Yes, Indians need a visa for South Korea: no visa-free entry or K-ETA. Fees (~US$40), documents, processing time and where to apply explained.
Cover image: Gyeonghoeru pavilion reflected in water at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul — photo by Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to visit South Korea; there is no visa-free entry and no visa-on-arrival for tourists. You must obtain a short-term tourist (C-3) visa before flying, either through the Korean Embassy in New Delhi or the consulate covering your state. The single-entry fee is about US$40 (roughly ₹3,500), processing typically takes 5–10 working days, and the visa is usually valid for 3 months for a stay of up to 90 days. India's absence from Korea's visa-exemption list is confirmed in the country's published visa policy, which also restricts the K-ETA electronic authorisation to travellers from visa-exempt countries only.
Do Indians get visa-free entry or K-ETA for South Korea?
No. South Korea's visa-exemption and K-ETA scheme covers 112 countries whose nationals may enter without a visa; India is not among them. Only holders of Indian diplomatic, official or service passports are exempt (for up to 90 days). Ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism, family visits or short business trips must hold a visa. Agents promising "K-ETA for Indians" are selling something that does not exist for Indian ordinary passports, so treat such offers as a red flag.
Where do Indians apply for a South Korea visa?
Applications go to the Korean mission covering your place of residence: the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi for North India, and the Consulates General in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata for their respective regions. Check the mission's website for your state's jurisdiction before applying, since misdirected applications are a common cause of delays. Many applicants route paperwork through experienced travel agents, but the visa itself is issued only by the mission. If you are weighing Korea against Japan, compare first with Japan's visa requirements and our best-time-to-visit-Japan guide, since the two countries pair well in one East Asia itinerary.
South Korea tourist visa: fees, documents and processing time
The standard single-entry short-term visa fee is about US$40, payable in rupees at the prevailing exchange rate. Multiple-entry options cost more and are generally granted to applicants with strong travel histories.
Keep these documents ready:
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel, with blank pages
- Recent photographs to Korean specifications
- Bank statements for the last 6 months showing stable funds
- Income-tax returns (usually 2–3 years) and employment or business proof
- Confirmed return flights and hotel bookings
- A short cover letter stating your itinerary and purpose
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, longer around Korean holidays such as Chuseok (early October) and year-end. Apply at least a month before departure. A prior refusal from any country, thin bank balance or vague itinerary are the usual rejection triggers, so show a clear day-by-day plan with bookings to match.
How long can Indians stay in South Korea?
A single-entry C-3 tourist visa is normally valid for 3 months from issue for a stay of up to 90 days. The stay cannot be converted into a work or study status inside Korea. Overstaying carries fines, detention and future bans, so keep a buffer of several days before the visa expires. Travellers combining Korea with Southeast Asia can check our Vietnam visa guide for Indians for the contrasting e-visa process.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in South Korea?
No. South Korea offers no visa-on-arrival for Indian tourists. You must hold a valid C-3 visa before boarding your flight, and airlines routinely deny boarding to passengers without one.
How much is the South Korea visa fee for Indians?
About US$40 (roughly ₹3,500) for a single-entry short-term visa, plus any agent service charges if you apply through one. Multiple-entry visas cost more.
How long does Korean visa processing take in India?
Typically 5–10 working days at the embassy or consulate, longer during Korean holiday periods. Apply at least four weeks before your travel date.
Is South Korea's K-ETA available for Indians?
No. K-ETA is mandatory only for travellers from visa-exempt countries, and India is not visa-exempt. Indians must apply for a regular visa through a Korean mission.
