Korea Visa for Indian Citizens (2026)
Last updated: June 2026 · Always verify on hikorea.go.kr
If you hold an Indian passport and want to visit South Korea, the rules are different from what visa-waiver travelers see online — there is no K-ETA and no general tourist e-visa for Indians, so you apply for a sticker visa before you fly. This page explains the C-3-9 short-term tourist visa, the documents and fees commonly involved, and where to apply, with links to the official sources that decide your case.
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Get a Korea travel insurance quote →The key fact: Indians need a visa in advance
Unlike travelers from visa-waiver countries, Indian citizens cannot enter Korea visa-free, do not use the K-ETA, and have no general tourist e-visa. For a leisure trip you apply in advance for the C-3-9 short-term tourist visa, which generally allows a stay of up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family, or attending cultural events. It is a sticker visa placed in your passport — so you must apply, submit your passport, and collect it before you fly.
Where and how Indians apply
Applications are made through the official Korea Visa Application Centre, operated via VFS Global, with centres in major Indian cities. You book and submit there rather than entering on arrival. Because there is no visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals, apply well ahead of your travel dates.
1. C-3-9 short-term tourist visa
2. Processing time
3. Fees
Documents commonly required
The exact checklist depends on your profile and is set by the visa centre — treat the list below as orientation, not a guarantee.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid at least six months with blank pages; old passports if any. |
| Application form | Completed and signed visa application form. |
| Photographs | Recent passport-size photos to the specified format. |
| Proof of occupation | Employment letter, business registration, or student proof. |
| Financial proof | Bank statements or proof of funds for the trip. |
| Travel plan | Return flight booking and accommodation details. |
Figures and lists above are commonly reported, not official guarantees. Your permitted stay is recorded at entry by immigration; overstaying can mean fines and re-entry bans. Follow the official checklist at the Korea Visa Application Centre and verify limits on HiKorea.
Important: a tourist visa is not for work
The C-3-9 visa is for tourism and short visits — not paid employment. If you plan to work, study, or settle in Korea, you need the appropriate visa category; see our E-7 work visa guide, D-2 student visa guide, or, for stays over 90 days, the ARC registration guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit South Korea in 2026?
Yes. There is no visa-on-arrival and the K-ETA does not apply to Indians. The usual tourist route is the C-3-9 short-term visit visa, applied for in advance. Confirm on the official Korean government channels before applying.
Is there a Korea e-visa for Indians?
As of 2026, South Korea does not offer a general tourist e-visa for Indian citizens. The tourist visa is a sticker visa applied for through the official Korea Visa Application Centre.
How long does the Korea tourist visa take for Indians?
Commonly around 5 to 10 working days, though it varies. Apply well before your travel dates and confirm current processing times with the visa centre.
What documents do I need?
Typically a valid passport, application form, photos, proof of occupation, financial proof, and a return ticket plus accommodation. Always follow the official checklist for your profile.
How long can I stay on the C-3-9 visa?
Generally up to 90 days. Your exact limit is set at entry by immigration — overstaying carries fines and re-entry bans.