South Korea Tourist Visa For Indian Passport Holders

There is a list of formalities that are to be followed at the time of visiting any foreign country. These are important as this makes easy for the authorities to identify the traveller. Among the many, the most important one is the issuance of a tourist visa for South Korea. The process varies from country to country but if you are issuing a tourist visa for South Korea from India, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. This particular visa allows you to tour the country and at the same time visit your acquaintances living in South Korea. The visa is generally valid for 3 months and the duration of stay permitted depends on the situation.

• Age: No specific age restrictions, but minors (under 18) may require additional documentation (e.g., birth certificate, parental consent letter).
  
  
• Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible. However, those with dual nationality should check which passport to use for the application.
  
  
• Intent to Return: Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (e.g., employment, property, family) to ensure their intention to return.
  
  
• No Overstay History: Applicants with a history of overstaying in South Korea or other countries may face difficulties.

Mandatory Documents

• Indian Passport:
  

• Valid for at least 6 months from the planned exit date from South Korea.
• Have at least two blank pages.
  
  

• Completed Application Form:
  

• Download from the official website or obtain from the embassy/consulate.
• Fill out accurately and sign.
  
  
  

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:
  

• 1 or 2, depending on the application method.
• Meet the standard passport photo requirements.
  
  
  

• Proof of Financial Means:
  

• Bank statement showing a minimum balance (approximately ₹1,00,000 or more, subject to change).
• Statement should be recent (issued within the last week) and stamped by the bank.
  
  
  

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plan:
  

• Confirmed return or onward ticket.
• Detailed travel itinerary if not purchasing flights in advance.
  
  

Supporting Documents (May Enhance Approval Chances)

• Hotel Booking or Sponsor’s Letter:
  

• Proof of accommodation in South Korea.
• If staying with friends/family, a sponsorship letter and host’s ID may be required.
  
  

• Employment Certificate (if employed):
  

• Including position, tenure, and salary.
• Proof of leave approval for the travel period.
  
  

• Student ID (if student):
  

• And a no-objection certificate from the school/university.
  
  

• Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
  

• For spouses traveling together, to demonstrate family ties.

• Through the Embassy/Consulate General
  
  
  
• Prepare Documents
  
  

• Required Documents:
  
  
• Indian Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the planned exit date)
• Completed Application Form
• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs (1 or 2, depending on the application method)
• Proof of Financial Means (bank statement showing sufficient funds)
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plan
  
  
  
• Supporting Documents (to enhance approval chances):
  
  
• Hotel Booking or Sponsor’s Letter
• Employment Certificate (if employed)
• Student ID (if student)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  
  
  
• Ensure:
  
• All documents are original unless specified that photocopies are acceptable.
• Documents are in English or Korean. If not, provide a notarized translation.
• Your passport has at least two blank pages.
  
  

• Submit Application

• • In Person at the Embassy/Consulate:
    
    
    • Locations:
      
      
      • Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi
      • Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
        
        
    • Hours of Operation: Typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submission (check the official website for current hours).
      
      
    • What to Expect:
      
      
      • Queue and Waiting Area: Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak travel seasons.
        
        
      • Document Check: Embassy staff will verify your documents. Ensure everything is in order to avoid re-submission.
        
        
      • Biometric Data (if required): Though not always necessary for tourist visas, be prepared to provide fingerprints if asked.
        
        
        
  • Through a Duly Authorized Travel Agency:
    
    
    
    • Finding an Agency:
      
      
      • Check the official embassy/consulate website for a list of approved agencies.
        
        
      • Ensure the agency has experience with South Korean visa applications.
        
        
        
    • Agency’s Role:
      
      
      • They will guide you through the document preparation.
      • Submit the application on your behalf.
        
        
        
    • Fees:
      
      
      • The agency will charge a service fee in addition to the visa application fee.
        
        

• Pay Visa Fee

• • At the Time of Application Submission:
    
    
    • Fees:
      
      
      • Approximately ₹500 to ₹1,000 for a single-entry tourist visa (subject to change).
        
        
      • Check the latest fee structure on the official embassy/consulate website.
        
        
        
    • Payment Methods:
       
      • Typically cash.
        
        
      • Sometimes credit/debit cards (check with the embassy/consulate in advance).
        
        

• Wait for Processing

• • Typical Processing Time: 5 working days.
    
    
    
• Express Service:
  
  
  • Availability: Subject to change; check with the embassy/consulate.
  • Additional Fee: Applies for expedited processing (typically 2-3 working days).
    
    
    
• Status Update:
  
  
  • Method:
    
    
    • Check the official embassy/consulate website (if a tracking service is available).
      
      
    • Contact the embassy/consulate directly via phone or email.
      
      
  • Frequency: It’s advisable to check once after 3 working days if opting for standard processing.
    
    

• Through Visa Application Centers (VACs)
  
  
  • Find Your Nearest VAC

• • Official Embassy/Consulate Website:
    
    
    • Navigate to the "Visa" or "Consular Services" section.
    • Look for "Visa Application Centers" or "Outsourced Service Providers".
      
      
  • VAC Locations:
    
    
    • Typically in major cities across India (e.g., New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata).
      
      
  • Contact VAC:
    
    
    • Phone: To inquire about their operating hours, document requirements, or any other questions.
      
      
    • Email: For general inquiries or to request an appointment (if available).
      
      

• Submit Application
  

• • In Person at the VAC:
    
    
    • Appointment (if available): Book in advance to minimize wait times.
      
      
    • Document Checklist:
      
      
      • Ensure all required and supporting documents are as per the VAC’s checklist.
        
        
      • VAC staff will verify your documents; correctness is crucial.
        
        
    • Biometric Data (if required): Similar to the embassy/consulate, be prepared if necessary.
      
      

• Pay Visa and Service Fees

• • At the VAC:
    
    
    • Visa Fee:
      
      
      • Same as applying through the embassy/consulate (approximately ₹500 to ₹1,000 for a single-entry visa).
      • Check the VAC’s website or contact them for the latest fee.
        
        
        
    • Service Fee:
      
      
      • Additional, varies by VAC.
      • Covers the convenience of using the VAC’s services.
        
        
        
    • Payment Methods:
      
      
      • All major credit/debit cards.
      • Cash.
        
        

• Wait for Processing
  
  

• • Processing Time:
    
    
    • Generally the same as the embassy/consulate: 5 working days for standard processing.
      
      
    • Express service might be available for an additional fee; check with the VAC.
      
      
      
  • Status Update:
    
    
    • Through the VAC:
      
      
      • Website tracking (if available).
      • Direct contact via phone or email.
        
        
        
    • Frequency: Similar to the embassy/consulate, check once after 3 working days for standard processing.
      
      

• Visa Fee: Approximately ₹500 to ₹1,000 for a single-entry visa (subject to change).
  
  
  
• Service Fee (if applying through VAC): Additional, varies by VAC.
  
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
  • At the Embassy/Consulate: Typically cash, and sometimes credit/debit cards.
  • At VACs: Usually all major credit/debit cards and cash.

• Standard Processing: 5 working days.
  
  
  
• Express Processing: 2-3 working days (additional fee, subject to availability).
  
  
  
• Status Update:
  
  
• Through the embassy/consulate’s official website (if available).
• By contacting the embassy/consulate or VAC directly.

• In Person: At the embassy/consulate or VAC where the application was submitted.
  
  
  
• Through Authorized Person: With a written consent letter and the person’s ID.
  
  
  
• By Courier (if available): Check with the embassy/consulate or VAC for this service.

• Entry and Exit: Ensure you enter and exit South Korea through designated ports.
  
  
  
• Stay Duration: Do not overstay your visa. Fines and future visa application issues may apply.
  
  
  
• Activities: Engage only in activities permitted by your visa type (tourism, visiting, etc.).

• Check Official Websites: Regularly for the most current information.
  
  
  
• Apply Early: To avoid last-minute issues.
  
  
  
• Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check all documents for completeness and accuracy.
  
  
  
• Seek Professional Help: If unsure, consider consulting with a visa application service.

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India:
  

• Website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/index.do
• Address: 9, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91-11-4200-7000
  
  

• Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai:
  

• Website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-mumbai-en/index.do
• Address: 9th Floor, K.P.Auditorium Building, 32, E.B. Marg, Near Eros Cinema, Mumbai - 400011
• Phone: +91-22-2202-4437
  
  
  
• Visa Application Centers (VACs): Check the embassy/consulate’s website for locations and contact details.