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Starting June 1, 2022, the C-3 short-term tourist visa was re-issued to foreign tourists visiting South Korea after being temporarily suspended since March 14, 2020, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The C-3 short-term tourist visa is issued for categories such as market research, business consulting, tourism, medical treatment, visiting relatives, attending meetings, etc., with a stay of less than 90 days.
Depending on the level of urgency of epidemic prevention efforts in each country, regulations are divided into two levels: Countries requiring attention (level 2) and normal countries (level 1).
Previously, short-term C-3 tourist visas were only issued to individuals with special purposes, including diplomatic, official, agreement, residency, investment, and trade. From June onwards, the Ministry of Justice will expand the eligibility for short-term visas to include all visitors from countries not subject to enhanced quarantine measures (Level 1), entering for purposes other than tourism.
In addition, the issuance of e-visas for outstanding talents abroad, foreign patients, and tourist groups will also be resumed.
Bukchondaek Old House, Andong, South Korea. Photo: KTO Vietnam
Multiple-entry visas issued before April 5, 2020, are also valid again and can continue to be used without further processing. Those from countries requiring attention (Level 2) should continue to apply for visas under the special purpose category. Visa application regulations may change depending on the pandemic situation in each country.
Currently, no country has been designated as requiring enhanced quarantine measures (Level 2). However, citizens of Level 2 countries may apply for a visa if their purpose of entry is essential.
With the resumption of tourist visas for Vietnamese visitors, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam is simultaneously launching the "Travel to Korea Begins Again" campaign with diverse activities for Vietnamese tourists as well as special support for travel companies to promote the recovery of the Korean tourism market in Vietnam.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam is simultaneously launching the "Travel to Korea Begins Again" campaign to promote the recovery of the Korean tourism market.
Mr. Lee Jae Hoon, Chief Representative of KTO Vietnam, stated: "Through innovative and diverse communication activities, as well as practical support for travel agencies in Vietnam, we hope that tourism exchanges between Vietnam and Korea will be strongly restored, affirming the strong relationship between Vietnam and Korea after 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations."
The South Korean Ministry of Justice hopes that the resumption of visas will help create more jobs for domestic citizens and attract top talent from abroad. The government will closely monitor the situation regarding imported COVID-19 cases to take appropriate countermeasures.
