IndiaSouth KoreaTravel corridor

South Korea visa requirements for citizens of India.

Visa requiredWe can submit this for you

Yes — citizens of India typically need a visa for South Korea, arranged before travel through a consular application.

K-ETA not open; visa required for Indians

Routes for South Korea last verified 10 Jun 2026 against official sources.

Short-Term Visit Visa C-3-9 (Tourist): 6 required documents see the checklist.

How to get your documents

How to get: Visa application form

Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.

Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration portal
Typical cost
Usually free (the visa fee is separate)
Typical time
30–60 minutes to complete

Verified 11 Jun 2026

How to get: Passport

Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.

Issued by
National passport authority
Typical cost
$20–$150
Typical time
1–6 weeks (expedited often available)

Verified 11 Jun 2026

How to get: Passport photo

Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.

Issued by
Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard)
Typical cost
$5–$15
Typical time
Same day

Verified 11 Jun 2026

How to get: Proof of funds

Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.

Issued by
Your bank / employer / sponsor
Typical cost
free–$20
Typical time
Same day–1 week

Verified 11 Jun 2026

How to get: Travel itinerary

Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.

Issued by
Airline / travel agent
Typical cost
free–$30 for a reservation
Typical time
Same day

Verified 11 Jun 2026

How to get: Proof of employment or ties

Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.

Issued by
Employer (HR) / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
A few days

Verified 11 Jun 2026

How to get: Visa fee payment

Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.

Issued by
Destination consulate / payment provider
Typical cost
Varies by visa
Typical time
Immediate–2 days

Verified 11 Jun 2026

Beyond short stays

Other ways into South Korea for citizens of India.

Study & Training

Full details
Student Visa D-2
General Trainee (Korean Language) Visa D-4-1

Work & Self-Employment

Full details
Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa F-1-D~25 days processing
Technology Startup Visa D-8-4 (OASIS)
Special Occupation Visa E-7 (Skilled Professional)
Skilled Worker Points Visa E-7-4 (K-Point)
+1 more in the full guide

Invest & Capital

Full details
Public Business Investment Immigration (F-2/F-5)
Tourism & Leisure Facility Investment Immigration (F-2)
Corporate/Business Investment Visa D-8

Retire & Lifestyle

Full details
General retirement visaNot available
Working Holiday Visa H-1

Family & Origin

Full details
Dependent Family Visa F-3 (and F-1 Family Visitor)
Marriage Migrant Visa F-6
Overseas Korean Visa F-4

Special Categories

Full details
Professor (E-1) / Researcher (E-3) Visas
Points-Based Residence Visa F-2-7
Permanent Residence F-5

Book the trip: India → South Korea

Flight search opens with this route pre-filled — compare fares and favour refundable options until your entry status is settled.

Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports VisaPassage at no extra cost to you. Check fare and refund terms with the provider before you book.

Email me when rules change for India → South Korea

One email when the rules actually change. No newsletter, unsubscribe in one click.

Typical eligibility, verified against official sources. No approval guarantees — official decisions prevail.