South Korea Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Do Indian citizens need a visa for South Korea? - Yes, they do. If you're planning to visit South Korea, it's necessary to obtain a visa beforehand.

In this article, we will detail how to get a South Korean visa for Indians, what South Korean visa for Indians prices are, and where to get a compliant visa photo.

Table of contents

• South Korea visa policy for Indian citizens: rules and exceptions
• Do Indians need a transit visa for South Korea?
• How to apply for a South Korean visa from India: step-by-step guide
• Documents required for South Korea visa application
• South Korea visa photo requirements
• Get your South Korea visa photo online!
• Visa Photo App
• South Korea visa validity and entry rules
• South Korea visa fees for Indian passport holders

South Korea visa policy for Indian citizens: rules and exceptions

Indian nationals must secure a visa to enter South Korea for purposes such as tourism, business, work, or study. The key South Korea Visit visa requirements for Indian citizens are:

• You must hold Indian citizenship and possess a valid Indian passport.
• You should have a legitimate and valid reason for visiting South Korea.
• No criminal history; a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is required to demonstrate this.
• You must have sufficient financial means to support your stay in South Korea.
• It is crucial to demonstrate strong ties to India to ensure that you intend to return after your visit.

There are different types of visas for South Korea for Indians:

• Tourist Visa (C-3-9) — for those who wish to visit South Korea for leisure, tours, or to see friends and family, generally allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
• Business Visa (C-2) — for individuals traveling to South Korea for business purposes like meetings and conferences, typically permitting a stay of up to 90 days.
• Student Visa (D-2) — if you plan to pursue your studies in South Korea, you will require a student visa valid for the entire duration of your academic program.
• Work Visa (E-series) — those who have secured a job in South Korea and intend to work there long-term need this visa.
• Family Visit Visa — for individuals joining relatives who reside in South Korea.

Do Indians need a transit visa for South Korea?

Indian travelers do not need a transit visa when making stopovers at South Korean airports, as long as they stay within the airport area.

However, there are a few exceptions. According to South Korean visa requirements for Indian citizens with US visas or visas from Australia, Canad,a or New Zealand, if you are a permanent resident or have a valid visa from one of these four countries, you can enter South Korea and stay up to 30 days without a transit visa.

How to apply for a South Korean visa from India: step-by-step guide

Can I obtain an e-visa for Indians to South Korea? — Currently, Indian citizens cannot apply for an e-visa for South Korea. Instead, they need to apply through an authorized application center or the South Korean Embassy before departing India.

How to get a visa for South Korea from India? Follow these steps for a smooth application process:

1. Gather all required documents.
2. Accurately complete the application form, making sure all information aligns with your supporting documents.
3. Submit your application at the designated application center or to the embassy.
4. Pay the visa fee.
5. Once your application is submitted, processing will take a few weeks. Upon approval, you will receive a visa grant notice in digital form. Download and keep this document on your device for travel to South Korea.

Documents required for South Korea visa application

When applying for a Tourist visa to South Korea for Indians, the following documents are required:

• A passport, valid for a minimum of six months.
• A passport-sized photo.
• A proof of return or onward travel.
• Proof of lodging, such as hotel reservations.
• Recent bank statements stamped and signed for the past six months to demonstrate sufficient funds. These must be submitted as hard copies to the consulate.
• No Objection Certificate — An official letter, stamped and signed, from your employer or on company letterhead if self-employed.
• Evidence of financial means and employment, such as bank statements, income tax returns, or salary slips.
• If your trip is sponsored, you'll typically need to submit the sponsor's salary slips, bank statements, and tax returns.

Depending on South Korean business visa requirements for Indian citizens, additional documents may be necessary:

• Certificate of incorporation for business owners.
• Tax returns from both Indian and Korean companies if applying for long term visas.

South Korea visa photo requirements

Visa for South Korea for Indian passport holders requires submission of two identical photos. Here are the specs you need to follow:

• The photo must be taken within the last six months.
• Each photo should measure 35mm x 45mm (3.5cm x 4.5cm).
• Use a plain white or light gray background with no shadows or patterns.
• Ensure the image is high-resolution, clear, unedited, and printed on photographic paper.
• Your face should occupy about 70-80% of the photo area, with head size (from chin to top of hair) about 25-35mm.
• Maintain a neutral expression; keep your mouth closed, avoiding smiles or frowns.
• Religious head coverings are allowed, but full visibility of the face is required. Hats and sunglasses are not permitted.
• Ensure the lighting is even, with no shadows on your face or in the background.
• If you wear glasses, make sure there’s no glare, and your eyes are clearly visible.

Here is an example:

Get your South Korea visa photo online!

Getting a professional South Korea visa photo is simple with online tools. Visafoto.com can quickly format your photo to comply with all official standards. Visafoto has been specializing in document photos since 2013 and understands the specifications for passports, visas, driving licenses, and other documents globally.

Here’s how to begin: Take a picture of yourself in natural daylight and upload it to our tool below. Don't worry about getting the format, background, size, and dimensions right — we handle that for you!

You'll get both a digital version for online submissions and a print-ready file. If you're not happy with the outcome, we offer free photo replacements. In case the photo is rejected by authorities, we provide a full refund.

Visa Photo App

Check out the 7ID App by Visafoto.com, a great resource for creating perfect ID, passport, and visa photos right from your smartphone. It's available for both iPhone and Android devices.

Using 7ID is easy: just upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust your picture to meet official specifications. This includes the right size, format, background color, and correct positioning of your face and eyes.

You'll get a digital copy and a print-ready template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. Plus, our technical support team is available around the clock to assist you.

South Korea visa validity and entry rules

How long can I stay in Korea with a visa? — Short-term visas for South Korea typically allow stays of up to 90 days, while long-term visas may permit longer stays, depending on the type.

South Korea visa fees for Indian passport holders

Visa for South Korea from India prices are as follows:

• Short-term single-entry visa (up to 90 days): INR 3200 (approx. USD 37);
• Long-term single-entry visa (more than 90 days): INR 4800 (approx. USD 55);
• Multiple-entry visa: INR 7200 (USD 83).

There is also an express visa option with a higher fee. For instance, the express fee for a short-term single-entry visa is INR 5600 (USD 65), which includes the standard visa fee — INR 3200 (USD 37), plus an express service charge — INR 2400 (USD 28).