India entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in India. Show up at the airport, fill out a form, pay the fee, and get your visa right there. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | India requires an eVisa for South Korean passport holders. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your South Korean passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into India. Airlines at Incheon and Busan check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone showing your departure from India within your eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask for your first night's address — having a booking printout avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card balance | Officers rarely ask, but have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for a short trip. ATMs are widely available in Indian cities, but carrying some USD or INR in cash helps. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is only at airports
This facility is not available at land borders or seaports. If you're entering India by road or sea, you must have a visa in advance.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers frequently ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy ready — a screenshot on your phone is fine.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at designated airport
Visa on arrival is available at major international airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, and a few others. Check your arrival airport beforehand.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival counter
After deplaning, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreigners Registration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before immigration. Fill out the application form (they provide it).
3
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo (if asked), and return ticket. Pay the fee — cash (USD or INR) or card. They'll process it while you wait.
4
Receive visa sticker and proceed to immigration
Once approved, they'll affix a visa sticker in your passport. Then go to the regular immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and you're in.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~USD 36)
Requires application at Indian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per visit, extendable
Validity1 year
CostINR 5,000 (~USD 60)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, multiple entries
Validity1 year
CostINR 7,000 (~USD 84)
Requires invitation letter from Indian company.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostINR 10,000 (~USD 120)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
INR 10,000 (~USD 120) plus processing
For foreign nationals employed by an Indian company. Requires job offer and sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
INR 10,000 (~USD 120)
For full-time students at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
INR 15,000 (~USD 180)
For individuals investing in Indian businesses. Minimum investment varies. Allows multiple entries.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) feeSouth Korean passport holders are eligible for free Visa on Arrival for up to 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 60 days or if VoA not used. | INR 3,000 (~USD 36) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, multiple entries. | INR 5,000 (~USD 60) |
| Stay extension feeApply at FRRO; max extension up to 180 days total. | INR 1,000 (~USD 12) per month |
| Overstay fineApplies after visa expiry; must pay before departure. | INR 500 (~USD 6) per day, max INR 10,000 (~USD 120) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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 India
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports for up to 72 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most regions; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in most areas, especially rural and during monsoon. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handle visa extensions and registration; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CIDCO Bhavan, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Popular for extension applications; online appointment recommended.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.82 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 60 days per visit. You cannot extend it beyond that. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a regular visa before traveling.
No, only at select international airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa, Trivandrum, and a few others. Check the official list before booking flights.
Visa on arrival is only available at designated airports. If you arrive by land (e.g., from Nepal or Bangladesh), you must have a visa in advance. For smaller airports, you also need a pre-arranged visa.
The fee varies by nationality and duration. For South Korean passport holders, it's typically around $25–$50 USD. Payable in cash (USD or INR) or by credit card at the counter.
Yes, it covers short business visits (meetings, conferences, etc.). But not for employment or long-term assignments. For work, you need a work visa.
No, the visa on arrival is processed at the airport. You fill out a paper form there. However, you can also apply for an e-Visa online before travel if you prefer — that's a separate process.
You will be denied the visa on arrival and likely refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.