South Korea has extended its visa fee waiver programme for group tourists from six countries until the end of the year, the justice ministry announced on Wednesday. The extension covers group tourists from China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, according to the ministry.
Background of the Programme
The visa fee waiver was initially introduced following a national tourism strategy meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae in February. The meeting aimed to promote and revitalise foreign group tourism in South Korea. Under the extended programme, visa issuance fees for group tourists from these six countries will be waived.
Expected Impact on Tourism
The justice ministry stated that it expects the extension to bring positive effects on vitalising the tourism industry and recovering local economies. The move is part of broader efforts to attract more international visitors and support the tourism sector, which has been affected by global travel disruptions.
Statistics and Trends
According to the ministry, approximately 790,000 foreigners entered South Korea on group visas in 2025, marking a 39 percent increase from a year earlier. This significant rise indicates a strong recovery in group tourism. Additionally, the ministry reported that only 0.07 percent of these visitors overstayed their visas or continued to stay illegally, a drop of more than 50 percent from the previous year. This low overstay rate underscores the effectiveness of the programme in attracting compliant tourists.
Broader Context
The visa fee waiver is part of South Korea's ongoing strategy to boost tourism and economic activity. By reducing barriers for group tourists from key Asian markets, the government aims to stimulate local businesses and enhance cultural exchange. The extension through the end of the year provides continued support for the tourism industry during the peak travel season.
