K-ETA for Indian Citizens: Do Indians Need K-ETA for South Korea? (2026)

K-ETA for Indian Citizens: Do Indians Need K-ETA for South Korea? (2026)

Indian passport holders do not qualify for K-ETA and cannot apply for it. India is not on the list of K-ETA eligible countries, which means Indian citizens need a full South Korea visa to enter the country. K-ETA is only available to nationals of visa-exempt countries. This guide explains what Indian travelers actually need to enter South Korea, how to apply for a Korean visa, the fees involved, and a special exception for Jeju Island.

For a full overview of the K-ETA system, see our complete K-ETA guide.

Can Indian Citizens Apply for K-ETA?

No. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system is designed exclusively for nationals of countries that have visa-free entry agreements with South Korea. India does not have a visa-free arrangement with South Korea, so Indian passport holders are not eligible to apply for K-ETA.

The official K-ETA website lists all eligible countries. India is not included. If you hold an Indian passport and attempt to apply for K-ETA, your application will not be accepted.

This is different from citizens of countries like the UK or US, who are visa-exempt and eligible for K-ETA (though currently exempt from the requirement through December 31, 2026). Learn more about which countries require K-ETA.

What Indian Citizens Need to Enter South Korea

Since K-ETA is not an option, Indian nationals must obtain a South Korea visa before traveling. The most common visa types for Indian travelers are:

Express processing is available for an additional fee (Rs. 5,950 for single-entry tourist visa).

For comparison, travelers from visa-exempt countries can visit South Korea without any visa at all, and once the K-ETA exemption ends on January 1, 2027, they will only need the simple online K-ETA application costing 10,000 KRW (~$7-8 USD). Indian citizens face a more involved process because they need a full visa stamped in their passport.

Documents Required for South Korea Tourist Visa (Indian Citizens)

Indian citizens applying for a South Korea tourist visa (C-3-9) through BLS International or the Korean Embassy need to prepare the following documents:

1. Valid passport – Original passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages. Plus a copy of the first and last page.
2. Passport-size photograph – One photo, 3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
3. Electronic visa application form – Completed online and printed.
4. Covering letter – A personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit, travel dates, and itinerary.
5. Travel itinerary – Day-by-day plan of your trip to South Korea.
6. Flight tickets – Confirmed round-trip e-ticket (refundable booking recommended).
7. Accommodation proof – Hotel booking confirmation for your entire stay.
8. Employment proof – Employment certificate from your employer, or a bonafide certificate if you are a student. Self-employed applicants need business registration documents.
9. Financial documents – Income tax returns for the last 2 years and bank statements for the last 6 months.
10. Aadhaar card copy – As additional identity verification.

Processing time: Complete and satisfactory applications are typically processed within 10 working days. If additional documents are requested or an interview is required, processing can take up to 20 working days.

For general information about entry documents, see our guide on South Korea entry requirements and the e-Arrival Card.

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa from India

Indian citizens can apply for a South Korea visa through two channels:

Option 1: BLS International Visa Application Centers

BLS International operates Korea Visa Application Centers in India. No appointment is needed – you can walk in during business hours.

Locations:
– New Delhi – Korea Visa Application Center
– Mumbai – Korea Visa Application Center
– Chennai – Korea Visa Application Center
– Bangalore – Korea Visa Application Center

Steps:
1. Download and complete the visa application form from the BLS International website
2. Gather all required documents listed above
3. Visit the nearest Korea Visa Application Center in person (or send a representative with authorization letter)
4. Submit your documents and pay the visa fee plus service charge (Rs. 1,100)
5. Track your application using the 14-digit reference number provided at submission
6. Collect your passport from the center or opt for courier delivery (additional fee)

Contact: 0120-691-7531 | Email: [email protected]

Option 2: Korean Embassy / Consulate

You can also apply directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. Direct embassy applications may take longer and require an appointment.

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi
Address: 9 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Website: indembassyseoul.gov.in

Jeju Island: Visa-Free Entry for Indian Citizens

There is one important exception to the visa requirement. Indian passport holders can visit Jeju Island without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they:

• Fly directly to Jeju International Airport (no transit through mainland South Korea airports like Incheon or Gimpo)
• Stay only on Jeju Island (cannot travel to Seoul, Busan, or other mainland cities)
• Have a confirmed return ticket

The Jeju Visa Waiver Program is available to nationals of most countries, including India. However, if you want to visit both Jeju Island and mainland South Korea, you will need a regular visa.

Common mistake: Some travelers fly to Jeju via Incheon or Gimpo assuming they are still covered by the Jeju waiver. Once you clear immigration at a mainland airport, you need a valid visa. Make sure your flight goes directly to Jeju.

South Korea Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Note: These fees are set by the Korean Embassy and may change. Always verify the current fees on the Korea Visa Portal or with BLS International before applying.

Compare this to the K-ETA fee of 10,000 KRW (~$7-8 USD) that visa-exempt nationalities pay – the South Korea visa process for Indian citizens is significantly more expensive and time-consuming. Read more about K-ETA costs.

Beware of Fake K-ETA and Visa Websites

Scam websites targeting Indian travelers are common. These sites charge inflated fees for visa or K-ETA applications and may steal your personal data.

For K-ETA: Only apply through k-eta.go.kr (but remember, Indian citizens cannot apply for K-ETA).
For visa: Apply through BLS International centers or directly at the Korean Embassy.

What Happens at Incheon Airport: Arrival Process for Indian Citizens

When you arrive at Incheon International Airport with your South Korea visa:

1. Join the foreign nationals immigration queue – Follow signs for non-Korean passport holders.
2. Present your documents – Hand over your passport with the valid visa, return ticket, and completed e-Arrival Card (submit online before arrival).
3. Biometric capture – All foreign visitors provide fingerprints and a facial photograph at immigration.
4. Immigration interview – Officers may ask about your purpose of visit, accommodation, and return plans. Have your hotel booking and return ticket ready.
5. Clear immigration – Processing time varies but is usually 10-20 minutes for visa holders.
6. Collect baggage and exit – After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.

The e-Arrival Card can be completed online within 72 hours before arrival at no cost. Paper arrival cards are also available at immigration. See our e-Arrival Card guide for details.

FAQs About South Korea Travel for Indian Citizens