The South Korea Tourist Visa process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Confirmation that Indian citizens must obtain a tourist visa before travel; no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option exists.

   • Passport criteria: issued within the last 10 years; valid for at least six months beyond entry; minimum two blank pages.

   • Permitted purpose: tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family only; paid work, business, study, settlement, or migration are prohibited.

   • Requirement to demonstrate strong ties to India (employment, property, family), clear intent to return, good health, and no serious criminal or immigration violations.

   • Note: Prior travel to the US, UK, or Schengen may support faster processing.

2. Document Checklist & Required Evidence

   • Completed and signed visa application form from the official Embassy or Visa Application Centre.

   • Original passport (≥6 months validity, two blank pages) plus photocopies of biodata and relevant visa pages.

   • Two recent color passport-size photos (3.5×4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months) meeting Korean specifications.

   • Confirmed round-trip flight booking and hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from a Korean host with their ID.

   • Detailed travel itinerary with dates, destinations, and activities.

   • Proof of funds: bank statements (last 3–6 months), salary slips, and 2 years of income tax returns.

   • Cover letter outlining purpose, itinerary, funding sources, and assurance of return.

   • Employment proof: leave sanction/NOC for employees; business registration/tax documents for self-employed; pension statements for retirees; enrollment letters for students.

   • Travel insurance recommended.

   • For minors: birth certificate, notarized parental consent, and parents’ passport copies.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: sightseeing, leisure, visiting friends/family, cultural visits, unpaid short-term events.

   • Prohibited: paid work, business activities, long-term study, religious residency, migration intent, overstaying.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Indians remain ineligible for e-visas; physical applications via authorized centres only.

   • No visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Indian nationals.

   • Walk-in submission accepted; no prior appointment needed.

   • Biometric capture (photo and fingerprints) required at submission.

   • Processing: 7–12 working days; express (5–7 days) may be available.

   • Strict review of finances, itinerary, accommodation, and return intent.

   • Only checklist items accepted; missing or extraneous documents risk refusal.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Fill and print the official application form; assemble documents per checklist.

   • Submit in person at the Korea Visa Application Centre; provide biometrics.

   • Track status online or via centre communications.

   • Collect and verify the visa in your passport immediately upon approval.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen eligibility, recommend the correct visa type, and supply a tailored checklist.

   • Review, format, and organize documents to meet embassy standards; translate as needed.

   • Manage form completion, submission logistics, and biometric appointments.

   • Monitor applications, respond to centre queries, and advise on reapplications if necessary.

   • Streamline the process, reduce errors and refusal risk, and minimize client stress while noting that final visa decisions rest solely with Korean authorities and cannot be guaranteed.