South Korea Visa for Indians 2026: Types, Fees, Process & Requirements
South Korea is one of Asia's most sought-after destinations for Indian travellers — from K-culture tourism and business opportunities to world-class education. Indian passport holders need a visa for mainland South Korea, with the exception of Jeju Island(30 days visa-free). Multiple visa types are available: Tourist (C-3-9), Business (C-3-4), Student (D-2/D-4), Work (E-series), and Residence (F-2). Applications are submitted in person at VFS Global or BLS International centres across 6 Indian cities with a standard processing time of 10 working days for tourist visas. Fees start from ₹3,400.
Quick Overview Table
Detail | Information |
Visa Required? | Yes — all Indian passport holders need a visa |
Visa Types | Tourist (C-3-9), Business (C-3-4), Student (D-2/D-4), Work (E-series), Dependent (F-3) |
Processing Time | 10 working days (tourist); 2-4 weeks (student); 3-6 weeks (work) |
Single-Entry Fee (up to 90 days) | ₹3,600 |
Single-Entry Fee (over 90 days) | ₹5,400 |
Multiple-Entry Fee | ₹8,100 |
Service Charge | ₹1,100 (BLS) / Varies (VFS) |
Where to Apply | VFS Global (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru) or BLS International (Mumbai, Hyderabad) |
Biometrics | Required for all applicants over 17 years |
Best Time to Apply | 2-3 weeks before travel (tourist); 8-12 weeks (student/work) |
Do Indians Need a Visa for South Korea?
Yes. Indian citizens must obtain a valid South Korea visa before travelling. Unlike citizens of 112 visa-waiver countries (including the US, UK, Japan, and Australia), Indian passport holders cannot enter South Korea without prior authorisation.
The only exception: Jeju Island — Indian tourists can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days on a direct flight. However, if your itinerary includes mainland South Korea (Seoul, Busan, Incheon, or any other city), you need a full visa.
K-ETA is NOT available for Indians. Despite widespread online confusion, the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is exclusively for citizens of visa-waiver countries. Any website claiming to process K-ETA for Indian citizens is a scam.
Types of South Korea Visa
Visa Type | Code | Purpose | Duration | Key Requirement |
Tourist | C-3-9 | Leisure, K-culture tourism, visiting friends | Up to 90 days | Financial proof (₹2-3 lakh) |
Business | C-3-4 | Conferences, negotiations, market research | Up to 90 days | Invitation letter from Korean company |
Student (Degree) | D-2 | University degree programs | Duration of program | Admission letter + CSR |
Student (Language) | D-4 | Korean language training | 6 months – 2 years | University language school admission |
Work | E-series | Employment (E-1 to E-7) | 1-5 years | Employer sponsor + CSR |
Dependent | F-3 | Spouse/children of long-stay visa holders | Matches sponsor's validity | Proof of relationship + sponsor's visa copy |
Each visa type has different document checklists, fee structures, and processing procedures. Choose the right guide below:
- Tourist Visa (C-3-9) — Detailed requirements, 7-step process, and approval tips for leisure travellers
- Business Visa (C-3-4) — Invitation letters, CSR process, and corporate travel requirements
- Student Visa (D-2/D-4) — University admission, financial proof, and language visa pathway
- Dependent Visa (F-3) — Family reunion requirements and April 2025 policy changes
Work visas (E-series) and residence visas (F-series) require employer sponsorship and a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CSR) from Korean Immigration. Processing takes 3-6 weeks. Contact our visa experts for guidance on work and residence visa applications.
Jeju Island Exception: Indian tourists can visit Jeju visa-free for up to 30 days on a direct flight. Mainland Korea requires a full visa.
Visa Fees for Indians 2026
Total Cost per Visa Type
Visa Type | Standard Fee (₹) | Express Fee (₹) | Total with Service Charge (₹) |
Single-entry (up to 90 days) | 3,600 | 6,300 | ~4,700 |
Single-entry (over 90 days) | 5,400 | 8,100 | ~6,500 |
Multiple-entry (1-5 years) | 8,100 | 11,700 | ~9,200 |
What's included in service charge: BLS International charges ₹1,100 per application. VFS Global charges vary by centre — check the VFS Global South Korea page (see Official Resources below) for current rates.
Note: The Korean Embassy revised visa fees effective 1 August 2026. The fees above reflect the latest published rates. Express fees are optional and reduce processing time. Always verify current fees before applying.
Documents Required
Core Documents (All Visa Types)
Every South Korea visa application requires these documents:
- Passport — Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with 2+ blank pages
- Visa Application Form — Completed and signed (download from the Korean Embassy website)
- Photographs — 2 recent passport-size photos (3.5cm × 4.5cm, white background)
- Cover Letter — Explaining your purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to India
- Financial Proof — Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing consistent balance
- Employment Proof — Salary slips, employment letter, or business registration documents
- Travel History — Previous passport copies showing international travel (if any)
Type-Specific Documents
Each visa type requires additional documents (see the relevant guide in the Types section above for the full checklist):
- Tourist Visa: Detailed day-by-day itinerary, hotel bookings, return flight reservation
- Business Visa: Invitation letter from Korean company, business registration proof, previous business correspondence
- Student Visa (D-2): University admission letter, CSR, scholarship letter (if applicable), financial proof of KRW 20 million+
- Student Visa (D-4): Language school admission letter, CSR, financial proof of KRW 10 million+
- Work Visa (E-series): Employment contract, CSR, employer's business registration, educational credentials
- Dependent Visa (F-3): Sponsor's visa/ARC copy, proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate), sponsor's income proof
Application Process
Step-by-Step
- Choose your visa type — Determine which visa category matches your purpose
- Gather documents — Collect all required documents for your specific visa type
- Book an appointment — Schedule a slot at VFS Global or BLS International (walk-ins not accepted)
- Submit your application — Attend in person, submit documents, and provide biometrics (fingerprints + photo)
- Pay the fees — Consular fee + service charge at the time of submission
- Track your application — Monitor via VFS/BLS tracking portal
- Collect your passport — Pick up in person or receive by courier
How Long Does Processing Take?
Visa Type | Standard Processing | Apply How Early? |
Tourist (C-3-9) | 10 working days | 2-3 weeks before travel |
Business (C-3-4) | 10 working days | 2-3 weeks before travel |
Student (D-2/D-4) | 2-4 weeks | 8-12 weeks before program |
Work (E-series) | 3-6 weeks | 8-12 weeks before joining |
Dependent (F-3) | 4-8 weeks | 8-12 weeks before travel |
CSR Note: Student (D-2, D-4), Work (E-series), and Dependent (F-3) visas require a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CSR) from Korean Immigration. Your Korean sponsor must apply for this before you submit your visa application. CSR processing takes 2-4 weeks. The CSR is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
Where to Apply
South Korea visa applications are processed through two authorised service providers in India:
Application Centre | Address | Jurisdiction |
New Delhi | VFS Global Korea Section, Shivaji Stadium, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi — 110001 | North India (Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, J&K, Himachal) |
Mumbai | BLS International, Unit No. G1-G8, Ground Floor, Dalamal Towers, 211 Nariman Point, Mumbai — 400021 | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana |
Bengaluru | VFS Global Korea Section, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru — 560052 | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
Chennai | VFS Global Korea Section, Anna Salai, Chennai — 600002 | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala |
Kolkata | VFS Global Korea Section, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata — 700071 | East India (West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Northeast states) |
Note: The Korean Embassy is in New Delhi, with consulates in Chennai and Mumbai. Visit our embassy contacts page for complete details.
Biometrics
- Required for: All applicants over 17 years
- Process: Digital photograph and 10 fingerprints collected at the application centre
- Exemptions: Children under 17 years and persons physically unable to provide biometrics
- Important: Unlike Schengen countries where biometrics are valid for 59 months, South Korea requires fresh biometrics for every application — even if you have visited Korea before
Success Tips
Financial Documentation (Most Critical)
Financial proof is the #1 reason for South Korea visa rejections among Indian applicants. Follow these rules:
- Maintain a consistent bank balance of ₹2-3 lakh for at least 3 months before applying
- No large cash deposits just before applying — this is a red flag
- Show salary credits clearly in your bank statement
- Provide IT returns for the last 2 years to demonstrate income consistency
- Credit card statements showing high limits can supplement your financial profile
Minimum Funds Rule: KRW 30,000 per day (approx ₹1,800/day) for short stays. For a 7-10 day trip, ₹2-3 lakh consistently over 3 months is recommended.
Travel History Strategy
South Korea values prior travel history. Previous visits to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, or Schengen countries significantly boost approval odds. First-time travellers should:
- Apply for a shorter single-entry trip (5-7 days)
- Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary
- Ensure strong financial documents
- Mention genuine K-culture interests in your cover letter (K-drama locations, K-beauty shopping, BTS tourism)
Common Rejection Reasons
Rejection Reason | How to Avoid |
Insufficient financial proof | Maintain ₹2-3 lakh balance for 3+ months; show consistent salary credits |
Weak travel history | Build travel history gradually (Southeast Asia first, then developed countries) |
Unclear itinerary | Provide detailed day-by-day plan with specific locations and activities |
Inconsistent documentation | Ensure application form, cover letter, and supporting documents match exactly |
Previous visa overstay | Never overstay any visa; previous violations severely affect approval |
Multiple-Entry Visa Strategy
Multiple-entry visas are increasingly being issued to Indians with strong travel history to US, UK, Japan, or Schengen. To improve your chances:
- Apply for single-entry first, build travel history
- Ensure your cover letter explicitly requests multiple-entry
- Demonstrate ongoing business or family ties requiring repeated travel
- Show previous visa copies (US, UK, Schengen, Japan) in your application
South Korea Visa Updates 2026
What Changed | Details |
K-ETA for Indians | Still not available — websites offering it are scams |
Jeju Visa-Free | Continues at 30 days on direct flights, unchanged |
D-4 Language Visa | Very high demand driven by K-culture boom — apply early |
Multiple-Entry Visas | Increasingly issued to Indians with travel history to US, UK, Japan, or Schengen |
NHIS for Students | Now mandatory for all international students staying 6+ months (was voluntary) |
Visa Fees | Revised effective 1 August 2026 — single-entry (≤90 days) ₹3,600, single-entry (>90 days) ₹5,400, multiple-entry ₹8,100 |
Processing Times | Unchanged — 10 working days (tourist), 2-4 weeks (student), 3-6 weeks (work) |
For more updates, check our visa news section.
Official Resources
- Korean Embassy in India (New Delhi): https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/index.do
- Korea Visa Application Portal: https://www.korea-visa.go.kr
- VFS Global South Korea: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/kor/
- HiKorea (Immigration Services): https://www.hikorea.go.kr
- Korea Tourism Organization: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the South Korea visa fee for Indians in 2026?
Effective 1 August 2026, the revised visa fees are: single-entry (up to 90 days) ₹3,600, single-entry (over 90 days) ₹5,400, and multiple-entry ₹8,100. Express processing is available at an additional cost (₹6,300 / ₹8,100 / ₹11,700 respectively). Service charge is additional: ₹1,100 at BLS International; VFS rates vary by centre. Total cost for a single-entry tourist visa is approximately ₹4,700.
How long does it take to get a South Korea visa from India?
Standard tourist visa processing takes 10 working days — one of the fastest among all embassies in India. Student visas take 2-4 weeks. Work visas take 3-6 weeks including CSR processing. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel for tourist visas and 8-12 weeks for student or work visas.
Can Indian citizens visit Jeju Island without a visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days on a direct flight. If your itinerary includes mainland Korea, you need a full visa. There is no visa-on-arrival for mainland South Korea for Indian citizens.
What is K-ETA and can Indians apply for it?
No. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is not available for Indian passport holders. It is only for citizens of visa-waiver countries like the US, UK, Japan, and Australia. Websites offering K-ETA for Indian citizens are scams.
What is a CSR and when do I need one?
CSR (Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance) is required for all long-stay visas — student (D-2, D-4), work (E-series), and residence (F-series). Your Korean sponsor applies for it at the local Korea Immigration Service office. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. The CSR is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
What is the success rate of South Korea visa for Indians?
The tourist visa approval rate is approximately 82-86%. Well-prepared applications with complete documentation, strong financial proof, and clear travel purpose have significantly higher success rates. First-time applicants with no travel history face higher rejection risk.
How long is a South Korea visa valid for Indian citizens?
Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas can be valid for 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years depending on your travel history and application.
What happens if my South Korea visa is rejected?
You can reapply at any time with improved documentation. Address the specific rejection reasons (insufficient funds, weak travel history, unclear itinerary) in your new application. There is no formal appeal process — a fresh application with stronger documentation is the only option.
Do children need a separate South Korea visa?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own visa. Children under 6 years are exempt from the visa fee but still require a complete application.
What is the 90/180 day rule for South Korea?
South Korea does not have a Schengen-style 90/180 rule. Stay up to the duration specified on your visa. Overstaying is treated seriously.
Can I apply for South Korea permanent residency?
Yes. South Korea offers permanent residency (F-5 visa) through: 5+ years continuous residence on F-2, marriage to a Korean citizen, points-based system (80+ points, income KRW 70 million+), or investment (KRW 500 million+). TOPIK level 4+ is required for most routes. See our visa FAQ page for more questions.
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