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South Korea visa for Indians

South Korea Visa for Indians 2026

South Korea Visa for Indians 2026 – Quick Summary

Visa Required
Yes (South Korea Tourist Visa (C-3))
Visa Fee
Free (₹0)
Processing Time
5-7 working days
Stay Duration
90 days per entry per entry
Extendable
No
Entry Type
Single or multiple entry

Indian citizens require a sticker visa to visit South Korea. The C-3 Tourist Visa can be applied through Times of Visa. Processing takes 5-7 working days.

South Korea Visa Options at a Glance

Option Fee Best For
C-3-9 Tourist Visa (Single Entry) Paid Tourism and sightseeing, Visiting friends/family, Attending events
C-3-9 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry) Paid Frequent travelers, Business meetings, Multiple visits within validity
C-3-1 Short-term General Visa Paid Business meetings, Conferences, Market research

South Korea Visa Types Available

C-3-9 Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

Single entry tourist visa for short visits up to 90 days

  • Tourism and sightseeing
  • Visiting friends/family
  • Attending events
  • Medical tourism
C-3-9 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)

Multiple entry visa for frequent travelers, valid 1-5 years

  • Frequent travelers
  • Business meetings
  • Multiple visits within validity
C-3-1 Short-term General Visa

For business meetings, conferences, and other short-term purposes

  • Business meetings
  • Conferences
  • Market research
  • Short-term training

South Korea Visa Fee Breakdown

Visa Application Fee No government fee for this visa type
FREE
Premium Lounge (Optional) Dedicated lounge service at VFS
₹4,500
Courier Return (Optional) Passport delivery to your address
₹650
Estimated Total FREE

Fees are non-refundable even if visa is denied. Exchange rates fluctuate daily - verify current rates.

Complete fee breakdown, payment methods & pricing

South Korea Visa Documents Required

Mandatory Documents

Valid Passport
Passport Photos
Visa Application Form
Flight Tickets
Hotel Booking
Travel Itinerary

Additional Documents

Bank Statement
Income Tax Returns
Salary Slips
Employment Letter
Business Proof (Self-employed)
Cover Letter
Property Documents
Complete document checklist, photo specs & common mistakes

South Korea Visa Application Process

1
Book Your Visa Service
2
Share Your Travel Details
3
We Handle Your Application
4
Submit Documents at Embassy
5
We Track Your Application
6
Get Your Visa & Travel
Processing timeline, tracking tips & express options

Check Your Visa Readiness Score

Assess your South Korea application strength before you apply. Get personalized tips to improve your chances of approval.

Check Your Score

South Korea Biometric & Visa Centers

Visa Application Centers (VFS) Online 1 centers

Online

South Korea Visa Rejection Reasons

Insufficient financial proof
Weak ties to home country
Incomplete documentation
Previous visa rejection
Inconsistent information

South Korea Visa — Frequently Asked Questions

40 questions
Fees & Pricing 5
What is South Korea visa fee for Indians in 2026?

South Korea visa for Indians starts at {{price}} through Times of Visa, which includes application processing, document verification, and expert support. Book online above for current pricing and visa plans.

Is South Korea visa fee refundable if rejected?

No, the South Korea visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. If your visa is rejected, you lose the fee amount.

Are there any additional charges besides the visa fee?

Additional costs may include document attestation, courier fees, and passport-size photos. All fees are transparently listed during the Times of Visa application process.

Can I pay South Korea visa fee online?

Apply and pay through Times of Visa at timesofvisa.com for a convenient payment experience. Check the latest pricing on our website.

How much does a multiple entry Korea visa cost?

Multiple-entry South Korea visa is valid for 1-5 years allowing 90 days per entry. Ideal for frequent travelers to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju. Contact Times of Visa for current pricing.

Processing & Timeline 5
How long does South Korea visa processing take?

South Korea visa processing takes 5-7 working days for single entry and 7-10 working days for multiple entry. During peak season (April-May, October-November), it may take up to 15 working days.

Is there express or urgent processing for Korea visa?

The Korean Embassy does not officially offer express processing for tourist visas. Standard processing is 5-7 working days. Apply well in advance during peak seasons.

How to track South Korea visa application status?

Contact the embassy or consulate where you applied via phone or email to check your visa status. There is no online tracking portal for applications submitted in India.

When should I apply for South Korea visa?

Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date. During peak seasons (cherry blossom in April, autumn in October), apply even earlier as processing may take longer.

Can I apply for Korea visa by post or courier?

Apply through Times of Visa at timesofvisa.com. We handle the submission process for you, so you don't need to visit in person.

Documents & Requirements 7
What documents are required for South Korea visa from India?

Required documents: Valid passport (6 months), passport photos, completed application form, bank statements (6 months, ₹5,00,000+ balance), ITR (2 years), employment letter, flight tickets, hotel booking, travel itinerary, and cover letter.

How much bank balance is needed for South Korea visa?

A minimum bank balance of ₹5,00,000 in savings account maintained consistently for the last 6 months is recommended. Large last-minute deposits are viewed suspiciously.

Is ITR mandatory for South Korea visa?

While not strictly mandatory, ITR for the last 2 years is strongly recommended and significantly improves approval chances. It demonstrates financial stability and ties to India.

Do I need a cover letter for South Korea visa?

A cover letter is recommended though not mandatory. It should explain your purpose of visit, itinerary, financial capacity, and reasons to return to India. It strengthens your application.

What photo specifications for South Korea visa?

Photo requirements: 3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within last 6 months, face clearly visible, no glasses, neutral expression. Submit 2 photos with application.

Is travel insurance required for South Korea visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for South Korea tourist visa but is highly recommended. Coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellation is advisable.

Do I need employment letter for Korea visa?

Yes, an employment letter on company letterhead stating your designation, salary, tenure, and approved leave dates is required. Self-employed applicants should provide business registration and ITR.

Validity, Stay & Extensions 5
How long can I stay in South Korea on tourist visa?

The C-3 tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. This cannot be extended inside South Korea. You must exit before the 90-day limit.

Can I extend South Korea tourist visa?

No, the C-3 tourist visa cannot be extended inside South Korea. You must leave before your permitted stay expires. Overstaying leads to deportation and future visa bans.

How long is South Korea visa valid?

Single entry visa is typically valid for 3 months from issue date. Multiple entry visa can be valid for 1-5 years. You must enter Korea within the visa validity period.

What happens if I overstay in South Korea?

Overstaying in South Korea is a serious offense. Consequences include fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entry for up to 10 years. Always exit before your permitted stay ends.

Can I work in South Korea on tourist visa?

No, working on a C-3 tourist visa is strictly illegal in South Korea. Employment requires a proper work visa (E-category). Violation leads to deportation and ban.

Application Process 5
Can I apply for South Korea visa online?

Apply through Times of Visa at timesofvisa.com. We handle the entire application process including document verification and submission on your behalf.

Where to apply for South Korea visa in India?

Apply through Times of Visa at timesofvisa.com. We handle the submission process for applicants across India.

Do I need an appointment for Korea visa?

Apply through Times of Visa at timesofvisa.com and we will handle appointment scheduling and submission for you.

Can someone else submit my Korea visa application?

Apply through Times of Visa at timesofvisa.com. We handle the submission process on your behalf, making it convenient for you.

Is interview required for South Korea visa?

No formal interview is required for the C-3 tourist visa. However, the embassy staff may ask basic questions about your trip purpose and itinerary during submission.

Special Situations 8
Can I transit through South Korea without a visa?

Indian citizens can transit through Incheon Airport without a visa for up to 72 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket and not leaving the transit area. Transit tourism programs may also be available.

What if my South Korea visa is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the rejection reasons. The embassy provides a reason code. Improve your documentation, financial proof, and address specific concerns before reapplying.

Can I apply for Korea visa with a new passport?

Yes, you can apply with a new passport. If your old passport had previous travel stamps or visas, carry it as well to show travel history, which strengthens your application.

Is South Korea visa required for Jeju Island?

Indian citizens can visit Jeju Island visa-free for up to 30 days if arriving on a direct flight to Jeju. However, this does not apply to traveling via Seoul or other Korean cities.

Can children apply for South Korea visa?

Yes, children need their own passport and visa. Parents apply on their behalf with the child's birth certificate, school leave letter (if applicable), and parents' financial documents.

Best time to visit South Korea from India?

Best times: Spring (April-May) for cherry blossoms, Autumn (September-November) for foliage. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid. Winter (December-February) is cold but great for skiing.

Do I need to know Korean to visit South Korea?

No, English is widely understood in tourist areas, airports, and hotels. Download Papago translator app and Naver Maps (Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea).

Can I get a Korea visa if I have no travel history?

Yes, first-time international travelers can apply. However, having previous travel stamps (especially to developed countries) significantly improves approval chances. Ensure strong financial documents.

Travel Tips 5
Are there direct flights from India to South Korea?

Yes, direct flights operate from Delhi and Mumbai to Seoul Incheon. Airlines include Air India, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines. Flight time is approximately 6-7 hours.

How much money should I carry to South Korea?

Budget ₹5,000-8,000 per day for mid-range travel in South Korea. Carry some Korean Won (KRW) for arrival. Credit cards are widely accepted. T-money card for public transport.

Is South Korea expensive for Indian tourists?

South Korea is moderately expensive. Budget travelers can manage ₹4,000-5,000/day, mid-range ₹6,000-8,000/day. Seoul is costlier than other cities. Public transport is affordable and excellent.

Can I use Indian credit cards in South Korea?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in South Korea. Credit cards work almost everywhere including convenience stores, restaurants, and transport. Carry some Korean Won for small vendors.

What is a T-money card in South Korea?

T-money is a rechargeable transport card for buses, subway, and taxis across South Korea. Buy at airport convenience stores or subway stations for KRW 4,000 (~₹250). Essential for getting around.

Sources & Verification

This guide is based on information from official government and embassy sources. All facts have been independently verified by the Times of Visa editorial team.

Source: Korean Embassy in India

Last verified: 2026-04-03 by Times of Visa Editorial Team

Written by Sushant Mahajan, Travel Policy Editor at Times of Visa · Published: March 15, 2026

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