South Korea Visa for Indians

Indian ordinary-passport holders generally need a South Korean visa before travelling to South Korea for tourism. Visa-free entry arrangements and the 2026 K-ETA temporary exemption do not generally apply to Indian nationals, so most travellers should plan for a visa application well before their flights. This page explains what is generally required and how to check the current position. Requirements can change, so treat this as a planning guide and confirm the details with the official channel. Our team can explain the steps and check your documents before you submit them, which is part of the visa assistance included in our packages.

Do Indians need a visa for South Korea?

Yes, in most cases. Indian travellers with an ordinary passport generally need a visa before they travel to Korea. Visa-free and K-ETA exemption arrangements for selected nationalities do not generally cover Indians. Confirm the requirement for your own situation before you book flights or hotels, because the rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip.

Who applies, and where?

Applications are generally made through the Korean Embassy in India or the designated visa application channel it names for India. Check the current process on the embassy's official information before you apply. Do not rely on older advice from forums or agents, because the categories, documents and procedures can change. If an application is refused or delayed, ask the embassy or your designated channel for the reason before you rebook travel. Keep copies of every document you submit, so you can answer questions quickly.

Documents usually needed

The Korean Embassy or its designated channel sets the document list for each visa category. Applicants commonly need:

• A passport that is valid for the full period of stay requested by the embassy.
• A completed application form and a recent passport photograph.
• An itinerary, such as flight and hotel details.
• Accommodation evidence for the nights you will stay in South Korea.
• Financial evidence, such as bank statements.
• Employment or business documents, as the mission requests.
• Any other documents the mission asks for in your category.

The exact list depends on the visa category you apply for, so use the checklist given by the official channel.

How to apply

1. Confirm the current visa category that fits your trip, such as tourism.
2. Check the official Korean Embassy information for India and the designated application channel.
3. Prepare your passport, photograph, application form and supporting documents.
4. Book flights and accommodation that match your itinerary, and keep copies.
5. Submit the application well before your travel date, and track its progress.
6. Carry the approved visa and your supporting documents when you travel.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Assuming visa-free entry or the K-ETA exemption applies to Indian passports.
• Booking non-refundable flights before the visa decision is made.
• Using an old document checklist that no longer matches the current rules.
• Submitting an itinerary that does not match your accommodation and flight bookings.
• Arriving with a passport that is close to expiry for the required period.

Visa fees and processing time

Visa fees and processing times are not listed on this page, because they change and we have not confirmed the current figures. Check the official embassy information or your designated application channel for the current fee and processing time before you pay or plan your dates.

Does a Tripstor package include the visa?

Our South Korea packages are land-only, so they cover the hotel, transfers and sightseeing in your itinerary. Visa assistance is included, which means our team helps you prepare the application. The visa fee itself is extra and is not part of the package price. Flights are also booked separately. Ask your planner what help is available for your application before you pay.