India passport → South Korea

South Korea visa for citizens of India

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (C-3) · Single Entry

Citizens of India need a visa for South Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa (C-3) · Single Entry
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	5–10 days
Government fee	$40 + $20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip

How to apply

1
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents per the checklist for your applicant category.
2
Book appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Korea Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in your region.
3
Submit application in person
Attend the centre with originals and copies, pay the visa fee, and provide fingerprints.
4
Track application
Monitor status online via the VFS tracking reference.
5
Collect passport
Pick up the passport with visa (or arrange courier) once processing is complete.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (original)
Valid at least 6 months beyond travel with blank visa pages.
Visa application form (Form 17)
Completed and signed, downloadable from the Korea visa portal.
Recent passport photo
35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months.
Copy of passport bio page
Photocopy of the data page.

Travel

Confirmed flight itinerary
Round-trip reservation covering entry and exit.
Hotel booking / accommodation proof
Confirmed reservations for the stay in Korea.
Day-by-day travel itinerary
Detailed plan of activities in Korea.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Original stamped statements showing sufficient funds.
Income tax returns / ITR
Latest assessment year ITR acknowledgement.

Employment

Employment certificate
Employer letter stating position, salary and approved leave; students provide school letter.

Supporting

Cover letter
Optional
Explaining purpose of visit and travel plans.
Valid visa/residence permit of US, Australia, Canada, NZ or Schengen (if applicable)
Optional
Enables transit/tourist visa facilitation when travelling to/from those countries.

Proof of funds

Bank statements (3–6 months)
Income tax returns
Employment/salary certificate

Consistent banking history and adequate funds for the trip duration are expected; no fixed minimum is published.

Good to know

Indian passport holders generally need a visa for South Korea; K-ETA is not a substitute for visa-required nationals.
A 30-day transit/tourist visa facilitation may apply only if you hold a valid visa or permanent residency of US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or Schengen and are travelling to/from those countries.
Fees and processing times vary by visa centre and season; verify current figures before applying.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or inconsistent funds

Provide stamped bank statements with steady balances and no sudden large deposits.

Unclear purpose of visit

Submit a detailed day-by-day itinerary with confirmed bookings.

Weak home-country ties

Include employment letter, approved leave and proof of return obligations.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for South Korea?

Citizens of India need a visa for South Korea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (C-3) · Single Entry.

How long can citizens of India stay in South Korea?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the South Korea visa cost for citizens of India?

Government fee: $40 + $20 service fee.

How long does South Korea visa processing take?

Typically 5–10 days.

What documents do citizens of India need for South Korea?

Passport (original); Visa application form (Form 17); Recent passport photo; Copy of passport bio page; Bank statements (last 3–6 months); Income tax returns / ITR; and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for South Korea?

At least 6 months.

Sources

South Korea Visa at Delhi Consulate - Documents & Appointment
South Korea Visa for India Citizens — Requirements & Fees (2026) (eammu.com, third-party site)
South Korea Visa Documents for Indians 2026: Complete Checklist (timesofvisa.com, third-party site)
visaforkorea.com (visaforkorea.com, third-party site)

Plan your trip to South Korea

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