South Korea has extended its visa fee waiver program for group tourists from six countries until the end of 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday. The program, originally introduced in February following a national tourism strategy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, waives visa issuance fees for group tourists from China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Program Extension and Expected Impact
The ministry stated that the extension is expected to positively revitalize the tourism industry and help recover local economies. The program aims to promote and revive foreign group tourism, which has been a key focus of the government's strategy.
According to the ministry, approximately 790,000 foreigners entered South Korea on group visas in 2025, marking a 39 percent increase from the previous year. This surge indicates the program's effectiveness in attracting visitors.
Low Overstay Rates Highlight Success
Of the 790,000 group visa entrants in 2025, only 0.07 percent overstayed their visas or remained in the country illegally. This represents a drop of more than 50 percent from the prior year, demonstrating strong compliance and the program's security.
The extension underscores South Korea's commitment to boosting tourism while maintaining effective visa management. The Ministry of Justice expects continued positive outcomes for the tourism sector and local economies.
