Archive · 2 Jan 2026
South Korea Extends Visa Fee Waiver for Asian Tourists
South Korea has decided to keep the visa fee waiver for group tourists from six Asian countries, including India and China, for another six months.
This waiver, which was supposed to end on Wednesday, will now last until the end of June next year.
The countries included in this extension are India, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
The goal is to keep more tourists coming to South Korea.
In November, South Korea had 1.6 million foreign tourists, which is more than before the pandemic.
China was the top country sending visitors, followed by Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and the Philippines.
From January to November, South Korea had 17.42 million visitors, which is also more than before the pandemic.
South Korea extends visa fee waiver for group tourists from six Asian countries until June 30, 2024.
Countries covered include India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
The waiver aims to sustain the recent surge in inbound tourism beyond pre-pandemic levels.
Foreign arrivals in November 2023 reached 1.6 million, a 17.3% increase from the previous year.
From January to November 2023, South Korea received 17.42 million foreign visitors, 8.6% above 2019 levels.
- Who
- South Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and the government
- What
- Extended visa fee waiver for group tourists from six Asian countries
- When
- Extension effective until June 30, 2024
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- To sustain momentum in inbound tourism and support recovery beyond pre-pandemic levels
- Countries Covered
- India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia
- Visa Type
- C-3-2 short-term group visas
- Fee Waiver Duration
- Until June 30, 2024
- November 2023 Foreign Arrivals
- 1.6 million
- Year-to-Date Visitors (Jan-Nov 2023)
- 17.42 million
- Top Source of Visitors
- China (378,000 in November)