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South Korea visa update 2026
South Korea Extends Visa Fee Waiver Until June 2026
South Korea has officially confirmed that it will continue waiving visa application fees for travelers from six eligible countries until June 30, 2026. The extension is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to attract more international visitors and support tourism recovery.
The visa fee waiver allows eligible travelers to apply for South Korean visas without paying the standard processing fee, making trips more affordable and easier to plan.
Which Countries Are Included?
The visa fee waiver applies to nationals of the following six countries:
Cambodia
India
Indonesia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Travelers from these countries can continue applying for South Korean visas without paying the usual visa fee through mid-2026.
What the Visa Fee Waiver Covers
The waiver applies to short-term visit visas, including tourism, business visits, and family visits. Applicants are still required to submit all necessary documents, meet eligibility criteria, and pay any third-party service or application center fees, where applicable.
Only the government visa issuance fee is waived under this policy.
Why South Korea Is Extending the Waiver
South Korea introduced the visa fee waiver to make travel more accessible and encourage tourism from Southeast Asia and South Asia. These regions account for a significant portion of inbound visitors and are seen as key growth markets for Korean tourism.
By extending the waiver until 2026, South Korea aims to:
Reduce travel costs for visitors
Boost inbound tourism numbers
Strengthen regional travel ties
Support airlines, hotels, and tour operators
What Travelers Should Know Before Applying
Even with the fee waiver in place, applicants should keep the following in mind:
Visa approval is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility
Processing times may vary depending on demand
Service center handling fees may still apply
Visa conditions, validity, and stay duration remain unchanged
Travelers are advised to apply early, especially during peak travel seasons.
How This Benefits Travelers
For many travelers, the extended waiver translates into real savings, particularly for families or group travel. Combined with flight deals and regional tourism campaigns, South Korea is positioning itself as a more affordable and accessible destination through 2026.
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