The issuance of short-term travel and e-visas will be resumed from June 1.
The Ministry of Justice on May 19 announced the resumption of short-term (C-3) and e-visas for foreign nationals from Level 1 (low) countries after a suspension of over two years because of the coronavirus.
The C-3 allows foreign visitors to stay in Korea up to 90 days for short-term purposes like tourism and market research. During the pandemic, the visa was issued only for essential tasks like diplomacy, government affairs or humanitarian reasons. The e-visa will be issued online to professional workers, foreign patients and people on group tours.
Short-term multiple-entry visas will also return. Those holding such visas that remain valid and were issued before April 5, 2020, can use them without needing other requirements. No country is now classified as Level 2 (moderate) that requires increased caution, but if quarantine authorities designate a nation that level, nationals from that country can apply for a visa for essential purposes only.
The ministry said, "We expect the stimulation of industry through the influx of foreign tourists to help create jobs and attract foreign talent," adding, "We will monitor the status of COVID-19 and maintain a close response based on the quarantine situation."
