Indian citizens typically need a visa for South Korea

As of 2026-09-22

Processing

10 working days

Fee

INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,000 VFS service charge

Max Stay

Per visa conditions

Apply At

VFS Global (New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru) / BLS International (Mumbai, Hyderabad) →

Last updated: 2026-09-22 • 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 1,000 VFS service charge, with standard processing taking 10 working days. Indian applicants typically apply through a VFS Korea Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Bengaluru, or, in the Mumbai consulate's area, a designated travel agency.

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. Applications from Indian citizens are processed through a VFS Korea Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Bengaluru, or, in the Mumbai consulate's area, a designated travel agency.

Once approved, Indian passport holders may stay in South Korea for the duration specified on the visa.

Travel insurance for South KoreaPartner

Medical treatment abroad can cost thousands. SafetyWing covers you in 180+ countries with up to $250,000 in medical coverage, plus trip interruption and lost luggage.

$250,000 medical · 180+ countries · From ~$45/month · Cancel anytimeGet covered

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

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; 12 in 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

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

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

Pay the visa application fee of INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,000 VFS service charge

Submit your application through a VFS Korea Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Bengaluru, or, in the Mumbai consulate's area, a designated travel agency

Wait for processing (typically 10 working days)

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

Don't overpay on your KRW visa feePartner

Your bank adds a hidden 3–5% exchange rate markup to every international payment. On a typical visa fee, that's money you'll never see again. Wise uses the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) with a small, transparent fee — so you keep more of your money.

16M+ customers · Mid-market rate · Transparent fees · Free to openCheck what you'd save

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Travelling to South Korea? Your money sortedPartner

Debit card

Spend at the mid-market rate worldwide

40+ currencies

Hold and convert in one account

Local bank details

Get USD, GBP, EUR & more

Apple & Google Pay

Contactless payments everywhere

ATM withdrawals

Cash access worldwide

Earn interest

On GBP, EUR & USD balances

Used by 16M+ people · Regulated by FCAGet your free account

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Travel insurance for South KoreaPartner

Medical treatment abroad can cost thousands. SafetyWing covers you in 180+ countries with up to $250,000 in medical coverage, plus trip interruption and lost luggage.

$250,000 medical · 180+ countries · From ~$45/month · Cancel anytimeGet covered

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the South Korea visa guide.

Important Notes for Indian Applicants

Indian citizens apply through a VFS Korea Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Bengaluru, or, in the Mumbai consulate's area, a designated travel agency
From 1 October 2026 the Consulate General in Mumbai no longer takes walk-in applications: applicants in its area must apply through a designated travel agency.
The visa fee of INR 3,600 single entry (from 1 Aug 2026) + INR 1,000 VFS service 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
Book VFS appointments early morning for faster processing

Land in South Korea with working dataPartner

Set up a Saily eSIM before you fly and have data the moment you land — no airport SIM queues, no roaming bills. You need connectivity for immigration forms, ride-hailing, and pulling up your visa approval letter on arrival.

200+ destinations · Install in 10 min · Keep your home number activeGet your eSIM

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

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 1,000 VFS service charge. Standard processing takes 10 working days. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

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.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a South Korea visa?

Indian citizens typically apply through a VFS Korea Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai or Bengaluru, or, in the Mumbai consulate's area, a designated travel agency. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.