May 28, 2026 | 08:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A temporary visa exemption program for group tourists from Indonesia visiting South Korea will come into effect this week, officials said on Wednesday, May 27.Under the program, groups of at least three Indonesian tourists can travel to South Korea without a visa for up to 15 days from May 28 to the end of December this year, according to the South Korean Ministry of Justice, as quoted by ANTARA.The policy was taken after the government decided to relax visa and entry requirements for foreign tourists at a tourism strategy meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung last February. This step is part of an effort to encourage tourism in South Korea.The local immigration office stated that the temporary visa-free program is expected to help boost the national tourism industry.The government is implementing measures to prevent illegal stays. These measures include requiring South Korean travel agencies to submit a list of tourists via a government website at least 24 hours before their arrival.The Justice Department said the list would be reviewed to identify high-risk individuals, including those with a history of illegal residence or subject to entry restrictions.Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said the government will work with relevant ministries to ensure the program can boost domestic consumption while maintaining orderly foreign tourist visits.Read: Canada Eases Visa Rules for Indonesian TravelersClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
