South Korea extends visa fee waiver for group tourists from India and five other countries

South Korea will extend its waiver on visa processing fees for group tourists from six countries, including India, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia, until the end of June 2026, according to a report by The Korean Times. The extension aims to boost inbound tourism and support the country’s travel sector.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced the plan on Wednesday, stating that the fee exemption for C-3-2 visas, originally scheduled to expire on the same day, will now remain in effect for an additional six months. “The plan is to maintain momentum in inbound tourism,” Koo said, as reported by The Korean Times.

Visa fee waiver to boost tourism

Currently, the processing fee for a C-3-2 visa is 18,000 won (approximately $12.46). The extension will allow group tourists from the six countries to enter South Korea without paying this fee, easing travel for tour groups and promoting tourism ahead of the peak summer season.


Officials said the reform is part of broader efforts to encourage international visitors and support economic recovery in the tourism sector after several years of pandemic-related disruptions.

South Korea has seen a steady rise in inbound tourists in recent months, and authorities hope the visa fee waiver will further stimulate travel, especially from key markets in Asia.