South Korea entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea. Apply for an eVisa online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. Plan ahead as processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | You need an eVisa to enter South Korea. Apply at the official Korea eVisa portal at least a week before your trip. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, and you'll receive an approval notice by email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Indian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. There's no 6-month validity requirement beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes enforce it — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof | South Korean immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. A simple booking printout or email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers may ask for proof you have enough money for your trip. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
The eVisa can take up to 2 weeks, and without a visa you won't be allowed to board. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
K-ETA not for Indian passport holders
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is only for visa-free countries. Since India requires a visa, you must go through the full eVisa process.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to www.visa.go.kr, register, fill in the tourist visa application (C-3-9), upload documents, and pay the fee.
2
Wait for processing
Most applications take 5–7 working days, but up to 2 weeks in peak season. You'll receive a digital approval to print or save.
3
Prepare for departure
Carry a printed copy of your eVisa, passport, flight itinerary, and accommodation details. Airlines will verify your visa at check-in.
4
Arrival at South Korea immigration
At any airport, go to the 'Foreign Passport' queue. Show your passport with the eVisa (printed or on your phone). Be ready for questions about your visit, accommodation, and return date. You'll give fingerprints and a photo.
5
Enjoy your stay
Once through, you can stay up to the date on your eVisa (usually 30 or 90 days). Keep documents handy for spot checks.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost₩40,000 (~$30 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
For frequent travelers; requires proof of prior travel.
Long-Term Stay Visa (e.g., D-4 Language Training)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity6 months to 2 years
Cost₩80,000 (~$60 USD)
Requires enrollment in a Korean language program.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For professionals with a job offer in Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Korean university. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least ₩100 million in a Korean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Indian passport holders applying for a tourist eVisa. | ₩40,000 (~$30 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Stay ExtensionExtension not available for eVisa holders; must leave and re-enter. | ₩60,000 (~$45 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ₩100,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max ₩3,000,000 (~$2,250 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
No transit visa needed
Indian passport holders transiting through South Korea do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid raw or undercooked foods.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
100, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits for southern region.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,529.37 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, the eVisa fee for Indian citizens is around ₩40,000 (roughly ₹2,500) for a single-entry visa. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more (approx ₩90,000). Payment is online via credit/debit card.
Standard processing is 5 to 7 working days. In busy seasons (summer, holidays) it can stretch to 14 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date.
Generally not for tourist visas. Extensions are rarely granted and only for emergencies (medical, natural disaster). You must leave before your visa expires.
No. The C-3-9 tourist visa strictly prohibits any paid work. You can attend short-term business meetings or conferences, but not employment. Working remotely for a foreign company is in a grey area — better to check with the Korean embassy.
You can reapply after addressing the reason mentioned in the rejection letter. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documents. There's no appeal, but you can submit a fresh application.
Yes, a flight itinerary showing you plan to leave South Korea is required. It doesn't have to be a paid ticket — a reservation from an airline or travel agent is fine.
No. Indians must have a valid visa (eVisa or sticker visa) before boarding the flight. No visa-on-arrival facility exists for Indian passports.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.