South-Korea visa for indians

1. Mandatory Document Checklist 

• Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay with at least 2 blank pages. You must also submit all old passports.

• Visa Application Form: Must be filled out online at the , printed, and signed.

• Photographs (Strict Specs):

  • Size: 35mm x 45mm.

  • Background: Plain white.

  • Specs: 80% face coverage, neutral expression, no glasses, and taken within the last 6 months.

• Cover Letter: A formal letter detailing your purpose of visit, travel dates, and daily itinerary.

• Financial Documents (Crucial):

  • Bank Statements: Original statements for the last 6 months, signed and stamped by the bank. A healthy, stable balance of ₹2 Lakhs to ₹3 Lakhs is highly recommended.

  • ITR: Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years.

• Employment Proof:

  • Salaried: Original NOC from the employer and last 3 months’ salary slips.

  • Self-Employed: GST registration or business incorporation papers and company bank statements.

• Travel Itinerary: Confirmed round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings for the entire duration.

• K-ETA Update: While many countries use the K-ETA, Indian citizens still require a physical sticker visa for tourism. However, if you hold a valid visa for the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you may be eligible for a 30-day transit visa-free entry if transiting through Korea.

• VFS Global / BLS: Depending on your city, you must submit your application at either VFS Global (e.g., Kolkata, Mumbai) or BLS International (e.g., Delhi). They do not accept direct walk-ins at the Embassy.

• Group Visa Waiver: As a special 2026 promotion, the base visa fee is waived until June 30, 2026, for groups of 5 or more traveling through approved travel agencies.

• Q-Code: Before landing, you should register your health information on the to speed up your arrival at Incheon Airport.

 Can I apply for an South Korea visa online?

Partially. You can fill the application form online and book appointments through Visa lounge website https://visalounge.in/ .

Is there an e-Visa for Indian tourists?

No. Indians must apply for a physical sticker visa via VFS or BLS.

How much is the visa fee?

The standard single-entry fee is approx. ₹3,400, plus a VFS/BLS service charge of approx. ₹1,380.

What is the processing time?

Standard processing takes 10–12 working days. Express services (5–7 days) are available for an extra fee.

Can I visit Jeju Island visa-free?

Only if you fly directly into Jeju International Airport from an international location. If you transit through Seoul (Incheon/Gimpo), you must have a standard South Korea visa.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

It is not strictly mandatory for the C-3-9 tourist visa, but it is highly recommended given the high cost of medical care in Korea.

Can I perform a business meeting on a tourist visa?

For formal business negotiations or contract signings, a C-3-4 Business Visa is required.

What is the minimum bank balance?

While not officially stated, a consistent balance of ₹1 Lakh is the bare minimum, though ₹2.5 Lakhs+ significantly improves approval chances.

Can I get a Multiple-Entry visa?

Yes, if you have visited South Korea at least once before or hold a stable professional profile (e.g., doctors, lawyers, or high-income earners).

Are fingerprints required?

Yes, biometric enrollment (fingerprints and facial scan) is mandatory at the visa center.

Does a South Korea visa help with other countries?

Yes! A valid South Korean sticker visa allows Indians to apply for a simplified e-visa or gain visa-free entry to countries like Panama, Taiwan, and Armenia.

For official  South Korea Visa guidelines, visit the https://www.vfsglobal.com/south-korea-india/