South Korea Implements Temporary Visa Waiver for Indonesian Tourists from 28 May 2026: Key Requirements

The South Korean government has officially implemented a temporary visa waiver program for Indonesian group tourists starting Thursday, 28 May 2026. This strategic policy aims to boost international tourism arrivals and domestic consumption in South Korea. According to data from South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, the programme allows Indonesian tourist groups of at least three people to visit without a visa. The facility is valid for stays of up to 15 days and will run until the end of December 2026. This policy follows a tourism strategy meeting led by President Lee Jae-myung in February. The South Korean government decided to relax entry requirements for foreign tourists as part of efforts to recover and strengthen the national tourism industry. Despite the convenience, South Korean authorities have maintained strict oversight to prevent illegal overstaying. Travel agencies in South Korea are required to submit tourist name lists via the government’s official website at least 24 hours before arrival. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that all submitted lists will undergo rigorous verification to identify high-risk individuals, particularly those with a history of visa violations or entry restrictions to South Korea. South Korea’s Justice Minister, Jung Sung-ho, stated that the government will collaborate with relevant ministries to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme. ‘We are working together to ensure this programme boosts domestic consumption while maintaining orderly foreign tourist visits,’ he said, as reported by Yonhap on Thursday (28 May). Local immigration authorities are optimistic that the temporary visa waiver will have a significant positive impact on South Korea’s tourism ecosystem throughout 2026. (Yonhap/Z-10)