By Noreen Jazul
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminded Filipinos that "carrying animal or livestock products" to South Korea is restricted.
Department of Foreign Affairs (MANILA BULLETIN)
The agency's reminder came after a Filipino traveller was given a five-year entry ban to South Korea last October 21, 2019, for “failing to pay the fine amounting to ₩5,000,000.00 (P219, 907.87) for bringing in pork sausages at the airport."
"This shows how stringent the South Korean authorities are regarding the enforcement of the regulation," the DFA said.
The DFA warned Filipinos of a fine up to ₩10,000,000.00 (P439,815.73), once caught bringing livestock or animal products, adding that the products should be declared and reported in the quarantine office in seaports and airports.
DFA said its advisory was made in accordance with South Korea's “Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Disease.”
"All Filipinos entering South Korea as visitors, workers, or residents are reminded and advised 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," the agency reiterated.