South Korea Extends Visa Fee Waiver for Group Tourists from India and 5 Other Countries Until June 2026
South Korea has announced a six-month extension of its visa processing fee waiver for group tourists from India, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia in a bid to sustain the momentum of inbound tourism and support its travel sector recovery. The waiver applies specifically to the C-3-2 short-term group tourist visa, which allows groups travelling through authorised travel agencies to enter South Korea without paying the usual visa processing fees.
The policy, originally scheduled to end on December 31, 2025, will now remain in effect until June 30, 2026, giving travellers and tour operators additional time to plan group visits without the additional cost of visa fees. South Korea’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Koo Yun-cheol, confirmed the extension, highlighting that the move aims to boost international visitor numbers and sustain tourism growth following the challenges of recent years.
Under this arrangement, group travellers from the six countries must submit their visa applications through accredited travel agencies for eligibility. The C-3-2 group visa enables multiple travellers to enter together under one group application, making it a popular option for friends, family tours, and organised tour groups.
South Korea’s tourism industry has seen a healthy rebound, with increasing international arrivals signalling renewed confidence among global travellers. By waiving visa fees for participating countries, Korean authorities are hoping to make travel to the country more affordable and attractive - particularly from key Asian markets that contribute significantly to its inbound tourism numbers.
This extended waiver period offers a valuable opportunity for Indian travellers to include South Korea in their travel plans, combining cultural exploration, city sightseeing, seasonal festivals, and culinary journeys - all while saving on upfront visa costs.
