South Korea Visa Fees for Indians

Yes, Indian travellers do need a visa to enter South Korea, regardless of their purpose of travel. This applies to both short-term visits and extended stays. Different visa types are available, depending on your specific needs, and each has its own set of fees and requirements.

Does South Korea Offer Visa-On-Arrival for Indians?

No, unfortunately, South Korea does not offer visas on arrival for Indian citizens. This means that you will need to obtain a visa before you travel to South Korea, regardless of the purpose of your visit.

However, a special provision lets travellers get a visa on arrival when they pass through South Korea on their way to certain countries or return to India from specific places, but there are conditions to meet.

You can get more details on this here.

Tourist Visa: This is the most common type of visa for Indian visitors, allowing for leisure travel and sightseeing. It can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa, with validity periods ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Business Visa: Anyone conducting business activities in South Korea, such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring potential partnerships, requires a C-3-4 Business visa.

This includes short-term business trips, trade missions, and even setting up a business presence in Korea.

For long-term business trips, you need to apply for C-3-1, which is an extended business stay exceeding 90 days, often requiring company sponsorship.

Work Visa:** A South Korean Work Visa (E-series), specifically the E-9 (General) visa, allows foreign nationals to work in the country for various types of employment legally.

Any foreign national intending to work in South Korea requires a work visa regardless of occupation or duration. This includes full-time, part-time, freelance, internship, and volunteer positions.

Work visas are typically issued for the duration of your employment contract, with a maximum of 3 years initially. Renewal is possible based on continued employment and meeting visa extension requirements.

Student Visa (D-2): This visa is required for individuals who want to study in South Korea for more than 90 days. The validity period and processing time for student visas can vary depending on the level of study and program.

Anyone intending to study for more than 90 days in South Korea at a registered educational institution.

This includes regular academic programs like bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as exchange programs and specialised courses.

Also Read: Permanent Residency in South Korea for Indians

You can apply for a South Korean visa from India online as well as offline.

South Korean Visa Application from India Online

Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for a South Korean visa through the VFS Global website, an authorised visa application centre (VAC) for South Korea in India:

Identify Your Visa Type and Check Eligibility:

Ensure you understand the type of visa you need and that you meet the eligibility criteria for it.

Download the Application Form:

Download the visa application form from the VFS Global website. Ensure you have the correct form for your visa type.

Fill Out the Application Form and Gather Supporting Documents:

Fill out the application form accurately and thoroughly. Collect all the necessary documents as per the checklist provided by VFS Global.

Book an Appointment at the VAC:

Schedule an appointment with VFS Global to submit your visa application. This step is crucial as it ensures your application is processed efficiently.

Visit the Visa Application Centre:

On the day of your appointment, visit the visa application centre at the scheduled time. Make sure to bring all your application documents and the filled-out form.

Pay Your Visa Fees:

Pay the required visa fees at the visa application centre. Ensure you have the exact amount and that you follow the payment procedures specified by VFS Global.

Submit Form, Documents, and Biometrics:

Hand in your completed application form, along with the necessary documents, to the staff at the visa application centre. You may also need to complete biometric procedures as part of the application process.

Track Your Application Online:

After submitting your application, you can track its progress online through the VFS Global website. This helps you stay updated on the status of your visa application.

Receive Decision Notification:

Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will receive an email notification. If your visa is approved, you'll be informed about the collection time for your passport and other documents from the visa application centre.

South Korean Visa Application from India Offline

When applying for a South Korean visa through the government, the application process is conducted offline.

Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

Download and Fill Out Visa Application Form:

Begin by downloading the visa application form. Complete the form according to the instructions provided at the top.

Visit the South Korean Visa Application Centre:

Depending on your jurisdiction, visit the nearest South Korean Visa Application Centre. No prior appointment is necessary.

Submit Required Documents:

Present your documents at the centre for submission. Be aware that authorities may request additional documents if needed.

Pay the Visa Fee:

Upon completing the submission process and providing all necessary documents, you'll be required to pay the visa fee at the designated counter. Payment can be made in cash or by card.

Collect Your South Korean Visa:

Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa directly from the centre where you submitted your application.

[Note: Keep in mind that the steps outlined here are based on the current information available, and there might be variations depending on updates to Visa for Korea. It is advisable to check the website regularly for the latest details regarding the visa application process.]

To apply for a tourist visa to South Korea from India, applicants must satisfy several requirements outlined below:**

Passport: A valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the expiration date of the visa is required. Passports issued more than ten years ago are not accepted.

Additionally, one must provide one old passport, if applicable, along with a copy of the first and last page of the current passport. The passport should have at least two clear pages.

Visa Application Form: Applicants must complete the visa application form provided by the South Korean consulate or embassy.

Passport-sized Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos taken within the last six months are required.

The photos must measure 35 mm in width by 45 mm in length, with 80% of the face visible against a white background. The ears should be visible, and no eyeglasses are allowed.

Hotel Reservation: Proof of hotel reservation in South Korea must be provided.

Confirmed Return Air Ticket: A confirmed return air ticket showing the applicant's itinerary must be presented.

Financial Documents: Original personal bank statements reflecting transactions from the last six months, duly stamped and signed by the bank, are required. Income tax returns for the past three years must also be submitted.

Marriage Certificate: If the applicant's passport is under their birth name, a marriage certificate must be provided.

Covering Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and detailing the travel itinerary must be included.

Student ID/Bonafide: Students must provide their student ID or bona fide certificate.

Retirement Proof or Pension Order: Retired individuals must present proof of retirement or pension orders.

Employment Documents: If employed, applicants must submit pay slips for the last three months and an original leave letter from their employer.

Self-employed or Company Owners: Individuals who are self-employed or own a company must provide a certificate of registration for the company along with two company letterheads.

Visiting Friends/Family: For those visiting friends or family, copies of the host's passport and visa, along with an invitation letter, must be provided. An alien card photocopy and proof of address are also required.

Financial Documents for Sponsored Visits: For visits sponsored by the host, the applicant must submit the sponsor's salary slips and bank statements for the last six months.

Also Read:** South Korea Visa Requirements for Indians

The visa fees for South Korea depends upon the type of visa you are applying for:

Tourist Visa - KRW 50,000 (approx. ₹3,100)

Business Visa - KRW 50,000 (approx. ₹3,100) for single entry

KRW 90,000 (approx. ₹5,500) for multiple entries

Work Visa (E-9) - KRW 50,000 (approx. ₹3,100)

Student Visa (D-2) - KRW 120,000 (approx. ₹7,100)

Note: Fees are dynamic and change every 6 months depending on the exchange rates set by the Korean Government. You can get more information about fees at the official portal of the Korean Embassy in New Delhi, the Korean Visa Application Centre or through VFS Global.

For individuals who exceed their visa duration in South Korea, penalties are enforced according to the length of their overstay period, as determined by the immigration office. Here are the financial consequences and re-entry restrictions associated with overstaying:

Fines for Overstay: Those who have overstayed their visa for less than a month may face fines of up to 50,000 KRW (approximately $38) per day, as determined by the immigration office.

Financial Repercussions:

Under 3 months: A penalty of 3,000,000 KRW (approximately $2,260) applies, serving as an initial deterrent for short-term overstays.

Between 3 months and 1 year: The penalty increases to 7,000,000 KRW (approximately $5,261), highlighting the government's strict stance against prolonged overstays.

Over 1 year, up to 5 years: The highest fine of 20,000,000 KRW (approximately $15,062) is imposed, targeting extended overstays and long-term illegal immigrants.

Re-entry Restrictions:

Unpaid Fines: Individuals who fail to settle their fines may face a permanent ban from re-entering South Korea.

Settlement of Fines: Those who settle their fines may still encounter a re-entry restriction of up to 5 years.

Voluntary Deportation Period:

Occasionally, the Korean government launches a "voluntary deportation period for illegal immigrants". During this period, individuals who voluntarily report and depart may be eligible for reduced fines and suspended entry restrictions.

The processing time for a South Korea visa typically spans 25 working days. To ensure a smooth application process, it is advisable to apply for your South Korea visa from India well ahead of your planned travel dates, allowing sufficient time for processing.

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Understanding the different visa fees for South Korea from India is crucial for anyone planning a visit to this vibrant country. The fees, varying based on the type and duration of the visa, reflect the necessary financial commitment for entry.

While the costs may differ for different visa categories, being aware of these fees will help you budget effectively and avoid any last-minute complications.