South Korea Visa for Indians For Indian Passport Holders

At the times of planning a trip to a foreign country, there are certain formalities that you need to complete first. For South Korea, there are criteria that you must meet so as to travel to this country for whatever your desired purpose be. One of the most important and the initial priority is the issuance of visa for South Korea. The holder of this permit will be able to stay in the country for entertainment, education or enterprise depending on the kind of visa that you have issued. The validity of the visas will also differ as per the type and the purpose of travel. There are certain other benefits associated with the visa as per the types.

The process for the application of a visa for South Korea is mainly offline. According to the Consulate/Embassy of South Korea, there are two ways you can apply for the visa. You can either apply directly to the consulate/embassy, else you can submit your application to the visa application centre. But before, it is essential that you go through the eligibility criteria. You need to match the eligibility criteria to be able to apply for a South Korea visa. The steps for the procedure are listed as follows:

1. Download the South Korea visa application form from the official website of the visa application centre.
2. Fill out all the required information on the form and go through the checklist provided.
3. Fulfil all the requirements that are asked by the authorities.
4. Attach all the supporting documents along with the photographs as per the specifications.
5. Submit the application form to your nearest branch of the visa application centre.
6. Pay the fee at the time of submission.
7. Collect your passport after the processing of the visa.

After you have submitted the application form along with your passport and other documents, all you have to do is wait for the processing before you can collect your passport. You can choose any feasible branch of the visa application centre as per your reach. Meet the checklist that is provided by the centre in order to get the visa sooner. If the documents are missing, it will only take time for the processing and verification of the same.

When you are filling out the form, you must make sure that you fill out all the correct information. The information provided must match the details on the passport and other documents. If in case, any issues are found with the application, there are chances that your visa may get refused. A visa refusal can affect applications for your further visa for South Korea or any other country. To avoid the same, it is safe to acquire a professional visa consultation.

A. Short-Term Stay Visas (Up to 90 Days)

• Tourist/Visitor Visa (C-3): For travel, visiting family/friends, or non-remunerative activities.
  
  
• Business Visa (C-3): For business meetings, conferences, or short-term work-related activities.
  
  

B. Long-Term Stay Visas (Over 90 Days)

• Employment Visa (E-1 to E-7): For working in South Korea, with various categories based on profession.
  
  
• Student Visa (D-2): For studying in South Korea, including language courses, undergraduate, and graduate studies.
  
  
• Other Long-Term Visas:
  
  
• F-1 (Family Visitation)
  
  
• F-2 (Residence)
  
  
• F-5 (Permanent Residence)
  
  
• F-6 (Marriage)
  
  
• G-1 (General Training)
  
  
• H-1 (Working Holiday)

There are different documents that are needed. These are generally differentiated depending on the type of the visa. Common requirements for a South Korea visa for Indian passport holders are listed as follows:

• Original passport with validity at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel
  
  
• Completely filled visa application form
  
  
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
  
  
• Proof of identification and nationality
  
  
• PAN card
• Adhaar card
  
  
• Proof of confirmed travel dates
   
• Confirmation slip 
• Air tickets
  
  
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in South Korea
  
  
• Travel requisition by employer
• Letter of mission
• Certificate of income or tax payment issued by a public agency
• Certificate of deposit balance
  
  
• Proof of accommodation
  
  
• Invitation letter
• Hotel reservation
  
  
  

Step 1: Check the Latest Requirements

• Action: Visit the official website of the Korean Embassy or Consulate in India.
  
  

• Why: Visa requirements can change, and this ensures you have the most current information.
  
  

• What to Look For:

• Specific visa type requirements (e.g., tourist, business, student).

• Document checklist (e.g., passport, photos, financial statements).

• Any recent updates or announcements.
  
  

• Websites to Visit:

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India: ind.mofa.go.kr

• Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata (depending on your jurisdiction).
  
  

Step 2: Gather All Documents

• Action: Collect and ensure all required documents are complete and in order.
  
  

• Why: Incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejection.
  
  

• Tips for Gathering Documents:

• Create a Checklist: Based on the embassy/consulate's website, tick off each document as you collect it.

• Verify Document Validity: Ensure documents like your passport won’t expire soon.

• Apostille/Attestation: If required, get your documents apostilled or attested by the relevant Indian authorities.
  
  

• Common Documents (Refer to Step 3 of the original guide for specific visa type documents):

• Valid Indian Passport

• Completed Application Form

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plan

• Proof of Financial Means

• Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation
  
  

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Action: Download the form from the official website or fill it out at the application center.
  
  

• Why: Accurate and complete forms are crucial for a smooth application process.
  
  

• Filling Out the Form:

• Download and Print: If filling out manually, use block letters and sign where required.

• Online Application: If available, fill out the form online and print the completed version.

• Seek Help if Needed: If unsure about any field, consider consulting with the embassy, consulate, or an authorized agent.
  
  

• Form Details to Note:

• Application Form Number: Usually provided on the embassy/consulate's website.

• Form Versions: Ensure you have the latest version of the form.
  
  

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Action: Submit in person or through an authorized agent at the embassy, consulate, or designated visa application centers.
  
  

• Why: Secure and verified submission ensures your application is processed correctly.
  
  

• Submission Options:

• In Person: Useful for those near the submission locations or preferring direct interaction.

• Through an Authorized Agent: Convenient for those far from submission locations or requiring assistance.
  
  

• What to Expect:

• Queue and Wait Times: Plan your visit accordingly, especially for in-person submissions.

• Document Verification: Be prepared to answer questions about your application and documents.
  
  

Step 4.1: Interview (If Required)

• Action: Attend an interview at the embassy, consulate, or application center if scheduled.
  
  

• Why: To clarify application details or assess the applicant's intentions.
  
  

• Preparing for the Interview:
  
  

• Review Your Application: Be familiar with all details.

• Research About South Korea: Show genuine interest in visiting or staying.

• Dress Appropriately: Present yourself professionally.
  
  

• Common Interview Questions:
  
  

• Purpose and duration of your visit.

• Financial situation and support.

• Ties to India (for non-immigrant visas).
  
  

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Action: Pay the visa fee as per the type of visa applied for.
  
  

• Why: Fees are mandatory for visa processing.
  
  

• Payment Methods:

• Cash: At the embassy, consulate, or application center.

• Card Payments: If available, check the accepted card types.

• Demand Draft/Cheque: In the name of the embassy/consulate, if specified.
  
  

• Fee Structure:

• Check the official website for the latest fee information.

• Fees are usually non-refundable, even in case of a rejected application.
  
  

Step 6: Wait for the Visa Processing

• Action: Wait for the visa to be processed, checking the status as needed.
  
  

• Why: Processing times vary, and patience is required.
  
  

• Tracking Your Application:
  
  

• Online Status Check: If available on the embassy/consulate's website.
  
  

• Contacting the Application Center: For updates on your application status.
  
  

• Processing Times:

• Short-Term Visas: Typically 5 working days (express service may be available).
  
  

• Long-Term Visas: Usually several weeks to a few months.
  
  

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

• Action: Once the visa is approved, collect your passport from the submission location.
  
  

• Why: Your passport now contains the visa, enabling your travel to South Korea.
  
  

• Collection Tips:

• Verify the Visa Details: Ensure all information on the visa is correct.

• Travel Arrangements: You can now finalize your travel plans to South Korea.
  
  

• Post-Collection:
  
  

• Register with the Indian Embassy in South Korea (if required): For safety and emergency contact purposes.

• Respect South Korean Laws and Visa Conditions: To avoid any legal issues during your stay.

• Short-Term Visa Fee: Approximately ₹500 (subject to change)
  
  
• Long-Term Visa Fees: Vary widely (e.g., Employment Visa around ₹20,000, Student Visa around ₹15,000); check the official website.
  
  
• Processing Time:
  
  
• Short-Term Visas: Typically 5 working days (express service may be available for an additional fee)
  
  
• Long-Term Visas: Usually takes several weeks to a few months

• Apply Well in Advance: Especially for long-term visas.
  
  
  
• Ensure Document Authenticity: Misrepresentation can lead to visa rejection.
  
  
  
• Check for Special Requirements: Depending on your situation (e.g., minors, adopted children).
  
  
  
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: For complex applications or if you're unsure about the process.

• Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi:

• Address: 9, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91-11-4200-7000
• Website: ind.mofa.go.kr
  
  

• Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in:

• Mumbai: No. 9, 1st Floor, K. Dubash Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400001, Phone: +91-22-2282-6000
  
  
• Chennai: No. 536, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018, Phone: +91-44-2431-6644
  
  
• Kolkata: 9th Floor, Kankaria Building, 6, Little Russell Street, Kolkata - 700071, Phone: +91-33-2290-2900

Need more clarity on the South Korea visa? Check out helpful resources below

South Korea Visa Requirement

South Korea Tourist Visa Requirement

South Korea Business Visa Requirement

South Korea Work Visa Requirement

South Korea Study Visa Requirement

South Korea Visit Visa Requirement

South Korea Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection