South Korea Visa Guide

K-ETA System

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is the official online system for travellers who can enter Korea without a visa but must obtain advance permission. Applications are submitted at k-eta.go.kr. Approval is usually fast; carry your confirmation for immigration.

Always verify current eligibility and rules on the official site before travel, as policies can change.

Embassy & Consulate Information

Korean embassy and consulates in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) handle visa applications and consular services:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea, New Delhi
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Mumbai
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Chennai

South Korea Visa Types We Support

K-ETA — Visa-Free Entry Authorization

Electronic travel authorization for eligible nationalities travelling visa-free for short stays. Apply online at the official portal before departure; not a visa sticker but mandatory pre-travel approval where required.

C-3 — Tourist Visa

For tourism and short visits when a visa is required. Typically allows stays up to 90 days depending on nationality and consular decision.

E-7 — Work Visa

For designated professional activities with a sponsoring employer in Korea. Requires contract, qualifications, and immigration approval.

D-2 — Student Visa

For full-time study at a Korean university or institution. Requires admission and proof of funds; part-time work rules apply after approval.

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K-ETA & Visa Applications

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South Korea Travel — Dos & Don'ts

Do's

Apply for K-ETA at least 72 hours before travel

Leave a buffer in case of delays or the need to correct information on your application.

Carry a printed K-ETA or visa confirmation

Have a physical or easily accessible digital copy for airline and immigration checks.

Respect Korean customs and bowing etiquette

A slight bow is common in greetings; be polite, queue orderly, and follow local norms in temples and public spaces.

Remove shoes indoors where indicated

Homes, some guesthouses, and traditional spaces expect shoes off at the entrance — watch for signs and others' behaviour.

Match K-ETA details exactly to your passport

Name, passport number, and dates must align — mismatches can cause denial of boarding or entry.

Have return ticket and accommodation details ready

Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and where you are staying — keep confirmations accessible.

Don'ts

Don't overstay your permitted period

Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and future entry bans — depart or extend only through legal channels.

Don't work on a tourist visa or K-ETA tourism stay

Paid work requires the correct visa (e.g. E-7). Violations have serious immigration consequences.

Don't tip in most restaurants

Tipping is not customary in Korea and can confuse staff; service charges are usually included or unnecessary.

Don't ignore quarantine or health rules

If quarantine or testing applies to your situation, non-compliance can mean denied entry or penalties.

Don't assume K-ETA equals a work or study permit

K-ETA is for eligible short-term visits only; long-term purposes need the appropriate visa from the embassy.

Don't rely on unofficial K-ETA websites

Use only the official k-eta.go.kr portal to avoid scams and invalid applications.

Document Checklist for South Korea

Use this interactive checklist to track your document preparation. Check off items as you gather them.

Step-by-Step South Korea Entry Process

Step 1

Check If You Need K-ETA or a Visa

Confirm your nationality and trip purpose on k-eta.go.kr and Korean immigration resources. Eligible short visitors may use K-ETA; others must apply for a visa (e.g. C-3, D-2, E-7) at the embassy or consulate.

Verify before booking non-refundable flights

Step 2

Apply Online at k-eta.go.kr or at the Embassy

For K-ETA, complete the official application with passport and travel details. For a visa, submit the required forms and documents to the Korean embassy or consulate in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai as per jurisdiction.

Step 3

Pay Fees

Pay the K-ETA fee (e.g. ₩10,000, approximately $8) through the official payment method. Visa fees vary by type — follow the embassy's payment instructions.

K-ETA: typically 1-3 days processing

Step 4

Receive Approval via Email

K-ETA decisions are usually sent to your registered email. For visas, you may receive a collection notice or passport return instructions when processing is complete (often about 1-2 weeks, depending on case load).

Step 5

Print Your Confirmation

Print or save your K-ETA approval and carry it with your passport. For sticker visas, ensure your passport reflects the correct category and validity before travel.

Step 6

Present at Immigration

On arrival in Korea, present your passport, K-ETA or visa, and any supporting documents if asked. Answer questions honestly; the officer will confirm your permitted stay (e.g. up to 90 days for typical tourist entry where applicable).

Interview not typically required for K-ETA / standard tourist

Frequently Asked Questions — South Korea

K-ETA is an electronic travel authorization for travellers from eligible countries who can visit Korea without a visa sticker — it must be approved before boarding. A visa is a formal sticker or label in your passport issued by the embassy for those who are not visa-exempt or who need a specific category (work, long-term study, etc.).

If you remain airside and do not pass immigration, many travellers do not need a transit visa. If you want to leave the airport or stay overnight landside, rules depend on your nationality, length of stay, and whether you qualify for visa-free entry or K-ETA. Always confirm with the airline and official Korean immigration guidance.

Extensions are not guaranteed and are handled by Korean immigration with supporting reasons and documents. Apply before your current stay expires; overstaying without approval is illegal. For longer stays, the correct visa from the outset is usually simpler.

You need a job offer from a Korean employer and the appropriate visa (such as E-7 for many professional roles). The employer often assists with the immigration process in Korea; you then apply for or receive the visa through the embassy. Tourist or K-ETA entry is not a substitute for a work visa.

Book concert and fan-event tickets only through official channels; carry ID matching your K-ETA or visa. Explore Seoul neighbourhoods like Hongdae and Gangnam, visit entertainment company areas respectfully (no trespassing), and allow time for spontaneous café and pop-up culture. Respect artists' privacy and venue rules — tourism is for enjoyment, not stalking.

South Korea