South Korea
United Kingdom
United States
rule Eligibility & Entry Requirements
To qualify for a South Korea Tourist Visa (C-3-9), Indian nationals must meet strict criteria set by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Justice. Applicants must possess a regular Indian passport with at least six months remaining validity from the date of intended arrival in Korea and a minimum of two blank visa endorsement pages.
flight Important Exception: Direct Flights to Jeju Island
Indian passport holders can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they arrive and depart exclusively on direct international flights into Jeju International Airport (e.g., direct flights from Southeast Asia). If your flight transits through Seoul (Incheon or Gimpo) or any other domestic airport on mainland South Korea, you cannot use the visa waiver and must hold an approved consular visa before boarding.
Permitted activities on a C-3-9 tourist visa include sightseeing, vacations, transit, visiting friends and relatives, and attending non-remunerated conferences. Employment, gainful business, or study programs longer than 90 days are strictly prohibited under tourist status.
payments Fee Schedule & Cost Breakdown
In accordance with our commitment to full statutory transparency, visa costs consist of mandatory government fees alongside private service fees:
| Fee Category | Single Entry (≤ 90 Days) | Multiple Entry | Payable To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Consular Fee | INR 3,200 (~$40 USD) | INR 7,200 (~$90 USD) | Embassy of South Korea |
| KVAC VFS Application Center Fee | INR 1,600 | INR 1,600 | KVAC / VFS Center |
| VOA Document Review & Assistance | Optional Concierge Package | Optional Concierge Package | VisaOnlineApply LLC |
*Consular fees are subject to periodic exchange rate fluctuations set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All government fees are non-refundable once an application has been lodged.
schedule Estimated Processing Timelines
Normal consular and background review timeline for standard applications.
During high-demand travel seasons (Spring Cherry Blossoms & Autumn foliage).
Applicants are strongly encouraged to lodge applications at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to intended departure to accommodate potential consular documentation requests or holiday closures.
checklist Mandatory Document Checklist
Ensure all documents meet the technical and consular specifications before appointment submission:
- check_circle Original Indian Passport: Must have minimum 6 months remaining validity from travel date and at least two blank visa pages.
- check_circle Completed Visa Application Form: Filled without corrections, signed by the applicant matching passport signature.
- check_circle Passport Photographs: Two recent color photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), white background, matte finish, 80% face coverage, taken within last 6 months.
- check_circle Income Tax Returns (ITR): Official ITR-V acknowledgment forms for the last 2 consecutive financial years.
- check_circle Bank Statements: Original personal bank account statements for the last 6 months with bank seal and branch manager signature.
- check_circle Employment Proof: Leave authorization / No Objection Certificate (NOC) on employer letterhead with 3 months salary slips. For self-employed: Business registration / GST certificate.
- check_circle Flight & Hotel Itinerary: Confirmed round-trip flight booking reservation and hotel voucher for the full duration of stay in Korea.
format_list_numbered Step-by-Step Application Process
Pre-Check & Document Review
Verify financial statements, employment verification, and photographic compliance against embassy standards before formal lodgement.
Dossier Preparation & Form Generation
Compile the official application form with machine-readable data, eliminating naming and passport number discrepancies.
Application Center Submission / Electronic Filing
Lodge the application dossier at KVAC Center in New Delhi, Kolkata, or Korean Consular offices in Mumbai/Chennai.
Consular Review & Security Screening
The sovereign immigration authority performs background verification, biometric matching, and financial appraisal.
Outcome Notification & Grant Retrieval
Download the electronic Visa Grant Notice or collect the stamped travel document ready for international boarding.
warning Common Refusal Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Mismatches between claimed income and bank statement credits, or large unexplained sudden deposits right before application submission.
Failure to provide verifiable employer contact information, official company letterhead, or recent salary slips.
Flight dates conflicting with hotel reservations, or unreasonable day-wise tourist plans across multiple distant regions.
flight_land Port of Entry & Immigration Clearance
Upon arrival at international entry points (such as Incheon International Airport ICN or Gimhae Airport PUS), travelers must proceed to Foreign Passport Immigration Control:
- arrow_right Present your valid original passport and printed Visa Grant Notice or electronic authorization.
- arrow_right Complete the mandatory biometric index fingerprint scan and digital facial photograph at the automated gate.
- arrow_right Ensure you can provide your onward flight reservation and hotel accommodation voucher upon border officer request.
help Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian citizens apply for South Korea K-ETA?
No. Indian passport holders are not included in the visa-waiver agreement with South Korea and cannot apply for K-ETA. A consular tourist visa (C-3-9) is mandatory.
Is an interview required at the Korean Embassy in New Delhi?
Most tourist visa applications are decided entirely on documentary evidence submitted through KVAC without an interview. However, consular officers reserve the right to call an applicant for interview in rare instances.
Can I get a multiple-entry visa for South Korea from India?
Yes. Multiple-entry visas (valid for 5 years with 30-day stays per visit) are available for professionals, OECD country visa holders, or frequent international travelers meeting eligibility thresholds.
