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South Korea visa for Indian passport holders

Korea takes longer than most Asian visas and asks for more financial evidence. Apply at least a month before travel and expect the file, not the itinerary, to decide it.

Package from: ₹9,500
Processing: 10–15 working days
Permitted stay: Up to 90 days
Visa type: Sticker visa, biometrics required

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How the South Korea visa works

South Korea issues Indian passport holders a short-term visit visa through the Korea Visa Application Centre, with biometrics captured at submission. Processing runs longer than Japan or Taiwan — plan on two to three weeks and longer in peak season. The consulate weighs financial stability and ties to India heavily, which means salaried applicants with filed returns and approved leave have a much smoother route than applicants with irregular income and no documentation to explain it.

Issuing authority: Korea Visa Application Centre

Where South Korea applications go wrong

Processing time is not negotiable

There is no reliable express route. Applications lodged less than three weeks before departure regularly miss the travel date, and the consulate will not expedite for a booked ticket.

Income evidence must be documented, not asserted

Self-employed and freelance applicants need business registration, GST filings and ITRs. Bank credits without a documented source are treated as unexplained and count against the file.

Biometrics must be given in person

Every applicant aged 17 and above attends the visa centre in person for fingerprints. There is no courier-only route for first-time applicants.

Visa types

C-3-9

Short-term general visit

The standard tourist visa, single entry, for stays of up to 90 days.

C-3-4

Short-term business

For meetings, market research and contract negotiation, filed with an invitation from the Korean company.

Multi

Multiple entry visit visa

Available to applicants with strong travel history, valid up to five years with 30 days per entry.

K-ETA

Electronic travel authorisation

Applies to nationals of visa-waiver countries. Indian passport holders normally need a visa, not a K-ETA.

Documents required

Core documents

✓Passport valid at least 6 months, with two blank pages
✓Completed visa application form with a recent 35mm × 45mm photograph
✓Confirmed flight and hotel bookings for the full stay
✓Detailed day-wise travel plan

Financial and employment proof

✓Bank statement for the last 6 months, bank attested
✓Income Tax Returns for the last 3 assessment years
✓Employment certificate with salary and leave approval, or business documents for the self-employed
✓Property documents or other evidence of ties to India, where available

The process, step by step

1
Profile review
We assess your income documentation first, because that is what drives the outcome for Korea, and flag gaps before you book anything.
2
Application and cover letter
The form is completed and a cover letter drafted explaining your purpose, funding and return intent.
3
Biometric appointment
We book your slot at the Korea Visa Application Centre and prepare you for what is captured.
4
Decision and collection
The consulate decides in ten to fifteen working days. We track the file and arrange passport collection.

South Korea visa cost

Package	Processing	Stay	Price
Single entry visit visa	10–15 working days	Up to 90 days	₹9,500
Business visit visa	10–15 working days	Up to 90 days	₹11,500
Multiple entry visa	15–20 working days	30 days per entry	₹15,500

Included: Consular fee, visa centre service charge, cover letter, financial file preparation and appointment booking.

Prices are starting packages for a single standard applicant and change with visa type, stay length, express processing and group size. Government fees are set by the issuing authority and can change without notice. You receive a fixed written quote before any payment.

South Korea visa questions

Do Indians need a visa for South Korea?＋

Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa for tourism and business. The K-ETA scheme applies to visa-waiver nationals and does not replace the visa requirement.

How early should I apply?＋

At least four weeks before departure. Processing officially takes ten to fifteen working days and stretches further around Korean public holidays.

Is an interview part of the process?＋

Usually not. Biometrics are compulsory, but a personal interview is requested only in a minority of cases.

Can I apply with a group tour booking?＋

Yes. Applications filed through a designated travel agency for a group tour follow a slightly simplified document set.