South Korea Visa for India Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to South Korea as an Indian citizen? You will need a C-3-9 Tourist Visa since India is not among the visa-exempt countries. This guide covers everything: required documents including 6 months bank statements and ITR, the INR 3,400 visa fee plus INR 1,100 service charge, and the 10 working day processing time. With approximately 87% of Indian applications approved, thorough preparation will maximize your chances of exploring Seoul, Busan, and beyond.

Visa Application process

Indian citizens must apply for a South Korea tourist visa through authorized visa application centers since eVisa and visa-on-arrival options are not available.1 Applications can be submitted through BLS International (Mumbai, Hyderabad), VFS Global (New Delhi, Kolkata), or directly at the Korean Embassy and Consulates.4 Step 1: Gather Required Documents Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting specifications (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background), completed application form, financial documents, and travel bookings.1 Ensure your bank statements cover the last 6 months and ITR covers the last 2 years. Step 2: Complete the Application Form Download the electronic visa application form from the BLS International or Korea Visa Portal website.3 Fill all fields accurately in English. Ensure your travel dates match your flight and hotel bookings exactly. Sign the form to match your passport signature. Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary Write a clear cover letter explaining your travel purpose, planned destinations, and reasons for returning to India. Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary showing specific attractions you plan to visit in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or other destinations.5 Step 4: Submit Your Application Visit your nearest visa application center with all documents and required fees.1 BLS International centers in Mumbai and Hyderabad accept applications during working hours. No prior appointment is typically required, though it is advisable to check current procedures. Step 5: Track and Collect Processing takes approximately 10 working days.1 Track your application status through the BLS or VFS website. Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker or opt for courier delivery if available.

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Step 3: Prepare Your Cover Letter and Itinerary
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Step 5: Track and Collect
1. Analyze Your Application
2. Strengthen Your Documents
3. Address Previous Issues
4. Build Travel History
5. Seek Professional Guidance

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Standard Fee	Single Entry (up to 90 days): ₹3,400	Single Entry (over 90 days): ₹5,100	Double Entry: ₹5,950	Multiple Entry: ₹7,650	Additional Fees:	Fee Type: Amount	BLS Service Charge: ₹1,100	Fees are effective as of June 2025.16 Payment methods accepted include cash and card at visa application centers. Express processing is currently suspended at some locations including Delhi and Kolkata VFS centers.6

What you need to prove

Korean consulates evaluate applications based on several key factors.2 Your application should demonstrate:

Required documents

Valid Passport
Passport Copies
Passport Photograph
Electronic Visa Application Form
Covering Letter
Travel Itinerary
Flight Reservation (E-Ticket)
Accommodation Confirmation
Employment Certificate
Bank Statements
Income Tax Returns

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea • At least two blank pages for visa stamp and entry/exit stamps; • Must not be damaged or have torn pages; • Include all old passports showing previous travel history] (Tip: Previous visas to developed countries like US, UK, Japan, or Australia strengthen your applicationIf your passport expires soon, renew it before applying)

Passport Copies

Clear photocopies of your passport pages • Copy of first page (bio-data page) with your photo and personal details; • Copy of last page with address details; • Copies of all pages with previous visa stamps] (Tip: Ensure copies are clear and legibleColor copies preferred but black and white accepted)

Passport Photograph

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Korean visa specifications • Size: 35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm); • White background only; • Taken within the last 6 months; • Full face, front view with neutral expression; • No glasses, hats, or head coverings unless religious] (Tip: Get photos taken at a professional studio familiar with Korean visa requirementsPhoto specifications are strictly enforced)

Electronic Visa Application Form

Complete the official Korea visa application form available from BLS International • Fill all fields accurately in English; • Sign the form exactly as your passport signature; • Provide accurate travel dates matching your itinerary; • List complete address and contact information in Korea] (Tip: Download the latest form from BLS International websiteDouble-check all information matches your supporting documents)

Covering Letter

A personal letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary • Addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea; • Include your name, passport number, and contact details; • Explain purpose of visit and places you plan to visit; • Mention your ties to India and intention to return] (Tip: Keep it professional, clear, and conciseHighlight your strong ties to India: job, family, property)

Travel Itinerary

A detailed day-by-day schedule of your planned activities in South Korea • Specific dates and locations for each day; • Names of tourist attractions, cities, and areas you plan to visit; • Transportation plans between cities; • Must align with accommodation bookings and flight dates] (Tip: Include popular destinations like Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, or GyeongjuBe specific: mention temples, palaces, markets you plan to visit)

Flight Reservation (E-Ticket)

Round-trip flight itinerary showing entry and exit from South Korea • Must show departure from India and return to India; • Dates must match your visa application and itinerary; • Flight confirmation with booking reference number; • Must be refundable until visa is approved] (Tip: Book refundable tickets only until visa is approvedEnsure flight dates match your cover letter and itinerary)

Accommodation Confirmation

Confirmed hotel reservations covering your entire stay in South Korea • Hotel booking confirmations with your name, dates, and hotel contact information; • Bookings should cover all nights of your stay; • Must be refundable until visa approval; • If staying with friends or family, provide invitation letter and their ID proof] (Tip: Book refundable hotels from Booking.com, Agoda, or similar platformsKorean guesthouses (hanok stays) are also acceptable)

Employment Certificate

Documentation proving your employment status and leave approval • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include designation, salary, date of joining, and tenure; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Provide HR contact details and company registration] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration certificate and recent invoicesStudents should get a bonafide certificate from their institutionRetired applicants should provide pension statements)

Bank Statements

Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your South Korea trip • Last 6 months of bank statements; • Must clearly show account holder name and account number; • Show regular salary credits or consistent business income; • Recommended balance of INR 2 to 3 lakhs or higher for a 2-week trip] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to the application dateInclude fixed deposit certificates if availableEnsure bank statements are stamped and attested by the bank)

Income Tax Returns

Filed Income Tax Returns showing your annual income • Last 2 years of ITR-V or acknowledgment; • Income should be consistent with bank statements; • Self-employed applicants should include Form 16 or audited financial statements] (Tip: ITR demonstrates financial stability and ties to IndiaIf you have low income but family support, include sponsor documents)

Optional documents

Travel Insurance | Previous Visa Copies

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay in South Korea • Coverage for the entire duration of stay; • Minimum coverage of USD 50,000 recommended; • Should cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation] (Tip: While not mandatory, travel insurance strengthens your applicationSouth Korea has excellent but expensive healthcare for foreign visitors)

Previous Visa Copies

Copies of previous visas to developed countries • Copies of US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia, or previous Korea visas; • Include entry/exit stamps showing compliance with previous visa terms] (Tip: Good travel history significantly improves approval chancesPrevious Korea visits with proper compliance are especially valuable)

Comparison

Visa Type	Standard Fee	Express Fee
Single Entry (up to 90 days)	₹3,400	₹5,950
Single Entry (over 90 days)	₹5,100	₹7,650
Double Entry	₹5,950	₹9,350
Multiple Entry	₹7,650	₹11,050

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
32%	Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
28%	Insufficient Financial Documentation
18%	Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary
14%	Weak Ties to Home Country
8%	Previous Visa Issues or Poor Travel History

32% - Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

How to avoid: Create a checklist of all required documents. Double-check every field on the application form. Ensure dates, names, and figures are consistent across all documents before submission.

28% - Insufficient Financial Documentation

How to avoid: Maintain a consistent balance of INR 2-3 lakhs for 6 months before applying. Avoid sudden large deposits. Ensure bank credits match your salary slip and ITR.

18% - Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary

How to avoid: Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific attractions, cities, and transportation. Include realistic timing between destinations. Ensure all bookings match your stated plans.

14% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Include employment letter showing 1+ years tenure, property documents if owned, or proof of family dependents. Students should provide enrollment proof with remaining course duration.

8% - Previous Visa Issues or Poor Travel History

How to avoid: Be honest about previous refusals and address them in your cover letter. Build travel history with visits to visa-friendly countries first. Demonstrate you have followed immigration rules in the past.

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea?

Yes, Indian citizens require a C-3-9 Tourist Visa to visit South Korea. India is not among the visa-exempt countries, so you must obtain a visa before travel. The K-ETA system is only available for citizens of visa-exempt nations.

How long does South Korea visa processing take from India?

Standard processing takes 10 working days from submission. If additional documents are requested or an interview is required, processing may extend to 20 working days. Express processing is available for an additional fee.

What is the South Korea tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?

The visa fee is INR 3,400 for a single-entry visa (up to 90 days). Express processing costs INR 5,950. Multiple-entry visa costs INR 7,650. BLS International charges an additional service fee of INR 1,100.

How long can I stay in South Korea on a tourist visa?

The C-3-9 Tourist Visa allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You cannot work or engage in paid activities during your stay. Extensions are generally not permitted for tourist visas.

What bank balance is required for South Korea tourist visa from India?

While there is no official minimum, a balance of INR 2 to 3 lakhs or more is recommended for a 2-week trip. The balance should be consistent over 6 months with regular income credits. Large recent deposits may raise questions.

Where can I apply for a South Korea visa in India?

You can apply through BLS International centers in Mumbai and Hyderabad, VFS Global centers in New Delhi and Kolkata, or directly at the Embassy in New Delhi and Consulate in Mumbai. Most applicants use visa application centers for convenience.

Is there a South Korea eVisa for Indian citizens?

No, Indian citizens cannot apply for a Korean eVisa. You must apply for a physical visa sticker through the embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application centers like BLS International or VFS Global.

Can I get a visa on arrival in South Korea as an Indian?

No, India is not eligible for visa on arrival in South Korea. However, if you hold a valid US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visa or residence permit, you may be eligible for visa-free transit under specific conditions.

What happens if my South Korea visa is rejected?

South Korea does not provide detailed reasons for visa refusals. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing potential weaknesses. Wait at least 1 to 3 months before reapplying with stronger financial proof, clearer itinerary, or better ties to India.

Do I need travel insurance for South Korea tourist visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the South Korea tourist visa, but it is highly recommended. South Korea has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical treatment can be expensive for foreign visitors without insurance.

What is the approval rate for South Korea visa for Indians?

The approval rate is approximately 85-90% for Indian applicants who submit complete and accurate documentation. Common rejection reasons include incomplete forms, insufficient financial proof, and unclear travel itineraries.

Can I extend my tourist visa while in South Korea?

Tourist visa extensions are generally not permitted in South Korea. You must leave the country before your authorized stay expires. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a different visa category or exit and reapply.

Apply for South Korea tourist visa online

Sources

BLS International Korea Visa India

https://kor.blsinternational.com/tourist_visa.php

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/index.do

Korea Visa Portal

https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10106&LANG_TYPE=EN

Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-mumbai-en/index.do

Korea Tourism Organization

https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

VFS Global Korea Visa India

https://www.visaforkorea-id.com/

At a glance