In a significant boost for travellers, South Korea has announced a six-month extension of its visa processing fee exemption for short-term group tourists from six key nations, including India. This strategic move is designed to maintain the strong momentum in the country's inbound tourism recovery post-pandemic.
What the Visa Fee Waiver Extension Means for Travellers
The waiver applies specifically to the C-3-2 short-term group visa and was initially set to expire this week. However, following the latest announcement by South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, the benefit will now remain in effect until June 30, 2025. The policy covers group tourists from India, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
These countries have been identified as major source markets for South Korea's tourism sector. The processing fee for a C-3-2 group visa is normally 18,000 won (approximately $12.46 or ₹1,040). By continuing to waive this charge, South Korean authorities aim to make group travel more attractive and affordable, thereby sustaining the recent surge in visitor numbers.
Driving a Strong Tourism Recovery
The extension comes against the backdrop of a robust revival in South Korea's tourism industry. Official statistics reveal a remarkable upswing in foreign arrivals. In November 2024 alone, approximately 1.6 million foreign visitors arrived in South Korea. This marks a substantial 17.3% increase from November 2023 and is even 9.6% higher than the pre-pandemic levels of November 2019.
A closer look at the November data highlights the leading sources of tourists:
- China: 378,000 arrivals
- Japan: 363,000 arrivals
- Taiwan: 158,000 arrivals
- United States: 133,000 arrivals
- Philippines: 60,000 arrivals
For the first eleven months of 2024, total foreign arrivals reached 17.42 million, surpassing the 2019 figure for the same period by 8.6%. Chinese travellers constituted the largest share at 29.2%, or an estimated 5.09 million visitors.
Uneven Recovery and Future Prospects
While the overall trend is positive, the recovery has been uneven across different regions. Arrivals from Japan have surged impressively, standing 40.4% higher in November 2024 compared to November 2019, driven by pent-up demand and better air connectivity. Chinese numbers, though strong, have recovered to about three-quarters of their 2019 levels.
The extended visa fee waiver is a targeted measure to consolidate growth, particularly from high-potential Asian markets where group travel is a popular and significant segment. By reducing the cost barrier, South Korea hopes to encourage more organised tour groups from these nations, ensuring the tourism sector's recovery is not only sustained but also accelerated in the coming months.
