South Korea extends free group visa exemption for six countries
South Korea has prolonged its visa fee waiver for group tourists from six countries until December 31, 2026. Uncover eligibility, benefits, and key details for travel planners and international visitors.
The Ministry of Justice of South Korea has just announced the extension of its program exempting group tourist visa issuance fees for visitors from six countries. Initially set to conclude sooner, the initiative will now remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
For international travelers and travel organizers, this is a major opportunity to plan more affordable trips to South Korea.
The six countries eligible for the program
The measure is designed to stimulate tourism from key Asian markets. If you hold a passport from one of these countries and travel as part of an organized group tour, group visa fees are fully waived:
🇨🇳 China
🇮🇳 India
🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇵🇭 Philippines
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇰🇭 Cambodia
Expert note: The exemption applies exclusively to consular visa issuance fees for groups. Application procedures and documentation remain mandatory.
Why extend the program? The power of the numbers
Introduced in February during a national strategic meeting at Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House) to boost tourism, this program has already proved its effectiveness.
Data published by South Korea's Ministry of Justice underscores its success and justifies the extension:
Indicator (2025) | Result | Change |
Group visa entries | ~ 790,000 travelers | 📈 + 39% (year-over-year increase) |
Visa overstay rate | 0.07% | 📉 - 50% (sharp decline in illegal stays) |
« This extension should have particularly positive effects on the vitality of our tourism industry and on the recovery of local economies. » — Ministry of Justice, South Korea
The excellent compliance rate among travelers—with only 0.07% of visas overstayed—has strengthened Seoul’s confidence in maintaining this facilitation measure.
What you need to know if you qualify
Key points for travelers and group tour operators:
Group requirement: The exemption applies only to organized group tours. Individual travelers do not qualify. You must be part of a pre-arranged itinerary managed by a recognized travel agency or certified tour operator.
Application process: A group visa still requires formal approval. Your application must include a full participant list, validated itinerary, and confirmed flight details.
Financial benefit: South Korea’s consular fees can be costly—especially for families or large groups. This exemption delivers direct savings you can reinvest in on-the-ground experiences (tours, K-culture, dining).
Are you a citizen of another country (outside the six eligible)?
In line with the Visit Korea Year initiative, a temporary exemption from the K-ETA travel authorization remains available for 67 nationalities through December 2026. All visa-exempt and K-ETA eligible travelers must comply with the e-Arrival Card requirement, which became mandatory on January 1, 2026. This is a separate procedure from the K-ETA and cannot be substituted. Travelers who have already secured a K-ETA are automatically exempt from completing the e-Arrival Card.
As a customer relations manager, my responsibilities include processing and tracking visa applications. I stay up to date with travel news, including new entry requirements and the specifics of different visa types.
