South Korea has decided to continue waiving visa fees for group tourists from six countries, including China and India, until December 31, 2026. This extension is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourism and foster stronger people-to-people connections. The policy targets group travelers from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Cambodia.
The Ministry of Justice in South Korea explained that the decision aims to support the ongoing recovery of the tourism sector, which has seen a rise in visitors from China and Southeast Asia. The extension is expected to bolster these numbers further, contributing to the sector’s growth.
In addition to the visa fee waiver, South Korea has rolled out other initiatives to attract more international visitors. These include expanded marketing campaigns and the provision of long-term multiple-entry visas for eligible travelers. Tourism officials anticipate that these efforts will lead to increased group travel and stronger cultural and economic relationships with neighboring countries.
China continues to be South Korea’s largest source of inbound tourists. Experts in the industry predict that the extended visa fee waiver will not only boost visitor numbers from China but also positively impact various sectors such as retail, hospitality, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. This surge in tourism is also expected to reinforce broader economic ties and bilateral cooperation between China and South Korea.