South Korea introduces temporary visa waiver for Indonesian tourists

Seoul (ANTARA) — A temporary visa exemption for group tourists from Indonesia visiting South Korea has taken effect this week, officials said on Wednesday (27 May). Under the scheme, Indonesian tourist groups of at least three people can travel visa-free for up to 15 days from 28 May until the end of December this year, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Justice. The policy follows a February strategic tourism meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung, which decided to relax visa and entry requirements for foreign tourists. The move is part of efforts to boost inbound tourism to South Korea. Local immigration authorities stated the temporary visa waiver is expected to help improve the national tourism industry. The government has also implemented measures to prevent illegal overstays, including requiring South Korean travel agencies to submit tourist lists via a government website 24 hours before arrival. The Ministry of Justice said these lists will be checked to identify high-risk individuals, including those with a history of illegal stays or entry restrictions. Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said the government will collaborate with relevant ministries to ensure the programme boosts domestic consumption while maintaining order among foreign tourists.