If you’re planning a group trip to South Korea sometime in the first half of 2026, here’s an update worth noting. South Korea has extended its visa processing fee waiver for Filipino group tourists for another six months.
The exemption, which applies to C-3-2 or group tourist visas, will now be in effect until June 30, 2026. It was originally set to end on December 31, 2025.
Photo: Freepik
The announcement was made on January 1, 2026, by South Korean finance minister Koo Yun-cheol, who said the extension is meant to help sustain the country’s inbound tourism efforts.
Who’s covered by the waiver?
Aside from the Philippines, the extension also applies to group travelers from China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia, according to a report by The Korea Herald.
Under normal circumstances, the processing fee for a C-3-2 visa is 18,000 won, or roughly ₱735. With the waiver in place, eligible group applicants won’t need to pay this fee.
What is a C-3-2 visa?
Based on guidelines from the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in Manila, the C-3-2 visa is for travelers visiting South Korea for short-term tourism or small-scale cross-border trading. These trips must be guaranteed by a travel agency.
Applications are generally recommended to be filed in person at KVAC. If personal appearance isn’t possible, applications may be submitted through a travel agency accredited by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines.
There’s also the option for one group member to apply on behalf of the others. This representative can be a travel agency staff member, tour guide, coworker, or any designated person from the group.
A quick reminder
The C-3-2 visa is strictly for short-term stays. It cannot be converted into a study or work visa once you’re already in South Korea.
For those coordinating group travel plans, the extended fee waiver offers a bit more flexibility through mid-2026, especially while keeping an eye on timelines and application requirements.
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