Ministry of Justice to Issue Multiple-Entry Visas for Visitors from Japan, Taiwan, and Macao... Visa System Improvements

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Ministry of Justice announced on the 29th that it will improve the visa issuance system starting next month for Japan, Taiwan, and Macao, countries whose visa-free entry was temporarily suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 but have seen a rapid increase in visitors to Korea.

The Ministry of Justice will improve the current system that issues a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days for nationals visiting Korea for tourism or other purposes, by issuing a multiple-entry visa (C-3, valid for 1 year) that allows multiple visits upon request. The application documents have also been simplified to only require an application form, passport, and round-trip airline ticket. An electronic visa system for group travelers will also be implemented. Groups of five or more tourists organized by designated overseas travel agencies at diplomatic missions abroad will be able to obtain visas online from the Ministry of Justice (Electronic Visa Center) without visiting the diplomatic missions.

However, this measure will be implemented temporarily until the mutual visa-free entry system is reinstated and may change depending on the domestic quarantine situation in the future.