From June 1, 2022, the C-3 short-term tourist visa will be reissued to foreign tourists to Korea after being suspended since March 14, 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The C-3 short-term tourist visa is a visa issued to subjects such as: market research, consulting for commercial activities, tourism, medical treatment, visiting relatives, attending meetings... with a stay of less than 90 days.
Depending on the level of urgency of epidemic prevention work in each country, regulations are divided into two levels: Countries needing attention (level 2) and Normal Countries (level 1).
In the past, C-3 short-term tourist visas were only issued to subjects with special purposes including: diplomacy, official duties, agreements, residence, investment, and trade. From next June, the Ministry of Justice will expand the subjects granted short-term visas to all visitors from countries that do not require enhanced quarantine (level 1), entering for other purposes such as tourism.
Along with that, the issuance of electronic visas for outstanding overseas talents, foreign patients, and tourist groups will also be resumed.
Bukchondaek Old House, Andong, South Korea. Photo: KTO Vietnam
Multiple visas are also valid again and were issued before April 5, 2020 and are still valid and can continue to be used without any further procedures. For those coming from countries requiring attention (level 2), continue to register for a visa under the special purpose category. Depending on the epidemic situation in each country, visa registration regulations may change.
Currently, no country is designated as a country requiring enhanced quarantine (level 2). However, nationals of countries in level 2 can apply for a visa if they have an essential purpose of entry.
With the re-issuance of tourist visas for Vietnamese tourists, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam has simultaneously launched the "Travel to Korea begins again" campaign with a variety of activities for Vietnamese tourists as well as special support for travel agencies to promote the recovery of the Korean tourism market in Vietnam.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam is also 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 said: "Through new and diverse communication activities as well as practical support for travel agencies in Vietnam, we hope that tourism exchange activities between Vietnam and Korea will be strongly restored, affirming the strong relationship between Vietnam and Korea after 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations."
The Ministry of Justice hopes that the resumption of visas will help create more jobs for Koreans and attract talented people from abroad. The government will closely monitor the situation of imported Covid-19 cases to take appropriate countermeasures.
