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South Korea Prolongs Visa Fee Waiver for Six Countries Through June 2026

January 4, 2026 6:17 am

South Korea Prolongs Visa Fee Waiver for Six Countries Through June 2026

South Korea has made an important announcement to boost its tourism sector. The country will prolong the visa fee waiver for group tourists from six nations until June 2026. This extension supports the growing number of international visitors, which has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Visa Fee Waiver Details

The visa processing fee waiver applies to group tourists from the following six countries:

China
India
Vietnam
Philippines
Indonesia
Cambodia

Tourists from these nations can apply for a C-3-2 group tourist visa without paying the processing fee until the end of June 2026. This fee typically costs 18,000 won, equivalent to about USD 12.50.

Understanding the C-3-2 Group Tourist Visa

The C-3-2 group tourist visa allows organized travel groups to stay in South Korea temporarily. Applicants must go through approved travel agencies and present group travel plans. This visa is designed for tourists traveling together under a single itinerary.

Advantages for Group Travelers

For families and tour groups, this fee waiver presents significant benefits. It not only saves money but also simplifies planning. With rising visa costs in many other countries, South Korea’s waiver makes it a more attractive choice for group trips. Reducing upfront fees can make a notable difference in budgeting for travel, enhancing the overall experience.

Surge in Tourist Numbers

The timing of this extension aligns well with South Korea’s rising tourism statistics. The country welcomed approximately 1.6 million foreign visitors in November, representing a 17.3% increase from the same month last year and nearly 10% higher than in November 2019.

Key Source Markets

China remains the top source market, with 378,000 arrivals. Japan closely follows with 363,000 visitors. Other significant contributors to the tourism influx include:

Taiwan: 158,000
United States: 133,000
Philippines: 60,000

Currently, arrivals from China are at about 75% of 2019 levels, while Japanese tourism has surged over 40% compared to pre-pandemic figures.

2024 on Track for Record Tourism

From January to November, South Korea saw 17.42 million foreign tourists, marking a 15.4% year-over-year increase and an 8.6% rise compared to 2019. Chinese tourists constituted nearly 30% of total arrivals, exceeding 5 million. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism anticipates foreign arrivals may exceed 18.7 million by the end of the year, potentially setting a new record and approaching the symbolic 20 million mark.

Simplified Entry Process for Visa-Free Travelers

In addition to the visa fee waiver, South Korea has streamlined the entry process for international travelers. The K-ETA exemption for visa-free travelers has been extended through 2026. This change eliminates a significant entry hurdle for visitors from 67 countries and regions in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a group trip to South Korea from one of the designated countries, this visa fee waiver presents a timely opportunity. With increasing flight availability and strong travel demand, South Korea is demonstrating its commitment to welcoming international visitors. This small adjustment, combined with the upward trend in tourism, marks a positive step toward a thriving travel environment in the country.