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Indian citizens typically need a visa for South Korea

As of 2026-09-08

Processing

10 working days

Fee

INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,100 centre charge

Max Stay

Per visa conditions

Last updated: 2026-09-08 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

South Korea Visa Overview for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens require a visa to visit South Korea. C-3-9 tourist visa through VFS Global or BLS International: Rs3,600 single up to 90 days, Rs6,300 double, Rs8,100 multiple (revision of 1 August 2026), express Rs6,300-11,700; 10 working days plus 10 more if documents or an interview are requested. Jeju Island is visa-free for up to 30 days on a direct international flight, and holders of a valid US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European visa may enter for 30 days in transit to or from that country. The visa application fee is INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,100 centre charge, with standard processing taking 10 working days.

Applicants should gather all required documents including a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds. Check with the nearest South Korea embassy or consulate for application procedures.

Once approved, Indian passport holders may stay in South Korea for Per visa conditions.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering South Korea

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in South Korea, with at least 1 blank page
  • Return or onward travel tickets
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay
  • Evidence of sufficient funds
  • Approved visa in passport (or printed e-visa approval)

Available Visa Types for Indian Citizens

Visa-Free Entry

More than 110 nationalities enter without a visa for 30 to 180 days; 22 of them are also excused from K-ETA until 31 December 2026

None: e-Arrival Card within 3 days before landingFree

K-ETA

Electronic travel authorisation required before boarding by visa-free nationals not on the temporary exemption list, including Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa and Russia

Usually within 72 hoursKRW 10,000 + 3% card fee

Tourist (C-3-9) Visa

Short-term visit visa for nationalities outside the waiver, lodged at the embassy or a Korea Visa Application Centre; fees and timing set per mission

10 working days in India and the Philippines; 8 weeks in PakistanRs3,600 / NGN 60,000 / PKR 12,000 / PHP 0 + centre fee

Jeju and Transit Without Visa

Jeju Island for up to 30 days by direct international flight, and 30 days on the mainland for transit passengers holding a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European visa

Granted at the port of entryFree

How to Apply

1

Gather required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), passport-size photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and bank statements

2

Complete the visa application through the South Korea embassy or authorized visa agent

3

Pay the visa application fee of INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,100 centre charge

4

Submit your application at the nearest South Korea embassy or visa centre

5

Wait for processing (typically 10 working days)

6

Receive your visa — check whether it is sent by email or requires passport collection

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Stay Rules & Conditions

  • Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — most countries require at least 6 months of remaining validity
  • Submitting incomplete documents — missing bank statements, employment letters, or accommodation proof are common reasons for delays or refusal
  • Waiting until the last minute to apply — standard processing can take weeks, and peak seasons add further delays

Important Notes for Indian Applicants

  • The visa fee of INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,100 centre charge is typically non-refundable, even if the application is denied
  • Standard processing takes 10 working days — priority or express services may be available for an additional fee
  • Keep ITR (Income Tax Returns), Form 16, and bank statements ready — these are critical for Indian applicants
  • Build travel history with easier destinations like Thailand, UAE, or Singapore before applying for US/UK/Schengen
  • Book VFS appointments early morning for faster processing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Korea?

Yes, Indian citizens typically need a visa to visit South Korea. The visa application fee is INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,100 centre charge. Standard processing takes 10 working days. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

How long can Indian citizens stay in South Korea?

With an approved visa, Indian citizens may stay in South Korea for Per visa conditions. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

How long does the South Korea visa take to process for Indian citizens?

Standard processing for Indian applicants typically takes 10 working days. Apply well in advance of your travel dates as processing times can vary. Check with the application centre for current wait times.

What documents do Indian citizens need for a South Korea visa?

Key documents typically include: a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay), passport-size photos, bank statements showing sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and an employment or business letter. Check the official application form for the complete list.

Can Indian citizens work in South Korea on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not permit paid employment in South Korea, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.

Other destinations for Indian citizens

Canada

Visa required

Thailand

Visa-free

United Kingdom

Visa required

United States

Visa required

Australia

Visa required

Schengen Area

Visa required

United Arab Emirates

Visa required

Japan

Visa required

Singapore

Visa required

China

Visa required

View all destinations for Indian citizens

Prepare Your Application

Draft cover letters, plan your trip, and prepare invitation letters

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Helpful Guides

First-Time Visa Applicant: Top Tips to Get Approved
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Visa Cover Letter: How to Write One (With Examples)
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Bank Statements for Visa Applications: What You Need
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Official Resources

K-ETA — Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (official site)
The Korea Immigration Service portal for K-ETA: eligibility table with the visa-free stay for each nationality, fee, validity and the temporary exemption list.
K-ETA Application Guide
Fee (KRW 10,000), three-year validity, 72-hour assessment and who is exempt.
Embassy of Korea in the USA — Extension of K-ETA Temporary Exemption to 31 December 2026 (29 December 2025)
The Ministry of Justice decision to keep the K-ETA waiver for the currently exempt countries through 2026.
Korea Tourism Organization — Visa & Travel Requirements (21 April 2026)
The 22 countries and regions temporarily exempt from K-ETA, and how K-ETA works.
Embassy of Korea in the USA — Visa Free Entry for Transfer Passengers (16 May 2025)
Thirty-day visa-free entry for transit passengers holding a valid visa or residence for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or 32 European countries, with the 23 excluded nationalities.
Embassy of Korea in Singapore — Visa-Free Entry to Jeju Island (2 January 2026)
Direct-flight condition for Jeju's visa-free entry and the 23 nationalities excluded from it.
Embassy of Korea in Singapore — Visa and Entry FAQ (31 August 2026)
K-ETA fee and validity, the Visa Grant Notice that replaced visa stickers in 2020, transit and APEC card rules.
Korea Visa Portal
The Ministry of Justice portal for visa applications, status checks and the Visa Grant Notice.
e-Arrival Card
The free electronic arrival card submitted within three days before arrival by travellers without a K-ETA.
GOV.UK — South Korea entry requirements
The UK government's statement of the 90-day visa-free stay, the K-ETA exemption to 31 December 2026 and the e-Arrival Card.

Full South Korea Visa Guide

View all South Korea visas

Indian Travel Guide

All destinations for Indian citizens
Last verified:September 2026