Indian citizens need a visa obtained from a South Korean embassy or consulate before travelling to South Korea for tourism.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportOriginal passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
• Visa Application FormCompleted and signed visa application form (available on the Korea Visa Portal).
• Passport-sized PhotographOne recent (within 6 months), color photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with a white background.
• Flight ItineraryConfirmed round-trip flight tickets.
• Accommodation ProofConfirmed hotel bookings or a letter of invitation/guarantee from a host in South Korea.
• Financial DocumentsOriginal bank statements for the last 6 months (with bank seal and signature) and Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 years, demonstrating sufficient funds for the trip.
• Proof of Occupation/EmploymentEmployment certificate/leave letter from employer, business registration certificate, student ID, or retirement proof, as applicable.
• Personal Travel PlanA detailed itinerary outlining daily activities and places to visit in South Korea.
• Cover LetterA signed letter explaining the purpose of the visit, travel dates, and commitment to return to India.

1. 1
   Complete the online visa application form on the Korea Visa Portal.

   Korea Visa Portal - Application Form
2. 2
   Print the completed application form and sign it.
3. 3
   Gather all required supporting documents as per the checklist provided by the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
4. 4
   Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global visa application center or the Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Korea in India, based on your jurisdiction.
5. 5
   Submit your application in person along with your passport and all supporting documents. Pay the applicable visa application fee.
6. 6
   Track your application status online using the reference number provided.
7. 7
   Collect your passport with the visa (if approved) from the application center or embassy/consulate.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

  How to avoid: Ensure all required documents are submitted and that information across all documents (e.g., dates, names, addresses) is consistent and accurate. Double-check against the official checklist.

• Insufficient proof of funds

  How to avoid: Provide clear, recent bank statements (with bank seal) showing adequate funds to cover your entire trip, along with Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the past few years to demonstrate financial stability.

• Unclear purpose of visit or travel plan

  How to avoid: Submit a detailed and realistic travel itinerary that clearly outlines your daily activities, accommodation, and the genuine purpose of your visit. Avoid vague or implausible plans.

• Weak ties to home country

  How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of your ties to India, such as employment certificates, property ownership, family registration documents, or enrollment in educational institutions, to assure the visa officer of your intent to return.

• Previous immigration violations

  How to avoid: Ensure you have no history of overstaying visas, previous visa rejections, or other immigration offenses in any country. If there's a past issue, provide a clear and honest explanation.

• Passport validity

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from South Korea. Renew your passport if its validity is nearing expiration.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and keep original documents secure.
• Familiarize yourself with basic Korean etiquette, such as bowing and removing shoes indoors.
• South Korea has an excellent public transportation system; consider using T-Money cards for convenience.
• Stay hydrated and be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially during seasonal transitions.

• Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in South Korea?

  No, Indian citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival for general tourism in South Korea. A visa must be secured in advance from a South Korean embassy or consulate.

• Is there a visa-free entry option for Indian citizens?

  Yes, there are limited visa-free entry options. Indian citizens can enter Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days if arriving by direct flight or ship. Additionally, certain transit passengers may be eligible for visa-free transit under specific conditions (e.g., transiting to/from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or 30 European countries with a valid visa for those countries).

• Can I extend my tourist visa while in South Korea?

  Extending a short-term tourist visa (C-3-9) is generally difficult and only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or unforeseen events. It is advisable to plan your stay within the visa's validity period.

• Am I allowed to work in South Korea on a tourist visa?

  No, a tourist visa (C-3-9) does not permit any form of employment or profit-making activities in South Korea. Engaging in such activities can lead to severe penalties, including deportation and future entry bans.

• What are the rules for transiting through South Korea without a visa?

  Indian citizens may transit through Incheon International Airport (ICN) without a visa for up to 30 days if they are traveling to or from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or 30 European countries (Schengen area), hold a valid visa for those countries, and have a confirmed onward ticket within 30 days. Specific conditions apply, so it's crucial to verify with the airline or embassy.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for a South Korea tourist visa?

  Your passport must generally be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea to be eligible for a visa application. If your passport has less than six months validity, it is advisable to renew it before applying for your visa. Please confirm the exact validity requirement with the South Korean embassy or consulate.

• How much bank balance do I need to show for a South Korea tourist visa?

  You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your travel and living expenses during your stay in South Korea. While there isn't a fixed minimum amount, the consular officers assess your financial stability based on your bank statements, salary slips, and other financial documents. It is recommended to show a healthy balance that clearly supports your planned itinerary.

• I'm travelling to South Korea in 3 weeks. Is that enough time to get a tourist visa?

  Visa processing times for Indian citizens applying for a South Korea tourist visa can vary, but typically range from 5 to 10 working days after submission. Applying just three weeks before your trip might be cutting it close, especially if there are public holidays or unforeseen delays. It is strongly recommended to apply well in advance, ideally at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure date.

• I am self-employed. What documents do I need to show for my South Korea tourist visa?

  As a self-employed applicant, you will need to provide documents that prove your business's legitimacy and your financial stability. This typically includes your business registration certificate, Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns, Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the past few years, and company bank statements. These documents help demonstrate your ties to India and your ability to fund your trip.

• I was refused a US visa last year. Will this affect my South Korea tourist visa application?

  A previous visa refusal for another country, such as the US, must be declared truthfully on your South Korea visa application form. While it does not automatically lead to a refusal, consular officers will review your overall application and may consider the reasons for the previous refusal. It is important to provide all requested information and supporting documents clearly.

• How much does a South Korea visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Seoul, or does this cover all of South Korea?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a South Korea visa is valid for the whole country — including Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island and Gyeongju. Apply once for South Korea and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.