VI
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The specific application of the policy to the Vietnamese market is as follows:
But Applicable to: Tourist groups (5 or more people) organizing tours through designated travel agencies by the Consular Section of the Korean Embassy and the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, with round-trip flights from Vietnam to Yangyang International Airport, South Korea (see appendix for detailed list).
But Applicable period: from January 22, 2018 to April 30, 2018
But Length of stay: maximum 15 days
But Visa type issued: PyeongChang Olympic No Visa B-2-94
But Arrival and departure airport: Yangyang International Airport – South Korea
In the announcement, the South Korean Ministry of Justice also officially announced the registration method for tour groups by designated travel companies. Specifically, it is as follows:
But Step 1: The designated Vietnamese travel company registers the information and list of the group through the Korean visa portal at www.visa.go.kr and applies for approval of the PyeongChang Olympic No Visa B-2-94.
But Step 2: The Korean Ministry of Justice and the Korean Immigration Service will review and approve the group visa application using the electronic visa system.
But Step 3: The Korean land tour company and the Vietnamese travel company receive the application information and issue the entry permit for the registered group.
With the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching and preparations almost complete, the relaxed visa policy for citizens of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia is one of the policies aimed at boosting tourism to South Korea in general and Gangwon Province in particular during the Games. This visa exemption policy also represents a new step in the visa application process for Vietnamese tourists visiting South Korea, paving the way for further visa policies in the future.
“In 2017, South Korea welcomed over 323,000 Vietnamese tourists, a 28.8% increase compared to the previous year, making it one of the fastest-growing markets globally in terms of tourist arrivals to South Korea. With this policy, we hope that more Vietnamese tourists will visit South Korea, especially to experience the Korean winter during the upcoming Olympic Games. We will also support designated travel companies to offer more incentives to tourists on this occasion,” said Mr. Jung Chang Wook, Chief Representative of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Ngoc Anh - Linh
