allows visa on arrival for passengers who are transiting through Republic of Korea en route to some specific countries or are returning to India from some specific countries, subject to certain conditions. These are spelt out in the Government of Korea policy available on the Korean Government website ( www.visa.go.kr ).  Please check with the Republic of Korea Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai in case of any doubts about this policy. 

We recommend that travelers obtain Korean visa prior to travel so as to avoid inconvenience due to ambiguities in the policy.

Emergency Contact Number :  010-9356-4188(Only for Indian nationals in distress. This number can be contacted after Office hours and on holidays only. Not for passport and visa queries)

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A Comprehensive Guide to South Korea Visa for Indian Citizens

South Korea, located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, is a culturally rich and diverse country. It boasts picturesque countryside, centuries-old Buddhist temples, and sub-tropical islands, attracting tourists from all over the world. The capital city, Seoul, is renowned for its high-tech environment, along with numerous cultural and artistic attractions such as Seoul Fortress, the Museum of Art, Seoraksan National Park, and ancient tombs. South Korea is also one of the largest markets for innovative cosmetics and offers significant business opportunities. Additionally, the country’s high standard of education makes it an ideal destination for students seeking further studies. To visit South Korea, Indian citizens need to apply for a visa.

A visa permits Indians to enter South Korea for various purposes, including attending conferences, religious ceremonies, cultural events, sightseeing, or visiting friends and relatives.

Before planning your South Korea tour, it’s important to understand the visa requirements and regulations for Indian citizens.

Who Can Enter South Korea Without a Visa?

According to South Korean visa policies, citizens of approximately 191 countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and EU countries, can enter South Korea without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival. Depending on the nationality, these visitors can stay for 30 to 180 days. However, if they wish to stay beyond the allowed period, they must apply for a visa at the nearest South Korean Embassy.

South Korea Visa Rules for Indians

Indian citizens must obtain a tourist visa to travel to South Korea. The cost of a South Korea visa from India depends on the processing time. Applications must be submitted before departure at the South Korean Embassy in India. A single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. A double-entry visa permits a stay of up to 30 days. For longer stays, a visa extension must be applied for at the Seoul immigration office, at least two months before the current visa expires. However, a visa is not required to visit or stay for 30 days on Jeju Island.

Understanding these rules and preparing accordingly will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to South Korea.

Types of Visas

A tourist visa is mandatory for Indian citizens who wish to visit South Korea. The South Korean Embassy issues visas for the following purposes:

• Short-term medical treatment
• Visiting friends or family
• Attending cultural, religious, music, or sports events

This visa is strictly for leisure activities, and holders are not permitted to take up employment in South Korea.

Student Visa

A student visa is required for Indian students who want to study or participate in a training program in South Korea. Applicants must provide supporting documents, including an acceptance letter from the college or training institute. Students should review the various categories of education visas based on the type and duration of their studies.

Business Visa

Indian citizens involved in business activities that require frequent travel to South Korea need a business visa. This visa is necessary for business meetings, small-scale international trade, contract signing, and commercial activities such as market research.

Indian citizens seeking employment in South Korea must apply for a work visa. There are different categories for various professions, including researchers, professors, and technicians. It is essential to check the specific requirements for the job opportunity before applying for this visa.

How to Get a Tourist Visa for South Korea from India

Steps to Apply for a South Korea Visa from India

• Schedule an Appointment : Book an appointment at the South Korean Embassy in New Delhi.
• Prepare Your Documents : Download and fill out the visa application form in advance.
• Submit Your Application : On the day of your appointment, submit the completed form along with the required documents. Applications can be made 1 to 3 months before your departure date.

Processing Time : Visa processing typically takes around 5 to 15 working days, so apply well in advance to avoid delays in your travel plans.

South Korea Visa for Indians – Price and Requirements

To apply for a South Korea visa, you will need:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from the date of travel)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• One completed visa application form
• Documents clarifying the reason for entry
• Hotel confirmation
• Confirmed return air ticket
• Visa fee payment
• Proof of sufficient funds for the entire stay
• Additional documents, including a PCR test report and a health declaration

Reasons for Visa Cancellation

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to avoid visa rejection. Common reasons for visa denial include:

• Providing false or incomplete information
• Submitting documents that do not meet the requirements
• Suspicion of criminal or illegal activity
• Not meeting the criteria for the selected visa type
• Health concerns, particularly infectious diseases
• Attempting to work on a visitor visa

To avoid rejection, fill out the application form accurately, ensuring all details match your passport and supporting documents.

South Korea Visa Extension Policy for Indian Tourists

For stays beyond the visa expiry date, apply for an extension at the South Korean immigration office in Seoul. You’ll need to:

• Complete a new application form
• Submit all required documents
• Provide proof of the reason for your extended stay

Immigration officers will review your application and decide whether to grant the extension.

Understanding the application process and meeting the eligibility criteria will simplify obtaining a South Korea visa for Indian citizens. Apply early, ensure all documents are accurate, and be prepared with additional health-related paperwork to avoid any issues.

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May 4 coronavirus news

By Joshua Berlinger , Adam Renton, Aditi Sangal and Kara Fox , CNN

South Korea tightens quarantine rules for travelers arriving from India

From CNN's Gawon Bae in Seoul

South Korea has strengthened quarantine restrictions for travelers coming from India, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) official Lee Sang-won said at a news briefing on Tuesday.

South Korean citizens and foreigners arriving from India for a long-term stay are subject to quarantine at a government-provided facility for seven days, where they must test negative for Covid-19 twice to be able to stay at home for the remaining seven days of quarantine, Lee said.

Short-term visitors are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government-provided facility, Lee added.

Around 170 South Korean citizens returned from India via a non-scheduled flight on Tuesday, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said.

A total of 148 South Koreans in India have contracted Covid-19 as of May 3, the ministry added.

South Korean health authorities have found 33 cases of the Covid-19 variant first detected in India.

The quarantine requirement will be waived for vaccinated South Korean citizens starting May 5, with the exception of those coming from countries where variants are widespread, Health Ministry official Yoon Tae-ho said last month.

More than 2.7 million Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Pakistan

From CNN's Sophia Saifi in Islamabad

Pakistan has administered more than 2.7 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, according to a tweet by the country’s National Command and Operation Centre on Coronavirus (NCOC).

On Monday, Pakistan opened up vaccinations for citizens aged 40 and above. More than 164,000 vaccine doses were administered on Monday alone, according to Asad Umar, the head of the NCOC.

The Pakistani Ministry of Health says the country has currently signed deals for 30 million vaccine doses. Last week, the country said it had received 2,560,000 doses and is expecting 19 million more doses by the end of June. 

Separately on Monday, Pakistan’s top health official, Dr Faisal Sultan, announced that the government plans to vaccinate 70 million people by the end of the year.

He said that agreements are underway with China to ensure that the country’s National Institute of Health will be able to produce three million doses per month of the Chinese vaccine CanSino, which will “significantly reduce” Pakistan’s vaccine dependence on other countries.

Seattle Mariners offer to vaccinate fans at games

From CNN's Jill Martin

The Seattle Mariners will offer eligible fans Covid-19 vaccines on home game days, the MLB club said Monday.

The vaccine drive will begin Tuesday at T-Mobile Park when Seattle hosts the Baltimore Orioles.

Fans will have the choice of either the first dose of the Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The Mariners say those receiving their first dose of the Moderna shot will be able to schedule their second dose at one of Seattle’s community vaccination sites at the Lumen Field Event Center, Rainier Beach or West Seattle.

The shots will be administered by Seattle Fire Department EMS personnel.

Here's what is really happening in India's Covid outbreak

From CNN's Julia Hollingsworth, Jessie Yeung and Meenketan Jha

When it comes to India's unfolding  Covid-19 crisis, there are a number of things we know for sure.

India is reporting the world's highest number of  new cases  each day. So many people are dying that  crematoriums  are struggling to keep up. And the real number of cases and deaths could be many times  higher than officially reported .

But misinformation has spread in India -- and sometimes been accepted as truth.

Read our fact check of some common myths and misconceptions around India's second wave:

Fact check: Myths and misinformation about India's Covid outbreak

Uk and india sign $1.4 billion trade deals amid covid-19 surge.

From CNN’s Arnaud Siad

India and the United Kingdom struck new commercial trade and investment deals worth £1 billion (nearly $1.4 billion), according to a news release from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

The deals will create more than 6,500 UK jobs and include a £240 million (nearly $334 million) investment in the country by the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, the release said.

This investment will support clinical trials, research and development and possibly the manufacturing of vaccines.

“Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer. Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies," Johnson said. “In the decade ahead, with the help of new partnership signed today and a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs,” he added.

India surpasses 20 million Covid-19 cases

From CNN’s Manveena Suri in New Delhi

The number of coronavirus cases in India has crossed 20 million, according to figures released by the country's Health Ministry.

India's Health Ministry reported 357,229 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, pushing the country's total number of diagnoses over the 20 million threshold to 20,282,833 cases.

India also reported 3,449 virus-related deaths on Tuesday. At least 222,408 people in the country have died after contracting Covid-19.

Authorities have administered 158,932,921 vaccine doses since India's vaccination drive began on January 16. The program was expanded on Saturday to include everyone over the age of 18.

Australian PM has "blood on his hands" over India travel ban, former cricketer says

From CNN's Ben Westcott

Australian former cricket star Michael Slater said Prime Minister Scott Morrison has "blood on his hands" over the travel ban between India and Australia that came into force on Monday.

Australia has threatened to jail anyone entering the country who has been in India in the previous 14 days, including its own citizens. Travelers could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 66,600 Australian dollars ($51,500).

In a Twitter post Monday, Slater said: "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system."

Slater was in India working as a commentator for cricket's Indian Premier League when the ban came into place, according to CNN affiliate Seven News.

The new measures have been met with widespread outrage from human rights activists, Indian Australians and even politicians in Morrison's own party.

One prominent conservative columnist said the ban "stinks of racism."

PM's reaction: Morrison told Australia's Nine Network it was "absurd" to say he had blood on his hands.

"We've got a temporary pause in place because we've seen a rapid escalation in the infection rate in people who have traveled out of India that is putting enormous pressure on our system," he said. Facing criticism over his new measures, Morrison said there was "pretty much zero" chance of any Australians actually being charged under the ban. "We'll use the measures we have available, we'll use them compassionately, and fairly, and responsibly, as we've demonstrated for more than a year," he said.

Tough entry measures: There are around 9,000 Australian citizens in India registered as wanting to return to Australia, according to the federal government.

Only Australian citizens, permanent residents and those travelling from New Zealand can enter Australia, with few exceptions. All arrivals must spend 14-days in state managed quarantine on entering the country.

FDA to authorize Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for 12-to-15-year-olds by early next week, official says

From CNN's Maggie Fox

The US Food and Drug Administration is poised to authorize Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine in children and teens ages 12 to 15 by early next week, a federal government official tells CNN.

Pfizer has applied for emergency use authorization for its coronavirus vaccine for teens and children ages 12 to 15. The FDA will have to amend the emergency use authorization for the vaccine, but the process should be straightforward, said the official, who was not authorized to speak about the process publicly and requested anonymity.

The FDA is currently reviewing data submitted by Pfizer to support the extended use. Pfizer said at the end of March that a clinical trial involving 2,260 12-to-15-year-olds showed its efficacy is 100% and it is well tolerated. The vaccine is currently authorized in the US for emergency use in people 16 and older.

Read the full story:

Life may feel more normal even before herd immunity is reached

From CNN's Jen Christensen

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts have said how crucial it is to reach some level of herd immunity. But now some say full herd immunity may not be necessary for life to look more normal.

Herd immunity, or as some experts now call it, "population" or "community" immunity, is when most of the population is immune to a particular disease, whether through natural infection or vaccination. When a population reaches this point, the virus has nowhere to go, and the disease fades away. Then even people who don't have individual immunity are protected.

As with any disease, how many people need to be immune to provide community protection depends on how infectious it is. For Covid-19, experts think the magic number could be anywhere between 70 to 90% of a population immune to the virus. The world is nowhere near that level.

"Given where we are today, as we look around the United States and when we look around the globe, it just seems like that is not going to happen in the foreseeable future," said Lauren Ancel Meyers, the director of the Covid-19 Modeling Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin.

It's a good goal, Meyers said, but she ticks off a host of factors in this particular pandemic that suggest the odds are not in its favor:

• Vaccinating so many people would be nearly impossible.
• This particular virus spreads too rapidly.
• More contagious variants threaten to make vaccines less effective.
• There are entire countries and pockets of the US that have few fully vaccinated people.
• There are vaccine access and equity issues.
• Children are not yet vaccinated.
• About a quarter of the population is hesitant or unwilling to get vaccinated.

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