South Korea has officially launched a temporary visa-free entry program for group tourists from Indonesia, aiming to make travel to the country more accessible than ever. Starting this week, Indonesian travelers visiting in groups can enjoy seamless entry without the need for a traditional visa.
According to the South Korean Ministry of Justice, this policy allows groups of at least three Indonesian tourists to enter the country visa-free for up to 15 days. The initiative is set to remain in effect from May 28 through the end of December this year.
This strategic move follows a government decision to ease visa and entry requirements, a topic that was prioritized during a tourism strategy meeting led by President Lee Jae Myung this past February. By relaxing these regulations, South Korea aims to provide a significant boost to its national tourism industry, encouraging more international visitors to explore the country.
To maintain security and prevent illegal immigration, local immigration authorities have implemented robust safety measures. Travel agencies are required to submit a comprehensive list of tourists via the official government portal at least 24 hours prior to arrival. This registry allows authorities to thoroughly screen and identify individuals who may be at a higher risk of overstaying their visas.
The push to attract more tourists comes as South Korea looks to expand its share of the global travel market. In 2025, the country welcomed 18 million international tourists, marking a 15 percent increase from 2024. Despite this steady growth, South Korea continues to refine its tourism strategies to remain competitive, especially as it looks to close the gap with neighbors like Japan, which reported 43 million international visitors last year.
Summary
South Korea has introduced a temporary visa-free entry program for Indonesian tour groups, effective from May 28 through December 2024. Groups consisting of at least three travelers can visit the country for up to 15 days without needing a traditional visa, a move designed to boost national tourism and improve competitiveness in the global travel market.
To ensure security, participating travel agencies must submit a comprehensive list of group members via the official government portal at least 24 hours before arrival. This screening process allows immigration authorities to effectively manage entry and prevent potential visa overstays while facilitating a more accessible travel experience for international visitors.
