South Korea's Ministry of Justice announced on 1/7 the extension of its visa fee exemption program for group tourists from Vietnam, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The exemption, valued at USD 15 per visitor, was originally set to conclude on 30/6. However, it has been prolonged for an additional six months due to positive trends in demand for group tours to South Korea.

The extension aims to capitalize on the growing interest in South Korea as a destination. According to South Korea's Ministry of Justice, the country welcomed over 790,000 group visa tourists in 2025, marking a 39% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, Vietnamese visitor numbers rose by 5%, Chinese visitors by 48%, and the Indian market saw a significant surge of over 100%, increasing from 573 to 1,120 visitors.

Tourists at Incheon Airport. Photo: Yonhap

To qualify for this policy, tourists must submit their applications through the Korea Immigration Service. This process requires applications to be handled by licensed tour operators authorized to organize tours.

For applications submitted at the Korea Visa Application Center, applicants are still required to pay a processing fee of VND 390,000. Additionally, an examination fee is mandated by the Consulate: USD 20-30 for a single-entry visa and USD 80 for a multiple-entry visa.

Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Du Lich Viet, views this extension as a positive development for Vietnamese travel businesses. He highlighted its particular benefit for developing autumn foliage tours, typically offered between september and november.

"South Korea considers Vietnam a strategic source market. The visa fee exemption not only reduces financial burden but also creates a favorable mindset for tourists when choosing this destination", Vu stated.

Korean authorities have also observed positive changes in management practices. The rate of group tourists who illegally left their groups to reside unlawfully decreased significantly from 0.19% in 2024 to 0.07% in 2025. South Korea's Ministry of Justice believes that the visa fee exemption, combined with the strong appeal of Korean culture, is a key factor driving economic recovery in tourism regions.

Alongside the visa fee exemption policy, travel experts advise tourists to thoroughly research information with reputable travel agencies. This ensures that applications comply with regulations and helps avoid the risk of denied entry.

Hoai Anh (Source: Inquirer)