🇰🇷 South Korea visa, Indian passport.
Important 2026 update: Indians are NOT on Korea's K-ETA eligibility list (which is mostly visa-waiver-program nationalities). Indian passport holders must apply for a regular sticker visa via KVAC (Korea Visa Application Center) or VFS Global. ₹3,400 single-entry tourist visa, 5-10 day processing. Mandatory e-Arrival Card (free) at airport since Feb 2025.
How to apply, 7 steps.
- 1
Book KVAC/VFS appointment
Visit koreavac.in or vfsglobal.com, book a slot in Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai/Bangalore/Kolkata/Pune.
2-3 weeks before travel - 2
Gather documents
Passport, 2 recent photos (35×45 mm, white background), bank statement last 3 months (₹2L+), ITR last 2 years, employer NOC, hotel + flight bookings, itinerary.
1 week before slot - 3
Fill visa application form
Download from KVAC site. Print, sign, all questions including 'have you been to Korea before' must be filled.
30 min - 4
Submit at KVAC/VFS in person
Submit passport + documents + ₹3,400 fee. Biometrics taken on the spot.
Slot day - 5
Wait 5-10 working days
Passport returned with sticker visa via courier or pickup.
5-10 days - 6
Fill e-Arrival Card before flight (mandatory)
k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do, fill within 72h of arrival. Free.
1-3 days before flying - 7
Travel + show visa + e-Arrival QR
Both verified at airline check-in and Incheon/Gimhae immigration.
On arrival
Document checklist.
- Passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages)
- Photo 35×45 mm white background ×2
- Bank statement 3 months (₹2L+)
- ITR last 2 years
- Employer NOC
- Hotel + flight bookings
- Filled visa form (signed)
- e-Arrival Card QR
Why Indians get rejected.
- Insufficient bank balance (<₹2L)
- Previous Korean overstay
- Vague itinerary
- Photo wrong dimensions
FAQ
How long does South Korea visa take for Indians?
Processing time is 5-10 days. Apply 2-4 weeks before travel for safe margin.
How much does South Korea visa cost for Indians in 2026?
₹3,400 per person (Q2 2026 official rate).
How long can Indians stay in South Korea?
90 days per entry on the embassy sticker visa visa. Extension possible from inside the country in most cases, check with local immigration.
Do Indians need a return ticket to enter South Korea?
Yes, a confirmed return or onward ticket within the visa duration (90 days) is required at airline check-in and at South Korea immigration. Open-jaw and circle-trip tickets qualify.
South Korea visa vs other popular destinations
Side-by-side comparison for Indian passport holders, Q2 2026 official rates.
| Country | Visa type | Fee (INR) | Stay | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇷 South Korea (this page) | embassy sticker visa | ₹3,400 | 90 days | 5-10 days |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | visa free | Free | 30 days | instant |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | e Visa | ₹2,100 | 90 days | 3 days |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | visa on arrival | ₹2,800 | 30 days | instant |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | e visa | ₹6,500 | 60 days | 3-5 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | e visa | ₹450 | 90 days | ~5 working days |
Source: official embassy + consular sites, last verified Q2 2026.