South Korea visa for Indian passport holders

Indian nationals need a tourist visa for South Korea, applied for through the Korean Visa Application Centre before travel.

Visa requiredTypically up to 90 days depending on visa type

Sources Documents How to apply Good to know FAQs Plan your trip

Authority first

Verify the rule with the destination government

Deal4Flight turns published requirements into a planning checklist. The official immigration or embassy source remains authoritative and should be checked again before booking and departure.

Open official portal

Passport validity

At least 6 months from date of entry

Stay duration

Typically up to 90 days depending on visa type

Government fee

Visa fee set by the Korean Consulate (check current rate); agent service charges may apply

Processing

About 5–10 working days

Official information and traveller support

Official portal

Korea Visa Portal

Documents required

Passport valid for 6+ months with blank pages
Visa application form with recent photograph
Bank statements and proof of income
Detailed travel itinerary and hotel bookings
Employment certificate or business registration

Step-by-step: how to apply

1
Prepare your documents
Gather financial proof, itinerary and employment documents as required by the consulate.
2
Submit your application via a Korean Visa Application Centre
Apply through the centre serving your region in India.
3
Provide biometrics if required
Some applicants may need to provide fingerprints as part of the process.
4
Track your application
Processing usually takes about a week to 10 days.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application centre.

Entry readiness

What to verify before booking and boarding

Entry eligibility is broader than the visa itself. Use these checks alongside the destination's official portal and your airline's travel-document guidance.

Trip purpose and duration

Confirm that visa required conditions cover your real reason for visiting South Korea and your complete intended stay.

Names and passport details

Match the booking, application and passport exactly. Check expiry, blank pages and physical condition.

Onward travel and accommodation

Keep return or onward tickets, stay details and host information accessible offline when required.

Transit and arrival formalities

Check every connection for transit permission, baggage recheck, terminal change, health or digital arrival forms.

Avoid delays and refusal

Common issues travellers can prevent

Using an unofficial application site that adds fees or captures personal data.
Submitting an unclear scan, unsuitable photograph or inconsistent passport details.
Assuming a valid visa removes the need for onward travel, funds or accommodation evidence.
Ignoring transit rules because the traveller does not plan to leave the airport.

Good to know

• South Korea's K-ETA electronic travel authorization applies only to visa-waiver nationalities — India is not currently on that list, so a full visa is required.
• Group tour visas processed through registered agencies can sometimes have simplified documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Indians apply for South Korea's K-ETA instead of a visa?

No, K-ETA is only for nationalities with visa-free access; Indian passport holders need a standard tourist visa.

Is a South Korea visa single or multiple entry?

Both options exist — choose based on whether you need to re-enter Korea during your trip.

Does a South Korea visa or entry exemption guarantee admission?

No. The airline checks whether you appear eligible to travel, while South Korea immigration makes the final entry decision. Keep your passport, onward travel, accommodation and any requested supporting evidence ready.

Should I book non-refundable flights before confirming South Korea entry requirements?

Avoid non-refundable commitments until you understand the applicable entry route, document requirements and processing time, unless you accept the risk or an application specifically requires a reservation.

This guide is general information for Indian passport holders, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees, documents and processing times change often — always confirm current requirements on the South Korea government's official immigration or embassy website, or through a licensed visa agent, before applying or booking non-refundable travel.