On July 1, the South Korean Ministry of Justice announced the extension of the visa-free program (15 USD/customer) for tourists traveling in groups from Vietnam, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Previously, the program was expected to end on June 30. However, due to the positive signs of tourist groups from these countries coming to Korea, it was extended for another 6 months.
In 2025, South Korea welcomed more than 790,000 visitors entering with group visas, an increase of 39% compared to the previous year. In which, the number of Vietnamese visitors increased by 5%, China increased by 48% and the Indian market increased by more than 100% (from 573 visitors to 1,120 visitors).
To be exempted from visas for group tourists, tourists must submit their application through the Korea Immigration Service through travel companies licensed to organize tours.
For applications submitted to the Korean Visa Registration Center, customers still have to pay a submission fee (390,000 VND) and a verification fee according to the Consulate's regulations (20-30 USD for a single entry visa and 80 USD for a multiple entry visa).
In 2025, the rate of group tourists voluntarily leaving groups to reside illegally in Korea was 0.07%, a sharp decrease compared to 2024 (0.19%). According to the South Korean Ministry of Justice, visa exemption, combined with the attraction of Korean culture, is the main driving force promoting economic recovery in tourist localities.
With the free visa policy for group tourists to Korea, tourists are advised to carefully research information and choose reputable travel agencies to ensure their travel rights.
