South Korea Extends Visa Fee Waiver for Group Tourists from Six Nations Until June 2026

South Korea Extends Visa Fee Waiver for Key Tourist Markets

Seoul, Republic of Korea – South Korea has officially extended its waiver on visa processing fees for group tourists from six designated countries until June 2026. The decision, announced by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, is a strategic move to further boost inbound tourism and maintain the sector's recovery trajectory following the global pandemic. The fee exemption applies to C-3-2 short-term group tourist visas, which were originally set to expire on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Targeted Countries and Economic Impact

The extension specifically benefits group tourists from six nations:

• China
• India
• Vietnam
• the Philippines
• Indonesia
• Cambodia

These countries represent key markets for South Korea's tourism industry. The waiver eliminates the 18,000 won (approximately $12.46 USD) processing fee for these visas, making travel more affordable and accessible for organized tour groups. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol stated that the plan is 'to maintain momentum in inbound tourism'.

Tourism Sector's Strong Recovery

This initiative comes as South Korea's tourism sector demonstrates a robust recovery. Official data indicates a significant increase in foreign arrivals, with 1.6 million international tourists visiting in November, marking a 17.3% increase from the previous year. This figure also represents a 9.6% increase compared to the same month in 2019, prior to the pandemic. From January to November, South Korea welcomed 17.42 million foreign visitors, an increase of 15.4% year-on-year and 8.6% above 2019 levels. China remained the largest source of visitors, accounting for approximately 29.2% or 5.09 million of the total.

Broader Strategy for Tourism Growth

The extension of the visa fee waiver is part of a broader government strategy to revitalize and accelerate the nation's tourism industry. South Korea aims to attract 30 million foreign tourists by 2030. In support of this goal, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) has allocated a tourism budget of approximately ₩1.48 trillion for 2026, reflecting a nearly 10% increase from the previous year. This comprehensive approach seeks to lower entry barriers, promote diverse destinations beyond major hubs like Seoul, and leverage the global appeal of 'K-culture'.